The Changes
Hawthorn
In: Gibson, Hill
Out: Howe, Litherland
Adelaide
In: Cameron
Out: Milera
The Form
Aside from their Round 1 loss to North Melbourne, the Crows have been one of the form sides of the competition over the first month of the season.
They have recorded dominant victories over Port Adelaide, Richmond and most recently and perhaps most impressively, Sydney – taking the points in a hard-fought contest against the Swans last week.
An even contribution from all of their players has been the big talking point for the Crows, with the loss of Patrick Dangerfield over the off-season seeing some younger players step up to fill the void.
Their forward line is as powerful as any in the competition, and Hawthorn’s defenders will have lots of work to do to contain them.
The Hawks are coming off three wins of their own, but their most recent two games against the Bulldogs and St Kilda would suggest there is plenty of room for improvement.
They were beaten in contested possessions and clearances last week by a young Saints outfit, and that will need to be rectified this week against the Crows.
Stats That Matter
The Crows had seven players who collected 20 disposals or more against the Swans last week, highlighting how they are spreading the load across the board.
Hawthorn last week had six players get 20+ touches, but Sam Mitchell was the outlier with a massive 44, so Alastair Clarkson will be hoping that his midfielders in particular will be able to find more of the footy this week.
Key Player
Jack Gunston went goalless against the Saints last week, and will be looking to bounce back to the goal-kickers list tomorrow night. With Josh Gibson expected to return, Gunston will spend more time up forward, and his battle with star Crow defender Daniel Talia will have a significant bearing on the outcome of the match.
It’s A Big Week For…
Hawthorn’s defenders. After being tested by the tall timber of St Kilda last week, the Hawks will need to be at their brilliant best against a Crows forward line that is stacked with both talls and smalls which can hit the scoreboard.
Odd Fact
In the 37 games that the Adelaide have played against the Hawthorn, the Crows lead the Hawks in points scored overall (3352 to 3269), yet find themselves trailing in win/loss ratio (37 games played, 19 losses, 18 wins).
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t get much bigger than Friday night footy on the MCG, and the Hawks will need to be up for the contest against a red-hot Adelaide side.
