With an important clash for both sides looming, we've taken a look at three of the most important match-ups heading into Round 7.
Liam Shiels vs Clayton Oliver
Two players who have made careers out of winning the hard ball. Liam Shiels was an invaluable inclusion for the Hawks last week, having an instant impact on his way to a near-best on ground performance. While Oliver has been the Demons most consistent on-baller over the past three seasons, with the 21-year-old showing the ability to accumulate possession at will. Expect these two workhorses to spend plenty of time going head-to-head this Saturday.
Ben McEvoy vs Max Gawn
Two players who will arguably have the greatest influence on Saturday’s midfield battle are Ben McEvoy and Max Gawn. Both big men are among their respective side’s most in-form players, with Gawn averaging a career-high 16.5 disposals and ranking second league-wide for his 44.2 hit-outs per game. McEvoy’s 15.2 touches are also a career-best along while he has taken the second-most contested marks in the league to date. Recent battles have seen the pair rate evenly, so fans will be watching to see which ruckman can give his on-ball brigade the best use this weekend.
Ben Stratton vs Jake Melksham
Jake Melksham is one of just three players in the competition to be averaging at least 15 possessions, four inside 50s and a goal and a goal and a half per game in season 2019 – the other two are Port Adelaide’s Brad Ebert and Geelong superstar Gary Ablett. The former Don has reinvented himself in the past two seasons as one of the most dangerous mid-sized forwards in the game, with so much of his influence in the forward half of the ground. His potency around goal may likely require Alastair Clarkson to deploy his best stopper, Captain Ben Stratton, to mind the Demons forward.
