Roy WardUpdated June 5, 2026 — 7:00pm,first published 6:32pm7.00pmMcCluggage out in major blow for LionsBy An injury-hit Brisbane are in a rut, but the two-time defending premiers hope a step into enemy territory for Saturday’s Q-clash will get them out of their funk.The Lions’ bid for a hat-trick of flags is on shaky ground after three straight losses left them nursing a 6-6 record at the halfway point of the season.Lions star Hugh McCluggage.AFL Photos via Getty ImagesAnd their hopes have been dealt another injury blow, with star midfielder Hugh McCluggage (calf) set for at least four weeks on the sidelines.Brisbane were made to look second-rate in a 41-point loss to Geelong last month, then conceded a whopping 14 goals in the third quarter against GWS on the way to a 78-point defeat.6.45pm‘What bye?’: Bont and Bulldogs loom large for HawksBy Sam Mitchell has warned of the need for a sharp, short-term AFL focus at Hawthorn ahead of a stern test from Marcus Bontempelli and his resurgent Western Bulldogs.The Hawks will start favourites on Friday night at the MCG ahead of their mid-season bye, having mauled St Kilda a week ago to sit third on the ladder.Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs handballs whilst being tackled by Jack Crisp.Getty ImagesBut with ruckman Tim English back, the Dogs have put a four-game losing streak behind them and have won three of their last four.Mitchell has made it clear that talk of what Hawthorn do with their upcoming time off can wait.6.33pmWeightman signs a fan’s foreheadBy I don’t think this young fella will be washing his face anytime soon. His poor parents.Cody Weightman shares a laugh with a fan pre-game.AFL Photos6.31pm‘Ready to go’: Weightman back after 637 days outBy Bulldogs small forward Cody Weightman is back tonight after 637 days out of the game due to a serious knee injury, and this will be his first match of the 2026 footy season as coach Luke Beveridge didn’t want to risk him in the VFL.The Dogs have watched him train hard for more than six weeks and assistant coach Brendan Lade said Weightman was likely to play around 60 per cent of game time tonight.Cody Weightman warms up prior to the clash with the Hawks.AFL PhotosThe cameras showed Weightman smiling and signing autographs for early arriving fans after he completed his early warm-up.“He’s pretty nervous at the moment,” Lade told Kayo Sports.6.29pmInteractive: Follow your club’s path through 2026 or last seasonBy 6.29pmGood eveningBy G’day everyone and welcome to our AFL live blog this evening as the Hawks and Bulldogs square off at the MCG.I’m Roy Ward, and I’ll be leading the blog tonight.This promises to be a cracking match, with both sides harbouring high hopes for season 2026.The first bounce is set for 7.40pm (AEST). Enjoy the hours to come.1 of 1