The form
The Hawks are placed 7th on the ladder after Round 8 with four wins and four losses. Hawthorn will be eager to bounce back against the SUNS after a four-point loss to the Sydney Swans.
Gold Coast have lost three games in a row and are currently 17th on the ladder. The SUNS will be hoping to make amends for their 69-point loss to Collingwood last round.
Recent history
The last time these two sides clashed (Round 15, 2014) Hawthorn won by 53 points at Aurora Stadium. The Suns are yet to defeat the Hawks – Hawthorn holds a six-game winning streak against Gold Coast.
Hodge to return
Luke Hodge’s three-game suspension is over and the return of the Hawks captain will bolster a side that is hungry for a win. The Hawks only won one game in the time that Hodge was suspended and the Hawthorn skipper is set to add some firepower to the Hawthorn midfield.
Walking wounded
The Suns are ranked equal first in the competition for clearances with a total of 343 (equal with Hawthorn) but could have some headaches at the selection table. Midfielder Dion Prestia suffered a knee injury against Collingwood and joins an injury list that already includes Gary Ablett, David Swallow and Jaeger O’Meara.
Inside 50 entries
Hawthorn’s strength in the inside 50s department could prove crucial this round. The Hawks have more inside 50s than any other side in the competition and are also ranked 1st for marks inside 50 with an average of 15.6 per game – The Suns are ranked last with an average of 8.2 per game.
Home comforts
The SUNS will travel to Launceston with hopes of breaking their six-game losing streak against the Hawks. Hawthorn has not lost a game at Aurora Stadium since Round 5, 2012 and the Suns will be out to change that.
