The Changes                                                             

TEAM: Hawthorn makes three changes

OPPOSITION: Experienced heads return for Bombers

The Form

It’s no secret Essendon have had their struggles this year, after losing 12 of their most experienced players for the entire 2016 season.

The Bombers were handed a 79-point defeat against last year’s minor premiers Fremantle last week, which was also remarkably the Dockers’ first win of the year.

To make matters worse, Mark Baguley (knee) and Ryan Crowley (hamstring) were both injured in the match and will miss Essendon’s one home Friday night fixture for 2016.

Hawthorn are aiming to make it three wins in a row, after coming off a wet and wild win over Melbourne at a soggy MCG last week.

The Hawks will be glad they are playing under the roof at Etihad Stadium this week, where their great foot skills can be put to full use without the threat of inclement weather.

Jordan Lewis and Sam Mitchell led from the front last week with 29 and 27 disposals respectively, while Jack Gunston continued his purple patch with three goals despite the slippery conditions.

Stats That Matter

The Hawks looked to have a real hunger for the contest last week, evidenced by the tackle count. Hawthorn recorded a massive 109 tackles to the Demons’ 68, with Liam Shiels, Cyril Rioli, Paul Puopolo and Shaun Burgoyne getting into double figures for tackles on the day.

Key Player

As he runs out for his 150th club game this week, Shaun Burgoyne will be hoping to put in another big performance. ‘Silk’ has been a model of consistency in his time at Hawthorn, missing just four games since his club debut.

It’s A Big Week For…

Despite the torrid conditions last week, Tim O’Brien started to show some signs he is becoming more comfortable at AFL level. He took a couple of nice overhead marks and kicked two crucial goals, providing a nice foil for main spearhead Jack Gunston.

Odd Fact

Kade Stewart was very impressive on debut last week, and broke a Hawthorn record in the process. He recorded nine tackles against Melbourne, the most ever by a Hawthorn debutant and the equal-third of all time. He surpassed David Loats who recorded six tackles in his debut as a Hawk.

Final Thoughts

Although there is talk the Hawks will take it easy, Alastair Clarkson will want no such complacency from his side. A percentage-boosting win would be just what the doctor ordered for the Hawks.