The 4 certainties for Western Bulldogs versus Hawthorn

Back for another year, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.

Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.

But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.

Here is what we consider certainties for the Elimination Final between the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn.

Western Bulldogs

Liberatore 20+ disposals

Is there a player that’s more built for finals footy than Tom Liberatore?

The inside midfielder loves the contest, and he’ll back himself in to pick up 20 touches in Friday’s huge final against the Hawks.

Liberatore has picked up 20 touches in 13 of his last 14 games. He also had 20 to go with nine clearances the last time the sides met in Round 8.

He should pass that marker again on Friday.

Darcy to kick a goal

Hawthorn’s one weakness might be their lack of genuine talls in defence, and the one man who can exploit that most is Sam Darcy.

The 208cm youngster will have a favourable matchup all night and even if the conditions aren’t ideal, he should get a few looks at the goals.

Darcy has also kicked a goal in all of his last seven games and has kicked a combine nine majors in his last two appearances.

You’d expect him to slot one on the MCG on Friday night.

Lachlan Geleit

Hawthorn

__Jai Newcombe 20+ disposals __

Jai Newcombe is averaging 24 disposals this season and has collected 20 disposals or more in his last six games.

Newcombe is also in great form, as he has also recorded 30 disposals or more in three of his last four matches. 

Newcombe is also averaging 28.3 disposals in his last three matches against the Bulldogs.

The aggressive midfielder is poised to make a big impact for the Hawks in their do-or-die elimination final against the Bulldogs on Friday night. 

We expect him to have over 20 disposals.

__Mabior Chol 2+ goals __

Mabior Chol has been a force in Hawthorn's forward line, and his acquisition has been a key part of their turnaround.

Chol has kicked 36 goals this season and is averaging 1.7 goals a game.

Chol has also kicked an even 20 goals in his last 10 games.

Chol has kicked multiple goals in 13 games this season and is ready to make an impact in the finals, which he was unable to do at his time at Richmond. 

With the rise of Calsher Dear and the form of Jack Gunston, the trio will likely have a big bearing on the outcome of the game. Chol has been the one who has consistently kicked goals and has kicked the most for Hawthorn this season.

Noah Desta

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