DEFENDER Ben Stratton says the Hawks are preparing for a pressure onslaught from Fremantle at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.
Ross Lyon’s team has come under the microscope in the last month as their trademark pressure-game has halted but Stratton believes they’re now back to their best.
After struggling in the opening three quarters against the Cats last Saturday night, Fremantle flicked the pressure-switch and strangled Geelong in the last quarter to almost steal an unlikely victory.
They conceded just 64 disposals, 12 inside 50s and four scoring shots to Geelong in the last 30 minutes of the game.
In contrast, Fremantle managed 98 disposals and scored 11 times from 15 inside 50s.
“They came home strong and kicked four goals to one so we’ll definitely have to stop runs like that,” Stratton told hawthornfc.com.au ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster.
“It was the Fremantle of old and from the grand final last year – that typical Ross Lyon pressure.
“It’s going to be tough.”
Fremantle have won nine of their last 11 games but have been beaten by lowly St Kilda and were lucky to steal victory against Carlton in Round 19.
While Stratton says the Hawks will look at the success other teams have had against last year’s grand finalists, it’s ultimately Hawthorn’s own game plan and attitude that will decide whether the Hawks leave Perth with another four points.
“You always have to look at what other sides do to them and what successful sides do against them to get a few ideas here and there but mainly it’s about how we play week to week,” he said.
“We don’t really like to change that up too much, it’s the same for us going into any game, especially the bigger games like this one.”
One game the Hawks won’t be focusing on though, is the Round 3 encounter between the two sides.
In the much anticipated grand final re-match, the Hawks thumped the Dockers by 58 points at the MCG.
In a stunning performance, the Hawks booted 12 goals to two in the opening half to seal victory in a game Fremantle never really challenged.
On that night, 14 Hawks had 20 or more disposals, while only four Dockers could manage that feat.
The Hawks systematically disamantled Fremantle on that night but Stratton says Sunday's clash will be different.
“I don’t think you can look at the games you win by a fair margin because it usually means the other team was a bit off,” Stratton said.
“It wasn’t the typical Fremantle that night.
“I think it’ll be a different story on Sunday.”
