After a grueling pre-season, Hawthorn is eager to hit the ground running against North Melbourne in the club's season opener at the MCG on Sunday.
With an off-season of change under new Coach Sam Mitchell, seven new players and the return of some injured stars, the Hawks will be looking to get their season off to a positive start.
Coming up against another young outfit in the Kangaroos, the clash will see three newcomers don the brown and gold for the first time, while also marking Mitchell’s first game at the helm.
Draftees Josh Ward and Connor Macdonald, alongside recruit Max Lynch will be making their debuts in the brown and gold in front of a home crowd.
James Sicily is set to return for his first game since tearing his ACL in 2020, as is fellow teammate Jack Gunston following his time on the sidelines last year due to a back injury.
Hawthorn will be looking to defend its impressive early-season record, having won four consecutive Round 1 matches since 2018.
Details
WHO: Hawthorn v North Melbourne
WHEN: Sunday 20 March, 1.10pm
WHERE: MCG
BROADCAST: Fox Footy
HOW TO WATCH
Not yet a member? Plenty of great seats still available via Ticketek.
For those wanting to follow along at home, the game will be broadcast live on Fox Footy, and can be streamed through Kayo.
Follow @hawthornfc on Instagram, and Twitter for updates throughout the game.
MEMBERSHIP
Round 1 is a home game for the Hawks! All members with home game entitlements excluding MCC Hawk will have access to this game. Click here for more information on how to access your digital card for this game.
Gates will be open from 11.30am.
MERCHANDISE
Show us your 2022 membership card to receive 10 per cent off your full-price purchase. HawksNest outlets will open at the several areas across the ground including inside Gates 1, 2 and 5 and outside Gates 1, 2 and 4.
WHAT'S ON
The Inclusion Project will again be operating at all home games throughout the 2022 season.
The AFL Festival of Footy live site will also be open at the ground from 10am - 1pm and 3:30pm - 6pm.
Last time we met
North Melbourne (87) defeated Hawthorn (80) - Round 9, 2021
Hawthorn took early control of the match and lead 54-32 at the main break. However, a late charge from North Melbourne put them back in front heading into the end of the fourth quarter.
The Kangaroos kept the momentum their way and defeated the Hawks by just seven points.
Chad Wingard was a stand-out on the day with two goals and 21 disposals, while Jack Scrimshaw, Liam Shiels and Blake Hardwick were also named among Hawks best.
Our last game
Hawthorn hosted Richmond at Devonport Oval in a ‘Healing for Hillcrest' tribute match as part of the AAMI Community Series.
Several Hawks youngsters had an impressive performance, with Ward and Jai Newcombe being a standout addition to the side.
Ward had an outstanding game through the middle with 29 disposals, four marks and six clearances.
Despite the blistering start from the Tigers, the Hawks put up a strong fight, kicking four goals in the last quarter. However, the charge came too late and the Tigers came out on top with a 25-point win.
Opposition analysis
North Melbourne had a tough fight with Sydney in its practice match at Giants Stadium, with the Swans outlasting the Kangaroos by 31 points.
The Roos had control for the first quarter with the Swans fighting back and leading for the remainder of the match.
Tristian Xerri was an impressive player on the Kangaroo’s side finishing with 17 disposals and 29 hit-outs.
