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Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn AFL Community Shield Preview 2026
The Western Bulldogs face Hawthorn in the AFL Community Shield at Mission Whitten Oval. Both teams have strong midfields, with the Bulldogs focusing on translating talent into results. With key players like Sam Darcy and Adam Treloar absent, younger talents will step up. Hawthorn is refining a game style centered on speed. Key player Jack Ginnivan adds to their forward craft. This match offers a critical test for both teams in improving their strategies ahead of the opening round.
- Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn face off in AFL Community Shield.
- Bulldogs test new line-up, focusing on forward play without key stars.
- Hawthorn refines speed-oriented game style, assessing defense and efficiency.
Expired
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn AFL Community Shield Preview 2026 (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Preview
The Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn close out Friday night with a Mission Whitten Oval clash in the AFL Community Shield.
Both teams field strong midfields while managing select senior names. The focus will be on contested shape and forward structure ahead of Opening Round.
Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs enter 2026 under pressure to convert talent into results. Their midfield depth remains a strength, led by Marcus Bontempelli and Tim English, while Aaron Naughton anchors a forward line built around aerial presence and repeat inside 50 pressure.
Managing key players during pre season has been part of a measured build toward peak availability.
The absence of Sam Darcy and Adam Treloar shifts some responsibility onto younger forwards and emerging midfielders in this fixture.
This line up still features significant on ball strength, allowing the Bulldogs to test their forward connection without relying on their full complement of stars. Defensive cohesion remains a focus as they look to tighten transition play.
Western Bulldogs Squad
B: L.Jaques 11 B.Khamis 24 R.Lobb 7
HB: C.Budarick 19 J.O'Donnell 18 L.Bramble 29
C: O.Baker 13 M.Bontempelli - C 4 R.Sanders 9
HF: S.Davidson 42 J.Croft 16 J.Freijah 27
F: C.Hynes 6 A.Naughton 33 T.Liberatore 21
Foll: T.English 44 M.Kennedy 8 E.Richards 20
I/C: L.Cleary 36 L.Emmett 25 A.Jones 32 L.Kennedy 35 L.McNeil 30 M.Sellwood 37 R.West 14 B.Williams 34
Emerg: H.Gallagher 12 L.Smith 40 N.Coffield 17 J.Busslinger 5
Notable absentees: Adam Treloar, Bailey Dale, Laitham Vandermeer, Sam Darcy, Riley Garcia
Hawthorn
Hawthorn approach 2026 looking to build on their upward trajectory and refine a game style built on speed and transition.
The Hawks’ midfield leadership, combined with forward pressure and developing key position depth, shapes their identity heading into the season. Managing availability has been part of their preparation, particularly across defence.
Jack Ginnivan adds craft and forward presence to this line up, while the midfield core continues to grow around James Newcombe. Without several senior contributors available, Hawthorn will use this match to assess balance across half back and inside 50 efficiency.
It is another opportunity to sharpen ball movement and defensive accountability before Opening Round.
Hawthorn Squad
B: J.Scrimshaw 14 J.Sicily 6 N.Mraz 21
HB: B.Hardwick 15 J.Battle 24 J.Impey 4
C: J.Ward 25 J.Newcombe - C 3 S.Butler 30
HF: J.Gunston 19 D.Moore 8 C.Macdonald 9
F: N.Watson 5 M.Chol 18 M.Lewis 2
Foll: L.Meek 17 J.Ginnivan 33 C.Mackenzie 28
I/C: H.Morrison 1 J.Weddle 23 A.Schubert 29 M.D'Ambrosio 16 C.Nash 11 F.Maginness 20 B.Macdonald 42 M.Hill 41
Emerg: B.Ryan 26 N.Reeves 7 H.Hustwaite 44 C.Dear 13
Notable absentees: Karl Amon, Tom Barrass, Will Day, Ned Reeves, Calsher Dear
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