The form
The Hawks are sitting in 4th place (three wins, two losses) on the AFL Ladder after their 60 point win over North Melbourne last round.
The Giants have three wins and two losses (9th on the ladder) and will be looking to bounce back after an 87 point loss away to the West Coast Eagles.
Recent history
The last time these sides faced off at the MCG in Round 11 last season, Hawthorn won by seven points as the determined Giants side fell just short of winning their first game against the Hawks.
The Hawks have been triumphant in the last three clashes against GWS and will be expecting to extend their undefeated streak against the Giants this Saturday.
Can Hawthorn do it without Hodge and Lewis?
The Hawks will have their work cut out for them with club leaders Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis both to miss the clash through suspension. Paul Puopolo will return and boost the Hawks midfield while young gun Jed Anderson will also make his return.
Big test for young side
Leon Cameron’s squad looked promising early in the season after some strong showings and will be eager to get back on the winners’ list after a devastating 87-point loss to West Coast. The challenge will be no easy feat for the talented Giants, who will have to put in a spirited performance to overcome an in-form Hawthorn side.
Inside 50s the key?
Hawthorn’s attacking prowess could prove the difference with the Hawks averaging the most inside 50s in the competition (63.6 per game) while the Giants are ranked ninth for inside 50s (52.8 per game). The Hawks have a goal accuracy percentage of 48.8% (ranked 8th) and will need to capitalise on entries into the forward 50.
Uncontested possession leaders
The matchup between GWS and Hawthorn will see the number one ranked uncontested possession team (Hawthorn with 265.6 per game) take on the number two-ranked team in GWS (average of 257 uncontested possessions per game) in what could prove to be an exciting, free-flowing game of football. It will be also interesting to see how the number one handballing team (GWS) matches up against the number one kicking team (Hawthorn).
