The Changes
The Form
Hawthorn did enough last week to overcome a plucky Carlton side in Launceston for their record 19th-straight win in Tasmania.
The Hawks dominated the scoreboard with 24 scoring shots but only registered 10 goals for the afternoon.
After kicking 16.18 the week before against the Tigers in Round 18, Hawthorn’s accuracy in front of goal needs to improve to keep their percentage healthy.
One big positive was the Hawks’ fifth debutant of the year Blake Hardwick, who finished with eight disposals and three tackles in a solid first-up outing in the brown and gold.
Melbourne endured a scrappy affair with the Gold Coast Suns last week, with Jack Watts kicking the winning goal in the dying stages of the game.
The result may have been different if Suns’ forward Tom Lynch had kicked a goal after the final siren, but his effort fell short and the Demons hung on for their eighth win of the year.
Ruckman Max Gawn and midfielder Dom Tyson were among the Dees’ best, but key forward Jesse Hogan was hampered by a knee injury and is in doubt to play this week against the Hawks.
Stats That Matter
Although the Hawks only kicked ten goals last week, eight different Hawthorn players got on the scoreboard, showing they can still spread the load when it comes to goal kicking.
Key Player
Luke Breust was particularly good last week with 16 disposals, seven marks and two goals in the absence of Rioli and Puopolo. Look for his form to continue.
It’s A Big Week For…
Max Gawn is the premier ruckman in the competition right now, so Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar will need to be on their game to counter his influence.
Odd Fact
Round 11 was the first time Hawthorn had scored less than 90 points in a game against Melbourne since Round 8, 2006. The Hawks have hit three figures against Melbourne in ten of their last 13 encounters.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne weren’t at their best last week, but their best footy can match it with the top sides. The Hawks will need to ensure they kick a bit straighter than the last couple of weeks to get the right result.
