Hawthorn vs Sydney, Saturday Night 7:50pm, MCG
Despite their flogging, the Dockers still deserve the title of Grand Final day aspirants. However the result did cast a shadow on their weaknesses as a side, and then asked a larger question for else was there at the top to challenge this Hawks outfit. Thankfully we only have to wait six days to find out.
When these sides last two played earlier in the season, the Swans overcame the Hawks in hotly contested game which had atmosphere and electricity of a final. The ball was hot, space was limited and only mere seconds and inches decided the result.
Whilst the Dockers go away to lick their wounds, it’s the Swans turn to state their credentials as a top side. Despite a mediocre past month, the gritty win over the Lions last week can be a stepping stone to getting their swing back.
That said, it’ll take a lot more than confidence to get past this Hawks line up that gets more dangerous and threatening as the weeks roll by.
Key Match Ups
Sam Mitchell vs Dan Hannebery
Mitchell was obscene last week, his rebounding and contested ball winning tenacity with Hodge from midfield set up that win. The Dockers were all at sea trying to prevent their influence, blown down by the sheer velocity of the performance of the pair. Hannebery will be there not to tag, but hopefully able to hurt the Hawks the other way.
Kurt Tippett vs Brian Lake
The Hawks will be looking to take Buddy out of the game by making him accountable for their half backs like Birchall and Duryea, running him off his legs so he can’t get into a threatening position in transition. This means a big game is required by Tippett, a bloke who offers a lot structurally but has been quite mediocre when hitting the scoreboard in 2015.
Result
After last week, it’s really hard to go past the Hawks, despite the Swans getting the chocolates last time around. It’s all down to whether the Swans can kill the Hawks ability to move the ball quick and neatly from the back half of the ground.
Hawks by 17.