Home
AFL

This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs AFL Betting Tips - Hawks to take down injury-hit Dogs

Adam Cusworth

Editor

Last updated: Thu 09 Apr 2026 17:23

Adam Cusworth 09 Apr 2026

Share this article

Hawthorn Hawks tipped to hand Bulldogs first 2026 loss.
Key player absences challenge Bulldogs' game plan.
Jai Newcombe and Nick Watson expected to excel.

Expired

Hawthorn Hawks (Getty Images)

Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs Preview
Head to Head Stats
Hawthorn Hawks Stun In Easter Monday Victory
Western Bulldogs Only Undefeated Team In 2026
Team News

Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs Preview

Western Bulldogs are yet to lose in 2026 but are carrying a number of key injury absentees. Hawthorn will be on a high after Easter Monday's nail-biting win over Geelong Cats and I think they can move to 4-1 for the campaign.

Hawthorn have won their past four matches against the Bulldogs.
The Hawks restricted the Dogs to just 59 points the last time they met, the Bulldogs lowest score in 2025.
Nick Watson has kicked 10 goals this season and booted four the last time he played the Bulldogs.
Jai Newcombe has had 25+ disposals in three of four matches this season and has averaged 31 in his past four matches against the Bulldogs.

Head to Head Stats

Hawthorn have won the past four matches between the two sides and restricted the Bulldogs to their lowest score of 2025 with the Round 13 scoreline reading 12.9.81 to 8.11.59.

The Bulldogs have averaged just 69 points in those four matches, well down on their normal output, while the Hawthorn wins have been by an average margin of 17 points.

Hawthorn Hawks Stun In Easter Monday Victory

Hawthorn sit at 3-1 in 2026, rebounding from a 27-point Opening Round loss to GWS with three straight MCG wins with those coming against Essendon (62 points), Sydney (17) before their one point win over Geelong on Easter Monday.

Their strengths are built on a high-pressure, intensity-driven game style, with strong intercept marking and forward-half territory control.

The Hawks consistently generate inside 50 opportunities and it was Jack Gunston and Nick Watson that snagged three goals against the Cats. Gunston has kicked 16 goals this season, while Watson has 10.

They venture interstate for the second time this season and were victorious the last time they played at the Adelaide Oval, knocking Adelaide out of the 2025 finals series with a 34 point win.

Hawthorn are yet to win in Gather Round, having lost close matches to GWS and Collingwood in 2023 and 2024, before being blown out early by Port Adelaide last season when going down by 30 points.

Western Bulldogs Only Undefeated Team In 2026

The Western Bulldogs are the only undefeated side in 2026, advancing to 4-0 with a 34-point win over Essendon last weekend.

But that result was far less convincing than it should have been, with sloppy turnovers, poor handling under pressure after quarter time and fatigue from in-game injuries preventing them from turning their early control into the percentage-boosting blowout that was expected.

Essendon held the Bulldogs to 14 goals, with seven coming in the first term, while the other seven were spread over the final three quarters. Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy both booted three goals and have kicked 14 and 10 respectively this season.

The Bulldogs have the benefit of an appearance at Adelaide Oval already this season, having ventured to Adelaide Oval earlier this season when edging past the Adelaide Crows in a thriller by six points. They had lost their previous five at the venue and are also yet to win a Gather Round match.

Team News

Hawthorn's Jack Gunston and James Sicily came off for treatment in the win over Geelong but played out the game. Karl Amon and Cam McKenzie missed with knee concerns and a decision on their availability will be made during the week.

Western Bulldogs' win over Essendon came at a cost with Ed Richards a late withdrawal before the opening bounce with knee soreness, while star ruckman Tim English hurt his knee after half-time. His fitness now becomes a major watch heading into the match.

Arty Jones was sidelined with hamstring tightness. Adam Treloar is a chance to return, but Tom Liberatore remains on the sidelines.

Verdict

Hawthorn Hawks v Western Bulldogs

Hawks in the head to head with Newcombe and Watson among the better players.

Hawthorn

Match Result

@11/17 - 1 Unit

£30 Free Bet

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets

Jai Newcombe

To Have 25+ Disposals

@7/12 - 1 Unit

Bet £10 Get £30

with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365

Nick Watson

To Score 2+ Goals

@17/23 - 1 Unit

Bet £20 Get £10

Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports