‘Flat and lethargic’: Western Bulldogs in dire straits after second-straight defeat

The Western Bulldogs face the grim prospect of missing the top four after suffering their second-straight defeat on Saturday afternoon.

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 14: Lachie Hunter of the Bulldogs is tackled by Conor Nash of the Hawks during the round 22 AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Western Bulldogs at University of Tasmania Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The Western Bulldogs’ chances of securing a coveted minor premiership have taken a heavy blow after Luke Beveridge’s side suffered a second-consecutive defeat on Saturday afternoon in Launceston.

Hawthorn was ranked 15th on the AFL ladder leading into the match, but secured a comprehensive 9.10 (64) to 5.7 (37) victory over the Bulldogs in a major boilover, with the Hawks kicking the last six goals of the low-scoring contest.

The Bulldogs were ahead by almost two goals in the third quarter, but a late capitulation gifted the Hawks its third-straight victory since Alastair Clarkson was sacked as coach.

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Fox Footy commentator Kelli Underwood said: “(The Bulldogs) just look flat and lethargic. They’re just stripped of all confidence and wrapped with uncertainty. We haven’t seen this at all this year.

“The Bulldogs are playing at this ground for the first time in six years, but they just don’t look comfortable.

“They look like they’ve been dragged out of their comfort zone.”

Three-time premiership player Justin Leppitsch told AFL Nation: “The Hawks pressure has been good, they have been pushing the Dogs back.

“They’re looking a little tired at the moment the Dogs, heads down.

“It‘s a worry for the Dogs, they are getting beaten around the ball. They need to change things up.”

Horrible performance from the Bulldogs against a bottom four team missing about nine players of note. Can they recover? #AFLHawksDogs

— Luke D'Anello (@LukeDAnello) August 14, 2021

Pretty wretched game this one. #AFLHawksDogs

— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) August 14, 2021

Another good win by the worst list in the competition. #AFLHawksDogs

— Ashley Browne (@hashbrowne) August 14, 2021

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Daniel Howe was a standout performer for the Hawks with 34 disposals, 717 metres gained and a goal, while Jacob Koschitzke contributed two majors and six marks in the Round 22 clash.

Former St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt told Fox Footy: “The Western Bulldogs haven’t really looked to test the Hawthorn defence at all I don’t think.

“Hawthorn’s pressure has been really good and the Bulldogs playing that possession handball game in and around the clinches, I think, has invited more of that pressure.”

The Bulldogs now face the grim prospect of missing the top four, which remains a slim possibility following their latest defeat.

They will face Port Adelaide in Round 23, with dates and venues for next weekend’s fixtures yet to be confirmed.

If Port wins by five goals and the Brisbane Lions defeat Collingwood and West Coast by similar margins, the Bulldogs could finish fifth on the AFL ladder.