The Changes
TEAM: Mitchell among three inclusions
OPPOSITION: Four changes for North Melbourne
The Form
The Kangaroos sit on top of the ladder at the halfway mark of the season, after recording 10 wins from 12 games in 2016.
They have hit some hurdles in recent weeks however with losses to the Sydney Swans and Geelong, as well as picking up injuries to important players last week against the Cats.
The Hawks did as they pleased last Friday night against an undermanned Essendon side, running away with a more-than-comfortable 108-point victory.
Alastair Clarkson appeared unhappy with the way the Hawks played at times during the big win, but four points and a big percentage boost was much needed for the reigning premiers.
The spread of goals through the forward line was impressive, with Jack Gunston, Luke Breust and Paul Puopolo bagging four each and Cyril Rioli, Tim O’Brien and Kade Stewart also kicking multiple majors.
Stats That Matter
The Hawks have had a good record against the Kangaroos in recent times, winning eight of their last 11 encounters. The Hawks have also lost just two of their last 17 games at Etihad Stadium.
Key Player
The return of Sam Mitchell is a significant one for the Hawks. The star on-baller should be fresh after a week off and ready to get straight back into the thick of things against the Kangaroos, a team he averages 26.3 disposals per game against.
It’s A Big Week For…
Hawthorn’s ruckmen. Todd Goldstein is arguably the best ruckman in the game, and how Hawthorn’s big men fair against him will go a long way to determining which team wins the midfield battle.
Odd Fact
North Melbourne has been an extremely even side over the course of 2016, so much so that they didn’t have a player record 30+ disposals in the first seven games of the season.
Final Thoughts
This is a massive game for the Hawks. A win gives them a really good chance at finishing in the top four come season’s end.
