HAWTHORN will be targeting its sixth consecutive win when it tackles ladder-leader Fremantle at Aurora Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Hawks currently sit fourth on the ladder, three wins behind the Dockers.
A win for the Hawks will ensure they remain at least one game inside the top four by the end of Round 15.
The form
Hawthorn – WWW (most recent first)
Alastair Clarkson’s men have enjoyed five consecutive wins, their most recent being a tight 10-point triumph over Collingwood.
After suffering four narrow defeats in the early stages of the season, the Hawks will be buoyed by having found a way to win against the Magpies.
The victory over the Magpies was also the fourth consecutive game the Hawks have scored more than 100 points.
Fremantle – WWW
After an unexpected loss to Richmond, the Dockers have hit back with three consecutive wins, taking their season tally to 12.
Ross Lyon’s side has edged out Gold Coast Suns (seven points), Collingwood (seven points) and Brisbane Lions (36 points) in their past three outings.
Nothing separated the Dockers from the Lions at three quarter time last week, but a big final term proved the difference.
Recent history
Fremantle won the most recent clash between these two clubs.
Their skipper Matthew Pavlich kicked five goals, as the Dockers triumphed by 19 points in Round 21 last season.
But prior to that it was all Hawthorn.
The Hawks had won the previous six clashes – which included the 2013 grand final – and have never lost to Fremantle at Aurora Stadium.
Ins and outs
Hawthorn
The Hawks have already made one change, with Ben McEvoy returning in place of fellow ruckman Jon Ceglar.
McEvoy has been dominant at VFL level in the past month, and has racked up 92 hit-outs in his past two matches.
Defender Angus Litherland and midfielders Billy Hartung and Alex Woodward have been named on an extended bench, giving the Hawks plenty of options.
Fremantle
The Dockers have included Tendai Mzungu, Cameron Sutcliffe and Jonathon Griffin on their extended bench.
Griffin is the third ruckman in the Dockers’ squad of 25, and would be considered unlikely to play unless Aaron Sandilands or Zac Clarke missed through injury.
But utility Mzungu, who has played just two AFL games this season, could force his way into the 22 – especially considering the possibility of a wet and windy Aurora Stadium.
Key players
Hawthorn
The Hawks will need to stand up across the board to match the might of the Dockers on Sunday.
That said, the Hawks boast a number of players in strong form.
Midfielders Jordan Lewis and Sam Mitchell found plenty of the ball against Collingwood, and are averaging 31.2 and 29.7 disposals per game respectively this season.
Cyril Rioli is coming off a season-best five-goal haul, while fellow small forward Luke Breust has kicked multiple goals in eight of his 13 matches this season.
Fremantle
In Gary Ablett’s absence, Docker Nat Fyfe has emerged as arguably the competition’s standout performer in 2015.
Averaging 31.2 disposals per game, Fyfe is enjoying a stellar season.
But so is Lachie Neale, while David Mundy and Michael Barlow’s consistency makes the Dockers’ midfield group a real threat.
Defensive lynchpin Luke McPharlin will celebrate his 250th AFL match, while fellow veteran Matthew Pavlich led the way for the Dockers with three goals against the Brisbane Lions last week.
Important factors
Winning the ruck contest
Can the Hawks get on top of Aaron Sandilands?
The veteran Fremantle ruckman has been among the competition’s most effective big men this season.
Sandilands is ranked second in the competition for hit-outs (44), and has found handy support from Zac Clarke.
The Hawks will be looking for Ben McEvoy – in his first AFL game since Round 6 – and David Hale to give them first use of the ball in the middle of the ground.
Where will the goals come from?
It was a matter of no Roughead, no worries for the Hawks last week.
Cyril Rioli popped up with five goals, and Luke Breust three, as the Hawks passed 100 points for the fourth consecutive week.
A spread of contributors has been key for the Hawks this season – with Jack Gunston and Paul Puopolo, who will celebrate game 100, also proving potent around goal.
The Hawks are the competition’s leading offensive team, averaging almost 110 points per game.
But the Dockers are ranked number one in defence, conceding just 63.2 points per game, setting up an intriguing contest.
The midfield battle… and stopping Nat Fyfe
Is stopping Nat Fyfe possible?
The Hawks will find out this week, when they come up against the raging favourite for the 2015 Brownlow Medal.
Fyfe leads the competition for disposals, clearances and contested possessions – and has also kicked 15 goals from his 13 matches.
He has plenty of friends in the midfield – with the likes of Michael Barlow, Lachie Neale and David Mundy finding plenty of the ball.
It will be intriguing to see how the Hawks go about stopping Fyfe – however the Dockers will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the likes of Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis, Isaac Smith and Liam Shiels.
