CURBING the influence of West Coast Eagles star Nic Naitanui will be important to the Hawks’ chances of a qualifying final win on Friday night, according to key forward Jack Gunston.
The athletic ruckman has arguably had his best AFL season, and has been a big contributor to the Eagles’ success so far in 2015.
Gunston says the Hawks will be wary of Naitanui, who did not play the last time the two clubs met, in Round 17.
“He’s a major factor for them, he’s an absolute gun player and everyone loves watching him,” Gunston said on MMM’s Hot Breakfast on Tuesday morning.
“He’s a great tap ruckman, (he) can give them real drive from the middle and you know if he’s about 20 metres from the ball he’s going to sit on someone’s head and grab it.
“He’s going to be a big in for them (from last time we met) and hopefully our ruckmen can curb his influence.”
A win for the Hawks over the Eagles on Friday night will see them claim a home preliminary final berth.
Gunston said the Hawks were looking forward to the challenge.
“The Eagles are in great form and going over there is no easy task, but we’ve obviously earned the right to play the double final so we’re looking forward to it,” he said.
“It’s a perfect run if you do get the win and you’re able to have a home prelim final.
“If we do lose, we’ll probably have to do it the tough way and probably travel again, which isn’t ideal.
“We’ve had a few hurdles throughout the last few years, so we’re happy to do it either way, but in saying that… you’d want to get the win this weekend.”
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