The changes
FB: Sam Taylor, Phil Davis, Jeremy Finlayson
HB: Sam Reid, Nick Haynes, Adam Tomlinson
C: Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Zac Langdon, Rory Lobb, Callan Ward
FF: Jon Patton, Harry Himmelberg, Tim Taranto
RR: Dawson Simpson, Dylan Shiel, Ryan Griffen
Interchange: Aidan Corr, Matt de Boer, Jacob Hopper, Heath Shaw
In: Rory Lobb
Out: Jeremy Cameron
Read: Hawks confirm one change for Giants clash
What to expect
The Giants’ record over the past two months closely mirrors that of the Hawks’ in the same period.
Both Hawthorn and GWS have won their last three games following losing stints of three and four weeks respectively.
The two sides, who drew in their last encounter in Round 4 last year, sit ninth and tenth on the ladder.
Both sides have also had incredibly similar scoreboard form with the Hawks scoring 15 more points and conceding just three less points than the Giants over the entire season.
The area of strength for Leon Cameron’s side is in their clearance work, where they rank second in the competition.
Despite the multitude of injuries to senior players this season, the Giants have shown an intent inside the contest that is up there with the league’s best, also rating fourth for tackles and fifth for contested possessions league-wide.
Over the past three weeks, the Giants have been able to rediscover their scoring mojo, recording their three highest scores of the season after Round 1 at an average of 113.3 points per game.
One of the most powerful offensive juggernauts at their best, there is a clear correlation between when the Giants are allowed to open the game up and make it a shoot-out and when they are winning.
This Saturday night the Hawks must ensure that the Giants are not able to generate the level of offensive production that they have been afforded over the past three weeks.
Player to watch
GWS co-captain Callan Ward is his side’s leading clearance player in 2018, averaging 5.9 per game.
One of only nine Giants to have played all 13 games this season, the 28-year old midfielder is also averaging 26 disposals, 12.2 contested possessions and 3.5 tackles.
Ward is a key player to the Giants in gaining a midfield ascendancy and will certainly be a player the Hawks will keep a close eye on this weekend.
