Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
Experienced Hawk Shaun Burgoyne has had a brilliant year and will be pivotal for his side tonight.
The 32-year-old will be playing in his 28th AFL final, taking him into equal sixth spot in the history of the game for finals played, level with Jason Akermanis, Gary Ayres, Bill Hutchison and Chris Mew.
One of six Hawks in this year’s 40-man All Australian squad, Burgoyne has starred in 2015, whether that has been across half back, through the middle or around goal.
Burgoyne has a habit of stepping up when the pressure is at its greatest, and will look to be a key playmaker for the Hawks tonight.
Josh Kennedy (West Coast)
Shutting down West Coast Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy will be near the top of the Hawks’ priority list tonight.
The 28-year-old has played every game for the Eagles this season, kicking 75 goals – 12 more than any other player in the competition.
Kennedy managed four majors when the Hawks met the Eagles in Round 19, and is yet to be held goalless this season.
Brian Lake, who missed the Hawks’ most recent clash with the Eagles, or James Frawley could be in line to take on Kennedy, who has kicked three or more goals on 14 occasions in 2015.
Bradley Hill (Hawthorn)
On the open expanses of Domain Stadium, an in-form Bradley Hill will be looking to have a big impact against the Eagles.
Hill has collected 57 disposals over the past fortnight – and his leg-speed, hard running and penetration by foot could have a say on the result tonight.
Averaging more than 20 disposals per game in 2015, the 22-year-old – now in his fourth year of AFL football – continues to improve.
Hill’s ability to swiftly transition the Hawks from defence to attack will be crucial to giving his side’s forwards plenty of opportunity to hit the scoreboard against the Eagles.
Andrew Gaff (West Coast)
Andrew Gaff has made his mark as an elite midfielder in 2015, with undoubtedly his best AFL season.
The 23-year-old knows how to get his hands on the ball – he’s played every match this season, and is averaging 30 disposals per match.
Gaff starred against the Hawks in Round 19, collecting 35 disposals, and Alastair Clarkson and his coaching team will no doubt be keeping a close eye on him tonight.
With 30 or more disposals in 13 matches this season, Gaff has been a key component of an Eagles midfield that also includes 2014 Brownlow Medallist Matt Priddis.
Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)
Midfield maestro Sam Mitchell has enjoyed another outstanding season, and he’ll be looking for that to continue tonight.
The 32-year-old has been a key to the Hawks’ success so far in 2015.
Averaging 30.5 disposals per match, Mitchell’s ability to play a ‘quarterback-like’ role for the Hawks and bring his teammates into the game will again be important against the Eagles.
Last time the teams met, Mitchell starred with 36 disposals to help the Hawks claim a hard-fought win – one of 12 occasions he has finished with 30 or more disposals this year.
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