Jarman Impey
Up against his former side for the first time since returning to his home state of Victoria at the end of last season, Jarman Impey will be keen to have a huge impact for Hawthorn in Round 11. Impey has had a wonderful impact in his first 10 games in a brown and gold jumper, averaging a career-high 16.5 disposals and four tackles. Coming off a 17-disposal, six-tackle, two-goal performance against West Coast last week, Impey will be keen to emulate a similar performance against Port Adelaide at the University of Tasmania Stadium on Saturday.
James Frawley
Charlie Dixon was monstrous when these two sides last met in Round 11 last year. The 200cm, 108kg forward had 20 disposals, eight marks (five of which were contested), six tackles and booted four goals. Frawley was out injured by that stage and the Hawks had no answer for the Dixon dominance. This Saturday, it will be imperative for Frawley to lock the key forward away. Although, Dixon, averaging less than a goal per game, has been uncharacteristically quiet in front of goal so far in 2018, a performance in any way similar to last year’s would spell severe trouble for the Hawks.
Liam Shiels
Despite his side’s drop in form, Liam Shiels has been one of the Hawks’ stand-out performers over the last fortnight, averaging 28.5 disposals, seven tackles and five clearances. Playing against Port Adelaide, the number one clearance side in the competition, the Hawks vice-captain will again be called upon to do a mountain of grunt work inside the contest this Saturday afternoon.
Robbie Gray
Indisputably Port Adelaide’s brightest star, Robbie Gray poses the greatest threat to the Hawks falling to their fourth consecutive loss this weekend. After spending most of his time forward last year, Gray has reverted to playing predominantly midfield time in 2018. The 30-year old is the only player in the league to be averaging at least 25 disposals and a goal per game this season, highlighting his ability to influence the game in multiple areas.
Read: Oppo analysis - Round 11
Jared Polec
Jared Polec has taken his game to another level in 2018, introducing a level of consistency that was previously unseen in his first seven seasons. Averaging 25.6 possessions per game, Polec is yet to fall under 20 disposals in his nine games this year. Regarded as an outside runner, the 25-year old has improved his inside work massively this season, averaging a career-high 9.2 contested possessions. Now able to impact the game on the inside and out, Polec is certainly one to watch this Saturday afternoon.
