With the Hawks ready to take on Carlton tonight, hawthornfc.com.au looks at the five key players who could impact the result.
1. Luke Hodge (Hawthorn)
The Hawthorn skipper has been in vintage form of late, reminding the competition of his midfield trade prior to becoming one of the best half-backs in the league.
Since returning from a groin injury in Round 4, Hodge has averaged 27.1 disposals, 5.3 marks, 4.9 clearances, 4.4 inside-50s and 4.6 one percenters per game.
His on-ball outings have been particularly damaging in the absence of Sam Mitchell, underlined by a dazzling performance against the Eagles last week, recording 28 disposals, seven tackles, seven inside-50s and six clearances.
The skipper is likely to resume duties leading Hawks engine room against Carlton this week, an opponent he has dominated in the past with his superior attack on the ball.
Hodge physically dragged the Hawks over the line the last time the two sides met as he fiercely attacked crucial contests and although the stats sheet said he won only 15 disposals, his impact was profound.
The skipper leads his side not only by his words but by his actions. He sets the tone often for the Hawks and expect to see the same tonight.
2. Kade Simpson (Carlton)
After a stellar season last year, Simpson has taken his game to another level in 2014, producing career-best numbers that place him in All-Australian contention.
The courageous 30-year-old currently averages 26.4 disposals (17 kicks and 9.4 handballs), 6.3 marks, 3 tackles, 3.45 clearances, 3.45 inside-50s, 3.35 rebound-50s per game.
He was among the Blues best in last year’s loss to the Hawks, returning 23 disposals (10 kicks and 13 handballs), four marks, four tackles and three inside 50s – while his five rebound 50s kick-started the Blues attack out of the backline.
Simpson looms as a key player in Friday night’s contest, with his ability to switch between the backline and midfield making him a difficult prospect to contain.
3. Chris Judd (Carlton)
It might be unfair to highlight Judd in just his second game for the year but the former Blues skipper adds swagger and confidence to his team. Whenever Judd is in the side, the Blues walk taller and that usually reflects in their win/loss record.
Without Judd this year the Blues have struggled and have been questioned for their lack of leadership, particularly through the midfield. He is a hard-ball winner and electric with ball in hand, he is a once in a lifetime player and that’s why his inclusion is pivotal for the Blues.
At his best, he is a dangerous line-breaker who can kick goals and looms as a dangerous proposition for the Hawks, who will need to dedicate time to stopping him despite it being just his second game for 2014.
In a midfielder littered with top-line talent like Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas, you add Judd to that mix and it’s one of the best midfields on paper on talent alone.
His inclusion will likely boost the confidence of his teammates.
4. Luke Breust (Hawthorn)
Breust was held goalless in the meeting between the two sides last year but the Hawks can’t afford to have him return a similar result tonight.
Another year of improvement under his belt, Breust is now an important figure in Hawthorn’s forward line, rather than perhaps the role player he has been to date.
He has kicked 30 goals already this year – placed sixth in the current Coleman Medal leaderboard – and given the Blues are light on for small, lock down defenders, could be one who gets under the radar.
That makes his ability to work with Cyril Rioli and Paul Puopolo crucial, to rotate deep in the forward line to expose the potentially light-on small defenders at Carlton.
Although, the Blues could opt to play a taller defender on him, in the form of Simon White as Breust is just as dangerous on the lead as he is at ground level. White can go with him in both areas.
Interestingly, he has kicked the least goals against Carlton than he has against any other team, managing just four in three games against them.
5. Jarrad Waite (Carlton)
He has battled injury and form so far this season, which culminated in being subbed out against the Cats last Friday night.
But the forward is Carlton’s barometer, and the Blues can’t afford to have their best forward since Brendan Fevola down on form.
Waite is averaging 12.7 disposals, 5.7 marks (1.9 contested) but just 1.2 goals per game this season in eight games. When the Blues win, he plays above those averages with of 18 touches, 8.3 marks (2.3 contested) and 2.0 goals.
But when they lose, it’s when he’s struggling up forward. He averages just 7.2 disposals, 3.1 marks (1.5 contested) and 0.4 goals per game.
He was ineffective against the Cats last Friday night, where he was ultimately subbed out at three-quarter time with 11 disposals, five marks and no goals.
He has kicked just 12 goals in 10 games against the Hawks but booted two in last year’s loss.
He needs to take marks and get involved in the play early if the Blues are any chance. He will have one of Kyle Cheney or Matt Spangher for company, both of whome were outstanding against the Eagles last week.
