HAWTHORN will be out to claim back-to-back wins when it takes on fierce rival Geelong on Saturday night at the MCG.
With rounds to play in the home-and-away season, the Hawks need to keep winning to push for a top-two finish.
They are currently in third position, two points behind the second-placed West Coast Eagles, who face the ladder-leading Fremantle Dockers this weekend.
It’s an equally important match for the Cats, who sit in eighth spot and need to keep winning to remain in finals contention.
The form
Hawthorn
The Hawks rebounded from a disappointing defeat to Richmond with a gutsy 14-point win in the west against West Coast Eagles on the weekend.
Prior to the Tigers’ loss, the Hawks had won eight in a row, and the side’s win against the Eagles will give them confidence against the Cats this week.
Sam Mitchell has been in stellar form for the Hawks over the past three weeks, averaging 33 disposals per game, while Liam Shiels has racked up 25 tackles in the past fortnight.
Geelong
The Cats have struck a rich vein of form, with wins in their past four matches.
Two of those have been against top-four contenders in Western Bulldogs and Sydney Swans, while the other two have come against GWS Giants and Brisbane Lions.
Midfielder Steven Motlop is averaging just under 31 disposals per game in the past three weeks, while power forward Tom Hawkins has 14 goals in his past four games.
Recent history
The Hawks have won the past three matches between the two clubs, with the Cats’ most recent win against the Hawks coming in Round 5, 2014.
However, the Cats did win 11 straight matches against the Hawks between 2009 and 2013.
Recent history will count for little come the opening bounce on Saturday night, with clashes between the Hawks and Cats always ferocious.
Ins and outs
Hawthorn
There promises to be some tough decisions for Coach Alastair Clarkson and the Hawks’ match committee this week.
Veterans Brian Lake and David Hale look set to return after missing the win over the Eagles with general soreness.
Jon Ceglar replaced Hale in that match, while Matt Suckling was a late inclusion for Lake.
In the VFL, Angus Litherland, Jonathan Simpkin and Brendan Whitecross were among a number of strong contributors pushing for senior selection.
Geelong
Geelong Coach Chris Scott has stated Steve Johnson will return from a one-week suspension to play his 250th game.
Key forward Shane Kersten could come back from injury, while Jared Rivers, Billie Smedts and Jed Bews are among the Cats in the VFL pressing for senior returns.
One of George Horlin-Smith or Nakia Cockatoo could make way for Johnson, with the Cats getting through their win over the Swans without any injury concerns.
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