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Remind me next time

The Western Bulldogs were the surprise package of finals week one, dominating a highly fancied West Coast Eagles team and running out victors by a huge 47 point margin at the Domain Stadium. Like last season, Hawthorn Hawks will have to win three cut-throat finals to clinch the flag, starting with a dangerous semi-final assignment against the in-form Dogs at the MCG. Owen Fulda examines the betting markets...

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Hawthorn Hawks Vs Western Bulldogs Betting Tips

Bulldogs +10.5 points in the Handicap market @ $1.92 - BET NOW

Who are the favourites?

The Dogs will be brimming with confidence after dominating their elimination final clash with West Coast and could worry the reigning premiers if they bring the same intensity around the ball. They are outsiders in the wager market at a best price of $2.66, although the underdog role suits them down to the ground. Back your winner in the full-time result market.

The Hawk's path towards a record-equalling fourth premiership in a row became significantly tougher the moment Isaac Smith missed his after-the-siren shot in the epic two-point qualifying final loss to Geelong last Friday night. But the bookmakers are keeping the faith that Alastair Clarkson’s men will get the job done, and have accordingly them priced as $1.58 favourites.

This contest will likely be won or lost at the ‘coalface’. Contested balls is a statistic which in recent times has often been seen as a fail-safe indicator for a winning combination, particularly in the heat of finals. Hawthorn have never excelled in this area although Clarkson doesn’t seem overly concerned. "Contested ball is just a fancy term for everyone in the media. We don't give a toss about it," he said. Fair enough.

What’s your recommended bet?

My Hawthorn Vs Bulldogs betting verdict is to back the Dogs +10.5 points in the Handicap market @ $1.92 using our Easyodds odds comparison grid.

I think Hawthorn's problems winning the hard ball will come back to bite them on Friday night. Dismissing crucial stats and flying by the seat of your pants will only keep your airborne for so long. The Hawks are certainly a class footballing outfit and should not be ruled out, but with the line at 10.5, backing the Doggies in the handicap market smells like value to me.

While Hawthorn sits last for contested ball, the Western Bulldogs are number one. If that doesn't say enough on its own, three other teams left in the finals race – Geelong, Sydney and GWS – are ranked two to four, six of the top eight teams in the statistic all 2016 finalists. Fairly conclusive evidence in my opinion.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge described their performance against the Eagles as outstanding and said: "We didn't in our wildest dreams think we were going to play that well." They’ll need to be at their best again to win on Friday night, but with confidence sky high who’s to say they won’t clip the Hawks’ wings in the same manner they did with the Eagles?

Why use Easyodds to bet on this match?

I’m not entirely sure that punters realise the importance of our odds comparison service…

For example, if you fancy there to be between 81-100 points scored in the first half you can get a worst price $2.40 and a best price of $3. Why wouldn’t you use our site to peruse the markets and ensure you get the best possible odds? Make sure that you get the best possible prices!

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