HAWTHORN’S season goes on the line when it takes on Adelaide Crows in a do-or-die semi final at the MCG on Friday night.
After a disappointing qualifying loss to West Coast Eagles last week, the Hawks know they can and must bounce back against the Crows to keep alive their chances of an historic premiership three-peat.
However, their opponents will endeavour to make sure that is no easy task.
Full of confidence on the back of a thrilling elimination final win against Western Bulldogs, the Crows will be full of belief that they can set up a preliminary final clash with Fremantle.
The form
Hawthorn lost by 32 points to the Eagles last Friday, but prior to that had won 12 of their previous 14 matches.
In 10 of those matches, the Hawks scored 100 or more – all of those matches resulted in wins.
Sam Mitchell has been in stellar form for the Hawks over the past fortnight, collecting 35 and 34 disposals in his past two outings.
Adelaide has won five of its past six matches, with three of those wins against sides who finished in the top eight.
A seven-point win against the Bulldogs last week will mean the Crows have no shortage of confidence going into Friday night’s game.
Small forward Eddie Betts has had a brilliant five weeks of football, kicking 19 goals in that period of time.
Recent history
Hawthorn has won its past five matches against Adelaide, with the Crows most recent win coming in Round 1, 2011.
However, three of the Hawks’ wins have been by two kicks or less – including a nail-biting win in the 2012 preliminary final.
Earlier this year, in Round 12, the Hawks fought off a gallant Crows’ outfit to claim a 29-point win at Adelaide Oval.
Possible changes
Hawthorn will make at least one change, with 2015 leading goalkicker Jack Gunston a confirmed out with an ankle injury.
Swingmen Ryan Schoenmakers and Matt Spangher, and up-and-coming forward James Sicily, could be in contention to come in.
It’s very likely that Adelaide will enter the match with an unchanged team, but if they do opt for change, defender Jake Lever and midfielder Jarryd Lyons could be in contention.
The final word
"We've got a very, very proud group and they've been really, really strong for this footy club – and we expect a response tomorrow night.”
- Hawks Coach Alastair Clarkson
“We have got enough firepower forward, we have got a really strong midfield, and our defence has held up really well, so we'll be backing those things in.”
- Crows Coach Scott Camporeale
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