The Changes
Hawthorn
In: Brand, Langford, Hartung
Out: Hodge (inj), Frawley (inj), Lovell
Richmond
In: McIntosh, Griffiths, Vlastuin, Short
Out: Cotchin (inj), Lambert (inj), Maric, Astbury
The Form
The pressure mounting on Punt Road has been immense over the last couple of weeks, with a 35-point loss to Port Adelaide last week and a 33-point loss the week before against Melbourne, meaning Richmond currently sit at 1-5 after six rounds.
The Tigers registered 54 inside 50s last week, but only managed eight goals, and although they won the hitouts by 40, only had six more clearances than the Power.
After more intense media scrutiny this week, Richmond will be fired up to produce a better performance than they did last week.
Hawthorn didn’t have it all their own way last week either, and were comprehensively beaten by GWS to the tune of 75 points at Spotless Stadium.
A loss had perhaps been on the horizon for the Hawks, after a number of close games, and Luke Hodge was also a casualty from that match. He will now miss four-to-six weeks after having knee surgery, and key defender James Frawley is also under an injury cloud after being concussed against the Giants.
The Hawks will be looking to bounce back against the Tigers, and rectify some of the problems from last week’s match.
Stats That Matter
Although the Hawks kicked 12 goals last week, they only had five goal kickers for the night against the Giants, with Jack Gunston the main focal point with five goals. The Hawks will need to find more avenues to goal against the Tigers this week.
It’s A Big Week For…
Kaiden Brand, who will debut in the brown and gold after earning a call up to the senior side. Having missed all of last year after two shoulder injuries, Hawks fans will be hoping this is the start of a long career for the key defender at Hawthorn.
Key Player
Jordan Lewis was quiet by his standards last week, collecting just 15 disposals against GWS. Lewis will captain the side in the absence of Luke Hodge against Richmond, hopefully sparking a big game from the midfielder.
Odd Fact
Despite Hawthorn’s success in recent years, it hasn’t translated into success against Richmond. Hawthorn have won only one of the last four encounters between both sides, and will be out to rectify that this week.
Final Thoughts
Although the Tigers are coming off five straight losses, they can’t be underestimated. With both sides looking to return to form, there’s plenty on the line for the Hawks and Tigers.
