AAMI Practice Match Review: Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn — SuperCoach 2026 Takeaways

Tim English: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 4 clearances, 2 goals. From a ruckman. In a practice match where most big men are happy to get through unscathed.

The Bulldogs beat Hawthorn 18.9 (117) to 11.7 (73) at Whitten Oval, and English's stat line is the only thing you need to take away from this game. Everything else — the Bont's 29 touches, Sanders' 26 before concussion, Croft's three goals — is supporting evidence for the same thesis: this Dogs list is deep, balanced, and built to score.

The Match in 60 Seconds

The Bulldogs set the tone through Bontempelli, who had 11 touches in the first quarter and controlled the game's tempo. English was everywhere — contesting in the ruck, presenting at half-forward, and even pushing up the ground to take marks.

Riley Sanders was superb on a wing with 26 disposals before failing a HIA late, ruling him out of the start of the season. Jordan Croft and Arthur Jones kicked three each to provide the forward targets the Dogs needed with Sam Darcy absent.

Hawthorn's best came through Watson (2 goals, dangerous when he got the ball) and veteran Jack Gunston (3 goals), but they lacked cohesion without their best midfield setup. Jack Ginnivan returned from a broken finger wearing a glove and kicked one from 12 touches.

Three Players to Watch for Round 1

1. Tim English (RUC) — Western Bulldogs

The numbers: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 4 clearances, 2 goals.

English didn't just win the ruck — he played like a midfielder who happens to be 205cm. The two goals, the six marks, the four clearances — this is the output of a 110+ averaging ruckman. Under the new ruck rules that favour leaping and athleticism, English's body type is perfectly suited.

The Bulldogs' structure gives English license to roam, and with Bontempelli, Kennedy, and Liberatore doing the heavy lifting through the middle, English can push forward without worrying about losing the hitout battle.

Verdict: Potential top-2 RUC in SuperCoach. If this role is real, his price is a steal.

2. Nick Watson (FWD) — Hawthorn

The numbers: 13 disposals, 2 goals. Dangerous every time he touched it.

Watson was the one Hawk who looked like he belonged in this game. Two goals from limited touches — classic Watson efficiency. His ability to create something from nothing is rare for a second-year player, and Hawthorn's midfield (when at full strength) will give him plenty of supply.

The 44-point loss is irrelevant for Watson's SuperCoach value. He's a premium small forward with a scoring ceiling that rivals anyone in the comp. The only concern is consistency — small forwards go missing in games where their team is under the pump.

Verdict: Premium FWD option. Set and forget if you can stomach the odd 40-point game between the 130s.

3. Jordan Croft (FWD, $120,100) — Western Bulldogs

The numbers: 3 goals. Lively in attack all day.

Croft was one of the cheapest named forwards coming into the pre-season, and three goals against the reigning premiers makes a strong case for Round 1 selection. He's averaging 64.5 from 10 AFL games — proven output at a price that generates cash regardless.

With Darcy in doubt for Round 1 and Aaron Naughton's return date uncertain, the Dogs need forward depth. Croft showed he can provide it.

Verdict: Near-certain Round 1 selection. At $120,100, he's essentially free money if he plays.

Other SuperCoach Notes

• Marcus Bontempelli (MID): 29 disposals, 6 clearances. The Bont is the Bont. Nothing new to learn here — he's elite.
• Matt Kennedy (MID): 28 disposals in his first practice match as a Bulldog. Looks like an excellent pickup for the Dogs' midfield depth.
• Tom Liberatore: 23 disposals, 2 goals. The old bull still has plenty to offer.
• Jai Newcombe (Hawthorn, MID): 28 disposals. Led from the front despite the loss. Premium MID pricing deserved.
• Jack Ginnivan (Hawthorn): Returned from a broken finger with a glove. 12 touches, 1 goal. Looked a bit rusty but the fact he played is the main positive.
• Riley Sanders (Bulldogs): 26 disposals before concussion. Will miss the start of the season — big loss for the Dogs' wing.

Injury Watch

| Player | Club | Issue | R1 Impact | |--------|------|-------|-----------| | Riley Sanders | Bulldogs | Concussion (HIA) | Will miss start of season | | Sam Darcy | Bulldogs | Back/hip/groin | In doubt for R1 vs Brisbane | | Jack Ginnivan | Hawthorn | Finger (returned) | Available — wore glove |

The Bottom Line

The investment case is straightforward. English at his current price is mispriced if the role holds — 23 disposals and 2 goals from a ruck is top-2 RUC output, and the Bulldogs' structure gives him licence to produce it weekly. Croft at $120k is the lowest-risk cash generation available in the FWD line. Watson's price already reflects his ceiling; the question is whether you can handle the variance.

Sanders' concussion is the only red flag. Monitor the protocols.

-SMc

The AAMI Community Series wraps up the 2026 pre-season. Round 1 kicks off Thursday, March 5. For the full pre-season landscape, check our complete AAMI Series wrap and the Rookie Power Rankings Traffic Light Guide.