THIS is the final that could determine this year's premiership, with the winner to hold a big advantage heading into the final fortnight of the finals series.
If West Coast wins, it will get a week off and secure a home preliminary final at Domain Stadium.
But if the Hawks can get up, as they have done the last five times they have played the Eagles, they can get back to the MCG in two weeks and avoid an interstate preliminary final against either Fremantle or the Sydney Swans.
For a couple of weeks it has been clear these two teams will meet in the opening finals game of 2015 – now that it's almost here, we can expect a high-scoring and brutal encounter.
WHERE AND WHEN
Domain Stadium, Friday September 11, 6.20pm AWST
TV, RADIO AND BETTING
Click here for broadcast guide
WHO'S MISSING?
Hawthorn: The Hawks will welcome back suspended skipper Luke Hodge after serving a two-week ban for his bump on Chad Wingard. Hawthorn is otherwise near full strength, with Isaac Smith the main concern after a knee injury suffered in Saturday night's win over Carlton.
West Coast: The Eagles will be sweating on the fitness of key defender Will Schofield, who has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury. Midfielder Chris Masten will miss with a low-level hamstring injury while Jeremy McGovern (shoulder) wasn't at his best against the Saints.
THIS YEAR
Round 19, Domain Stadium: Hawthorn 13.10 (88) d West Coast 11.8 (74)
The Eagles broke out to an early lead with a five-goal first quarter and led at every break, until the Hawks kicked five goals to two in the final term to win by 14 points in a terrific game. Luke Breust kicked three goals, while the Eagles were without ruck pair Nic Naitanui and Callum Sinclair.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
R12, 2014, Hawthorn 19.9 (123) d West Coast 12.7 (79) at Aurora Stadium
R13, 2013, Hawthorn 19.9 (123) d West Coast 16.7 (103) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2013, Hawthorn 23.10 (148) d West Coast 15.8 (98) at Subiaco Oval
R23, 2012, Hawthorn 14.11 (95) d West Coast 10.10 (70) at the MCG
R4, 2012, West Coast 5.21 (51) d Hawthorn 5.16 (46) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. West Coast and Hawthorn meet in the finals for the first time since 1992. There have been three previous finals contests, with two wins to the Hawks.
2. The Eagles have been strong in contested marking this season, ranked third in the competition averaging 11.4 a game. The Hawks are ranked equal ninth with 10.5 per game.
3. The Hawks are the number one uncontested possession side this season, averaging 258.8 a game, compared to the Eagles, who are ranked seventh averaging 232.2.
4. West Coast will be playing in its first finals series since 2012, and the Eagles haven't won a qualifying final since 2006 when they eventually saluted for the premiership. Hawthorn has won its last six finals and eight of its last nine, including three qualifying finals.
5. This will be a battle between the home and away season's highest scoring sides. Hawthorn averaged 111 points a game and West Coast wasn't far behind, averaging 106 points a game. The Hawks kicked more than 100 points 13 times and the Eagles did it 12 times.
6. The Hawks will be keen to lock down Eagles forward Jamie Cripps. Cripps has had a strong season, kicking 32 goals and playing every game. His improvement has been reflected in the Official AFL Player Ratings, moving up from No.315 overall last year to be ranked the 157th best player in the competition now.
KEY MATCH UPS
1. Nic Naitanui v Ben McEvoy/David Hale
Naitanui didn't play when Hawthorn stormed past West Coast in round 19, and neither did his rucking partner Callum Sinclair. Naitanui had 16 disposals, had 30 hit-outs and kicked three goals in a damaging display last week against St Kilda.
2. Josh Kennedy v Brian Lake
Kennedy kicked 75 goals this year as the competition's leading goalkicker and he presents a huge challenge for Lake or James Frawley. He's mobile, quick and a reliable shot on goal, and in a final when things tighten up he might only need a few chances to make a huge impact on the game.
3. Sharrod Wellingham v Cyril Rioli
The Eagles know Rioli is a matchwinner, and they don't really have too many absolute shut-down small defenders to close him out. They could use Wellingham in the role, give he's tall enough to stop him in the air and also has the speed to limit him on the ground. But it will be a big task – Rioli lifts in the big moments.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
West Coast: Luke Shuey has the skills and speed that can tear apart games, and he is in terrific form for the Eagles. With his breakway pace he has the opportunity to cause plenty of headaches for the Hawthorn midfield.
Hawthorn: Luke Hodge is back after his suspension, but he has also faced scrutiny in his time on the sidelines after being caught drink-driving last week by police. The captain acknowledged his mistake and will no doubt be looking to lead by example on-field this week.
WHERE THE EAGLES CAN WIN IT
The Eagles' tall forwards can win them through to a preliminary final. They have the Coleman medallist in Kennedy, a dynamic big man in Jack Darling, and Sinclair and Naitanui have also shown they are dangerous in attack. The home crowd also works in the Eagles' favour, with them having lost just twice there this year, to the Hawks and Fremantle.
WHERE THE HAWKS CAN WIN IT
Nothing beats finals experience and this Hawthorn team is a month away from three straight premierships. It's an invaluable advantage for Alastair Clarkson's men. The Hawks could also expose West Coast's frailties in defence with their tall forwards if Jeremy McGovern isn't quite in top shape as he battles a shoulder concern.
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Opposition Analysis: West Coast
