Stuart Waitley

So that's got to be his priority this week.

And then the inside 50 decision-making is going to be pivotal.

And they've been really good at that, the Bulldogs, the way they enter the ball inside their forward 50.

But we know that anything shallow to Hawthorne's numbers sets up those really fast rebounds.

So, yeah, I think the Bulldogs' best chance in this game is to control centre-bounce, control territory, try and get the game on their terms around contest.

And then any time Hawthorne have got the ball –

They've got to make sure they protect the corridor.

They've got to try and come forward and defend and turn the ball over in that part of the ground.

All right.

That's a good checklist for us.

What happens?

Well, I do think Bulldogs have got a chance to win this.

If they get the clearances, the territory, the ground level stuff, they can beat Hawthorne.

But it just feels at the moment that Hawthorne are the better balanced and connected team.

Their defensive structure, the way they transition the ball, yeah, it feels like they're sort of two to three goals better at the moment than the Western Bulldogs.

So, yeah, unless the Bulldogs can generate a major clearance differential in this game, I reckon the Hawks will get them.

Brett and Sanderson set up for Friday night footy as the Hawks meet the Bulldogs for a second time this season.

We'll cast an eye towards Monday.

Collingwood and Melbourne next.

This is Waitley for Hyundai.