MCG will play host to Friday’s
Round 13 AFL game between Hawthorn Hawks and
Western Bulldogs. The game kicks off at 7:40 pm with Hawthorn Hawks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Hawthorn Hawks vs.
Western Bulldogs
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday June 5, 2026 at 7:40 pm

Where: MCG

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs Odds

Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs Preview

Two of the competition’s form sides meet at the MCG on Friday night when Hawthorn takes on the Western Bulldogs. The Hawks enter the clash riding a five-game winning streak and full of confidence after dismantling St Kilda by 52 points. Veteran forward Jack Gunston continues to enjoy a remarkable season, adding another five-goal haul despite spending the final quarter on the bench. Hawthorn also holds recent psychological advantage, having comfortably beaten the Bulldogs during Gather Round. The Bulldogs arrive after edging Collingwood in a thriller and remain firmly in the finals mix. Tim English made a successful return from injury, while Ed Richards continued his outstanding campaign. With both teams building momentum heading into the second half of the season, Friday night’s contest shapes as a genuine finals-calibre encounter.

Hands Oval will play host to Saturday’s
Round 13 AFL game between North Melbourne Kangaroos and
Fremantle Dockers. The game kicks off at 2:15 pm with Fremantle Dockers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Melbourne Kangaroos vs.
Fremantle Dockers
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday June 6, 2026 at 2:15 pm

Where: Hands Oval

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Fremantle Dockers Odds

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Fremantle Dockers Preview

Fremantle’s club-record winning streak will be put to the test when it faces North Melbourne in Bunbury on Saturday. The Dockers have won 11 consecutive matches and reinforced their premiership credentials with an impressive victory over Brisbane at the Gabba. Despite missing star midfielder Caleb Serong, Fremantle’s midfield and forward line combined brilliantly to continue its remarkable run. North Melbourne returns from a bye after producing one of the most dramatic wins in club history, storming back from 43 points down to defeat Gold Coast after the siren. That victory has injected fresh belief into Alastair Clarkson’s side, but they now face the competition’s hottest team. Fremantle has won the past three meetings between the clubs and will be aiming to keep its momentum rolling toward September.

Alyssa Solomon and Alas Pilipinas during a game vs Australia in the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup in Candon. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur —Despite being one of the youngest players on the roster, Alyssa Solomon has already built a wealth of international experience as part of last year’s AVC Women’s Cup silver medal-winning team and through her stint with Osaka Marvelous in Japan’s SV.League.

Solomon may have been a late addition to the new-look Alas Pilipinas squad, but she made an immediate impact with 23 points off the bench in a tough 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15 loss to Australia on Sunday at Candon City Arena here.

As one of the younger yet more experienced players on the team, the 24-year-old is determined to contribute in any way she can to a roster made up of veterans and newcomers after several key members of the previous core opted not to compete this year.

“I just try to give my best in every game and contribute whatever I can to the team. More than anything, I want to provide support to the team in any way possible,” said Solomon in Filipino.

The Alyssas

Alyssa Solomon and Alyssa Valdez share their thoughts after a five-set loss to Australia. #AVCWomensCup | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/zJZxdtfw2K

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 7, 2026

The 6-foot-1 opposite spiker, who withdrew from the PVL Rookie Draft, said adjusting to the squad came naturally, having previously trained with Creamline under Alas assistant coach Sherwin Meneses when he was also handling National University.

“It wasn’t that difficult because I already knew some of the players. We also trained with Creamline before, so the adjustment wasn’t that hard,” said Solomon.

Australia coach Russell Borgeaud also praised Solomon for her exceptional talent.

Despite her strong return for Alas, the three-time UAAP champion remains focused on improving as the Philippines fights for a semifinal berth, with only the top two teams from Pool A advancing.

“Actually, I wasn’t satisfied with how I played, especially in the fourth set. I felt like I wasn’t able to contribute as much, and that’s something I really want to improve,” Solomon said.

Solomon remained optimistic despite the setback, with Alas facing a quick turnaround against Kyrgyzstan on Monday at 3 p.m.

“We’ll continue to improve since we’ve only been together for a few weeks. We’ll use this experience to strengthen our bond as a team and keep getting better in the games ahead,” she said.

It was a rough first half for Victor Wembanyama on Friday night.

The San Antonio Spurs’ alien-like phenom scored just seven points in the first 24 minutes of Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

And, despite making up ground in the second half, it was not enough as the New York Knicks took a 2-0 series lead.

The referees sure seemed tilted toward San Antonio throughout the night, and one moment in the second quarter helped the public’s case.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama during the second half of Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)

With San Antonio up 37-32, Dylan Harper drove toward the hoop but missed a contested shot, and the ball was up for grabs. With Wembanyama, listed at 7-foot-4, on the floor, it should surprise nobody when he grabs an offensive rebound.

However, he was boxed out by Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, who plays sparingly.

Alvarado might have gotten away with some hard contact when initiating the box out, but Wembanyama may have gotten away with a flagrant foul after wrapping both of his arms near Alvarado’s neck and tossing him like a rag doll. Wembanyama then asked for a whistle on Alvarado but never got one.

Wembanyama was also ejected for the first time for a flagrant foul in the Western Conference finals.

New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado dribbles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)

KNICKS SURVIVE TO TAKE 2-0 NBA FINALS LEAD AFTER JALEN BRUNSON’S CLUTCH SHOT SINKS SPURS

Wembanyama scored 22 points in the second half, turning it up in the fourth quarter, but it was all for naught after a costly turnover. After a rebound with less than 15 seconds left, Wembanyama threw a pass to a teammate who was not looking, and it hit his back. Jalen Brunson was able to pick up the ball, draw a foul and knock down a free throw.

The Frenchman had the ball in his hands for the potential game-winning basket but missed, giving the Knicks an exhilarating 105-104 victory.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama reacts during the first half of Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

No team has ever won an NBA Finals after losing both of the first two games at home, although it is a small sample size. Only the 1993 Phoenix Suns and 1995 Orlando Magic did so.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will get underway on June 11 when co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Joined by South Korea and Czechia in Group A, Mexico will be hoping home support can propel them into the knockout rounds.

While Mexico and South Korea start as the favourites on paper, Group A lacks a traditional global heavyweight. Czechia arrive with one of Europe’s most in-form strikers in Patrik Schick, while South Africa have steadily improved under Hugo Broos and will believe the expanded 48-team format offers a realistic path to the knockout stage.

With all four teams carrying genuine ambitions of progression, Group A could emerge as one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Teams

• 
  South Korea
• 
  Mexico
• 
  South Africa
• 
  Czechia

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Team analysis

South Korea

South Korea enter the tournament on the back of an unbeaten qualification campaign and are appearing in their 11th consecutive World Cup, highlighting their consistency on the global stage. Head coach Hong Myung-bo has assembled a squad blending experienced stars with emerging talent, giving the Taeguk Warriors balance across the pitch.

Captain Son Heung-min remains the focal point of the attack and will likely be playing in his final World Cup. Behind him, Lee Kang-in has developed into one of Asia’s most creative midfielders, while Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae provides leadership and defensive solidity. South Korea’s pace in transition and ability to control possession make them one of the strongest sides in the group. However, they will need to overcome a poor record away from home, having never advanced beyond the last 16 at a World Cup outside their historic 2002 semi-final run.

South Korea full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Han-beom, Lee Gi-hyeok, Kim Min-jae, Kim Tae-hyeon, Hwang In-beom, Son Heung-min, Paik Seung-ho, Cho Gue-sung, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Song Bum-keun, Lee Tae-seok, Cho Wi-je, Kim Moon-hwan, Park Jin-seob, Bae Jun-ho, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Lee Kang-in, Yang Hyun-jun, Jo Hyeon-woo, Seol Young-woo, Jens Castrop, Kim Jin-gyu, Eom Ji-sung, Lee Dong-gyeong.

Mexico

Mexico is hosting the World Cup for a record third time. El Tri have historically played their best football on home soil, reaching the quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986, and expectations will be high once again.

Javier Aguirre returns for a third stint as manager and brings a wealth of tournament experience. Captain Edson Alvarez provides stability to midfield, while striker Santiago Gimenez will be tasked with converting chances. The squad also includes experienced internationals such as Raul Jimenez, Guillermo Ochoa and Luis Romo, alongside younger talents like Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas.

South Africa

South Africa return to the World Cup eager to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Under Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have developed into a disciplined and organised side capable of frustrating more fancied opponents.

Captain Ronwen Williams remains one of Africa’s top goalkeepers, while attacker Oswin Appollis has emerged as a key threat following an impressive qualification campaign. Teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is another exciting prospect who has quickly become one of the country’s most highly rated players. South Africa may not possess the star power of some rivals, but their defensive structure and athleticism make them a potent force.

South Africa full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Ronwen Williams, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Aubrey Modiba, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Sphephelo Sithole, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Iqraam Rayners, Sipho Chaine, Evidence Makgopa, Samukele Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Ricardo Goss, Jayden Adams, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross.

Czechia

Czechia enter the World Cup as arguably the most difficult team in the group to assess. They battled through the play-offs against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark to secure qualification and have steadily grown under veteran manager Miroslav Koubek.

Captain Ladislav Krejci leads a physically imposing side built around defensive discipline and set-piece efficiency. The main threat, however, comes from Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, who arrived at the tournament in outstanding form. Midfielder Tomas Soucek adds experience and leadership, while Czechia’s ability from corners and free-kicks makes them a threatening unit. If they can translate their European form onto the global stage, they could challenge both Mexico and South Korea for top spot.

Czechia full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Matej Kovar, David Zima, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Vladimir Coufal, Stepan Chaloupek, Ladislav Krejci, Vladimir Darida, Adam Hlozek, Patrik Schick, Jan Kuchta, Lukas Cerv, Mojmir Chytil, David Jurasek, Pavel Sulc, Jindrich Stanek, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadilek, Tomas Chory, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Doudera, Tomas Soucek, Lukas Hornicek, Alexandr Sojka, Hugo Sochurek, Denis Visinsky.

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Players to watch out for

South Korea – Son Heung-min

South Korea’s captain remains the country’s biggest match-winner. The forward’s pace, movement and ability to produce moments of brilliance in major tournaments make him the player opponents will fear most.

Mexico – Santiago Gimenez

Mexico’s hopes of a deep run could depend on Gimenez rediscovering his goalscoring touch. The AC Milan striker possesses the finishing ability to turn tight matches in his country’s favour.

South Africa – Mbekezeli Mbokazi

At 20, the centre-back is considered one of South Africa’s brightest talents. Strong in duels and comfortable on the ball, he could announce himself on the world stage this summer.

Czechia – Patrik Schick

The Bayer Leverkusen striker arrives in exceptional form and is Czechia’s primary source of goals. His aerial ability and clinical finishing make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the group.

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Final standings prediction

Mexico’s home advantage should be enough to see them finish at the top of the group, particularly with matches against South Africa and Czechia taking place in Mexico City. South Korea’s consistency and tournament experience give them a slight edge in the race for second place.

Czechia possess enough quality to challenge for automatic qualification and could easily finish in the top two if Schick maintains his scoring form. South Africa are unlikely to be pushovers and may still remain in contention for a best third-placed spot, but their lack of World Cup experience could ultimately prove decisive.

Predicted standings

• 
  Mexico
• 
  South Korea
• 
  Czechia
• 
  South Africa

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Full schedule

Germany earned a 2-1 victory against World Cup co-hosts United States in the final warm-up game for both teams.

Kai Havertz had an early goal for Germany cancelled out by Antonee Robinson’s stunning volley before Leroy Sane’s winner for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

“I’m happy with the performance of everyone,” said US coach Mauricio Pochettino, who believed his side were “unlucky” to lose.

“We played one of the most important teams in the world. I think we need to be happy with that.”

The US will start their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on 12 June, while Germany, who have won nine games in a row, begin with a game against Curacao on 14 June.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said his side’s win against the US had been a “perfect test for us, both in terms of the weather and the opponent”.

Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in the final warm-up game for both countries, with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes scoring early on for the winners.

Mostafa Zico equalised for Egypt but Raphinha set up Endrick to win it for the South American side, who had to take defender Wesley off after 17 minutes.

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, who recovered from a “minor muscle injury” to play for Liverpool towards the end of the season, came on for the second half against Brazil.

“Salah underwent a rehabilitation program with Liverpool and then with the national team, and he is now ready for matches,” said Egypt coach Hossam Hassan.

Egypt’s opening game of the World Cup on Monday, 15 June will be against Belgium, who thrashed Tunisia 5-0.

Leandro Trossard, Charles de Ketelaere, Kevin de Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin each scored against a Tunisia side reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Ismael Gharbi after 62 minutes.

Belgium boss Rudi Garcia brought Romelu Lukaku on after 66 minutes as he manages the striker’s return to action.

“It is a good preparation for the World Cup, we know this team can do great things,” said Garcia, whose side were beaten 2-0 by Croatia in their previous game.

• TNT Tropang 5G and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings break a tie in Game 3 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Game 2 – June 5, Friday – Smart Araneta Coliseum

• 7:30pm – TNT Tropang 5G vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings

TNT and Ginebra will gun for a crucial tie-breaking victory on Sunday. —PBA IMAGES

The first two games of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals may have produced different results, but they unfolded in remarkably similar fashion.

That is why TNT coach Chot Reyes wants to make sure his team avoids another late-game scare when the Tropang 5G and Barangay Ginebra break their 1-1 deadlock in Game 3 on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“We just try to play the same game all throughout,” Reyes said ahead of the pivotal contest.

Advertisement

TNT evened the series with a 101-94 victory on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, but not before surviving an anxious finish.

PBA Finals: Jeremiah Gray will keep himself ready for Ginebra

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Jeremiah Gray. –PBA IMAGES

Barangay Ginebra may have come up short against TNT in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, but the Gin Kings found a bright spot in Jeremiah Gray’s performance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gray delivered a strong effort off the bench in Ginebra’s 101-94 loss, which allowed TNT to even the best-of-seven championship series at 1-1.

Advertisement

The showing, however, did not come as a surprise to the versatile guard.

For Gray, it was simply a matter of staying prepared.

“Ginebra’s such a deep team, so whenever our number is called, we always have to be ready,” Gray told the Inquirer.

“Hopefully, in the next game, we get ready from the beginning—from the starters to the bench—so we can get the win next time.”

Advertisement

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Advertisement

Read Next

Advertisement

Advertisement

Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

Johnson Wagner has spoken about what he found really strange as he followed the final group for the handful of holes they managed to play on Saturday during the third round of the Memorial Tournament.

The leaders will have to play more than 30 holes on Sunday at Muirfield Village, with J.T. Poston and Ryan Gerard on the sixth green when the horn was blown to suspend play on Saturday.

Advertisement

Both men are chasing what would be the biggest wins of their career to date.

However, there are some extremely impressive names inside the top 20 as play prepares to resume in Ohio.

Johnson Wagner says what he noticed about the crowds on Saturday at the Memorial Tournament

Tommy Fleetwood is among the players tied for fifth, while Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are eight shots off the lead on one under par for the tournament.

Scheffler’s performance was particularly notable, with the 29-year-old five under par through one six-hole stretch. At that stage, he was three under par for the tournament and certainly not to be ruled out.

Two bogeys on his last three holes of the day took some shine off of his display. Nevertheless, Johnson Wagner told Scorecard on CBS that there was a surreal feeling around the leaders largely due to Scheffler’s efforts.

Advertisement

“It was crazy with the final group. There were people out there, but you knew where the crowds were. They were up ahead with Rory and with Scottie,” he said.

“And you could definitely feel in that last group, it was weird, it was like, where are all the people? We knew right where they were, they were following the world number one. And this is a golf course he’s won the last two years at this tournament, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he did make a little run in the morning and do something special again tomorrow.”

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler may be running out of time at Muirfield Village

The amount of rain Muirfield Village received on Saturday means that the test is likely to be significantly different for the remainder of the tournament.

Advertisement

Jack’s Place had resembled a US Open test at times. But the course is going to be considerably softer on Sunday.

It remains to be seen whether that benefits the players who are a lot further along in their third rounds. Much like Justin Thomas at the PGA Championship, they have an opportunity to post an early score and see where they end up.

However, Wagner admitted that it should be the two leaders who are most grateful for the stoppage.

“Unfortunately for Rory, I think he’s going to run out of holes and I think this golf course is going to get a lot easier. So the guys like J.T. and Gerard, I think having the ability to go play a softer Muirfield Village for 12 holes to finish the third round benefits the guys who have the most holes to play,” he said.

Advertisement

It would certainly be exciting for the majority of the fans if one of the world’s best two players can make a real charge on Sunday.

At the very least, it will help whet the appetite for the US Open at Shinnecock Hills later this month.

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Charley Hull plays golf the way you probably do. She doesn’t look at the pin sheet. She doesn’t carry a yardage book. And when her golf wasn’t perfect the first two days at the U.S. Women’s Open, her mentality was probably a bit of what you tell yourself at the golf course:

“F—k it.”

The full quote has a bit more context, so we’ll offer it next, but the mentality speaks to Charley Hull in full. She is an attacker. A chaser. She loves Moving Day because it’s “more fun” to be in pursuit. 

“I played really decent actually the first two days — tee to green,” she said Saturday afternoon. “Just couldn’t get a putt, so kind of just stuck in there and just went at everything today and just thought, f—k it.

That’s where Hull’s golf diverges from the common person, though, because f—k it to her isn’t just playing aggressively but doubling down on that aggressiveness. Going after every pin at Riviera Country Club and probably succeeding, too. 

She went over the green on 3, threw in darts on 6 and 7, drove it to the edge of the green on 10, tossed her approach to four feet on 14, reached the par-5 17th in two and capped it off with another perfect approach on 18. Seven birdies, one bogey, 65 — the best score of the week. And nothing really close to what she was feeling coming in. 

“No, I didn’t [feel good],” she said. “I didn’t at all. I’m glad I’ve had my cousin out here with me because we’ve just been doing things to take my mind off golf.”

Hull is, like most pros, a golf obsessive. She’s headed back to the U.K. after this weekend and will be taking a golf trip with her boyfriend. She’ll sit up at night — “panicky” was her way of describing it — watching videos of her swing on her phone. 

“I just study everything thinking I like this feel, I like that feel, why can’t it be like that? Sometimes you’ve just got to cancel all that out and just think nothing.”

Or just think ‘F—k it.’

That’s Hull’s charm. She is one of one. She does things her way. Sometimes it goes up in flames. Sometimes it’s as brilliant as that Saturday 65. 

It’s been an up-and-down year, though. She won in February and jumped to No. 3 in the world, but has struggled of late, missing multiple cuts in a month for the first time in three years. She arrived in LA not feeling great about her game and has been spending time with her cousin, Jodie, to get away from it a bit. That meant a Friday trip to mystical Malibu.

“She thought it was going to be this amazing place and she had this dream,” Hull said with her cousin standing nearby, on the verge of laughter. “You know like the Barbie movie, where you see people walking around the circles going out in the ocean? And we got down there and I was like, ‘We’re in Malibu.’ She’s like, ‘No we’re not.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, yeah we are.’ She was like ‘My lifelong dream is being crushed!’ She’s devastated. It was absolutely hilarious.”

Hull likes to travel with family and seems to get as much out of family time as any other pro. She’ll rip back home at times — to the Midlands of England, north of London — just to spend time with loved ones between events. This week, it’s side-quests with her cousin that keep her from stressing over the golf, and have her only a few shots back with 18 holes to play. Saturday’s performance earned her an afternoon tee time for Sunday’s final round, which, frankly, allows for a lovely, unhurried evening. The destination has already been decided: Mexican food, in a city with endless options.