The Changes
Hawthorn
OUT - Gibson (hamstring soreness), Schoenmakers (groin soreness), O'Rourke
IN - Hodge, O'Brien, Howe
St Kilda
OUT - Roberton (knee), Webster (quad), Dunstan (hamstring)
IN - Lee, Acres, Templeton
The Form
The Hawks were seriously tested last week against the Western Bulldogs, winning by just three points after a goal to James Sicily in the dying stages of the match.
Sam Mitchell was again important with 29 disposals, along with Shaun Burgoyne, Luke Breust and Cyril Rioli who all played crucial roles in the win over the Bulldogs.
The Hawks will take heart from their ability to get the win despite perhaps not playing at their best at various stages of the game.
The Saints recorded their first win of 2016 after a 29-point win over Collingwood last Saturday.
Having to go without Nick Riewoldt and Paddy McCartin due to concussion for a period of the match, the Saints showed how potent they can be when they operate a smaller forward line.
They will be forced to make one change this week with defender Dylan Roberton already ruled out of making the trip to Tasmania with a knee injury.
Stats That Matter
The Hawks will be out to improve some key areas this week after being soundly beaten around the ball by the Dogs. The Hawks lost the clearances by 16 and recorded 29 less contested possessions than the Bulldogs, and Alastair Clarkson will surely make improving those numbers a focus for the midfield group this week.
Key Player
James Frawley has had a very impressive start to the 2016 season, blanketing Tom Hawkins (two goals) Josh Kennedy (one goal) and Tom Boyd (one goal) through Hawthorn’s first three matches.
He’s also been able to gather 49 disposals and 18 marks across the first three games, stepping into the role of Hawthorn’s number one defender beautifully.
It’s A Big Week For…
Hawthorn’s Tasmanian fans. The Hawks play their first of four matches in Launceston for the season this weekend, and will be hoping for a big turnout from their Tassie supporters.
Odd Fact
Hawthorn has only played St Kilda once in Launceston, in Round 19, 2009. The Saints won that game by 29 points.
Final Thoughts
The Hawks will be looking to build on their second win of the season last week, with still plenty of room for improvement.
