HAWTHORN will be chasing its seventh consecutive win when it takes on Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
The Hawks currently sit in fourth place on the ladder, just one win behind the third-placed Swans.
A win for the visitors would boost their chances of a top-two finish, while a loss would open up an eight-point gap between the clubs and make a top-two finish difficult to attain for the Hawks.
The form
Hawthorn – WWW (most recent first)
Hawthorn will enter Saturday night’s clash on the back of their best four-quarter performance this season.
The Hawks enjoyed a 72-point win against Fremantle at Aurora Stadium on Sunday, which was their sixth consecutive win, following triumphs over Collingwood, Essendon, Adelaide Crows, St Kilda and Gold Coast Suns.
Sydney Swans – WWL
Sydney Swans have won eight of their past nine games, putting them firmly in contention for a fourth consecutive top-four finish.
The Swans most recent loss came against Richmond in Round 13, and they have had to work hard for wins against determined Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide outfits in the past two weeks.
Recent history
There have been some brilliant contests between the Hawks and Swans in recent times.
Three of the clubs’ past eight meetings have been in finals, and two in grand finals – with the Swans winning in 2012 and the Hawks last year.
The Hawks have won five of the past eight, but the Swans claimed the four points in the sides’ most recent outing in Round 8 this year.
Star Swan Dan Hannebery led the way with 36 disposals in his side’s thrilling four-point triumph in that clash.
Ins and outs
Hawthorn
Will Jarryd Roughead return?
That’s the question everyone’s asking, with the key forward and Hawks vice-captain missing the past two matches after having a melanoma removed from his lip.
Roughead is considered a chance to play, while small defender Taylor Duryea is also a chance, despite being subbed out against Fremantle with a shoulder injury.
If Duryea is ruled out, Angus Litherland could be a like-for-like replacement, while the likes of Kurt Heatherley, Alex Woodward, Jonathan O’Rourke and Jonathan Simpkin have all been in strong form at VFL level.
Sydney Swans
Experienced key defender Ted Richards is set to return for the Swans after missing their win against Brisbane Lions due to concussion.
Swingman Sam Reid went back in Richards’ absence last week, and the 32-year-old’s return will require the Swans to shuffle their cards.
Young gun Isaac Heeney, Brandon Jack and Craig Bird could also be in contention after strong performances for the Swans’ NEAFL side.
Zak Jones and Dean Towers could be on the fringe of selection after quieter games against the Lions, while former Hawk Ben McGlynn will return from injury through the NEAFL.
Key players
Hawthorn
Trying to pick the Hawks’ best three players last week was a tough task – and Alastair Clarkson will be hoping for a similar spread of solid performances against the Swans.
Ruckman Ben McEvoy marked his return to the senior side after four weeks in the VFL with 12 disposals, 24 hit-outs and two goals against Fremantle, while experienced heads Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Josh Gibson were at their brilliant best.
Mitchell collected 39 disposals against the Dockers – and was influential against the Swans in Round 8 with 32 disposals.
Sydney
The Swans have a wealth of talent, right across the field.
Midfielders Josh Kennedy (41 disposals) and Dan Hannebery (34 disposals) dominated against the Lions on the weekend, while key forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett managed three goals each.
Kieren Jack, Tom Mitchell and Luke Parker have been consistent performers this season, while the expected return of Ted Richards will add experience to the Swans’ defensive six.
Important factors
Who lines up on Buddy?
Stopping prodigious forward Lance Franklin will be high on the Hawks’ agenda.
The former Hawk was held goalless by now-injured defender James Frawley when the Hawks met the Swans in Round 8 – but Alastair Clarkson will need a new plan of action this week.
Franklin kicked three goals against the Lions last week – as did fellow tall forward Kurt Tippett – and is two goals away from kicking his 700th AFL goal.
Josh Gibson suggested earlier this week the Hawks defence could share responsibility for Franklin – with a number of different players spending time on him.
The midfield battle – can the Swans shut down Mitchell?
At 32 years of age, Hawks midfielder Sam Mitchell could be forgiven for slowing down.
But he’s arguably in career-best form – especially after a 39-disposal game against ladder-leader Fremantle last week, which earned him a perfect 10 votes from both clubs’ coaches.
Mitchell has collected 30-plus disposals in nine of his past 10 games – and his ability to find space in traffic and set up play has been critical to the Hawks’ six-game winning streak.
Whether the Swans tag the prolific Hawk remains to be seen.
Can the Hawks break down the Swans’ defence?
Only three teams have held the Hawks to less than 100 points this season – and one of those was the Swans.
The Swans held the Hawks to just 69 points – their lowest score for the season – from 54 inside 50 entries in Round 8.
Breaking through the Swans’ defensive set-up will be pivotal for the Hawks, who have managed more than 100-plus points in their past five matches.
A spread of goal-kickers in recent weeks has been a key – and Luke Breust has been on target around goal with 11.0 in the Hawks’ past four games.
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