With the Hawks ready to take on Essendon in a Friday night blockbuster, hawthornfc.com.au looks at the five key players who could impact the result.
1. Isaac Smith (Hawthorn)
We highlighted Smith as a match-winner for the Hawks last week but his importance is perhaps more significant this Friday night against the Bombers.
On the fast track at Etihad Stadium, Smith’s ability to break the lines and run through the middle of the ground will be critical to catch the Bomber defence off guard.
He has also become a goal kicking midfielder of late and as always, goals sides can get from their midfielders are worth their weight in gold. If he can use his running capacity to burn his opponent and push forward will be a welcome benefit for the Hawks.
Smith loves playing against the Bombers and he has actually averaged more disposals against them than any other team. In three matches against Essendon, the speedy wingman averages 23.3 disposals, two tackles and 1.6 goals.
He also has a good record playing at Etihad Stadium, averaging 20.1 disposals in seven games at the venue and has also kicked six goals.
2. Jobe Watson (Essendon)
He’s the obvious choice at Essendon but the fact remains Jobe Watson can perform well under heavy tags and against the best opposition.
He was best on ground against North Melbourne last weekend with 38 disposals and two goals, so he actually adds more to the Bombers than just a ball magnet because he can hurt the opposition on the scoreboard.
Watson is the league-leader for centre clearances after managing six in last week’s victory and if he is allowed to win ball from the middle on Friday night, the Hawks could be in trouble given their undersized backline.
Interestingly his history against the Hawks hasn’t been as good as it has against other clubs, averaging just 23 disposals against them in 11 matches. That is six less disposals than his best record against teams other than the expansion clubs.
3. Ben McEvoy (Hawthorn)
With the Bombers possessing some of the best clearance players in the league and given the size of their forwards against the Hawthorn backline, Ben McEvoy’s importance to Hawthorn rises.
McEvoy and David Hale will be crucial players for Hawthorn in their ability to give the Hawthorn midfielders first use at the stoppages.
But if McEvoy can also push back into defence and fill the holes in front of the Bomber forwards, that will greatly assist Josh Gibson and Kyle Cheney.
The start to his Hawthorn career began well last week, nullifying Matthew Leuenberger in the ruck and then pushing forward and back to make an impact.
4. Paul Chapman (Essendon)
The beginning of the former Cat’s career at Essendon couldn’t have started any better and he looms as a danger man against the Hawks tonight.
He kicked four goals and had 22 disposals against the Roos last Friday night, which spells danger for the Hawks given they’ve had trouble containing him in the past.
Chapman has kicked 31 goals in 22 matches against Hawthorn – the second most against any opposition in his career. He also averages 19 disposals against the Hawks and if he hits his average tonight, that could pose issues for the men in brown and gold.
He adds another dimension to Essendon’s forward line and is undoubtedly their most dangerous small forward, if not their most dangerous forward.
5. Josh Gibson (Hawthorn)
With the Bombers having a number of tall options up forward in the form of Joe Daniher, Patrick Ryder, Jake Carlisle and even Kyle Hardingham, Gibson’s ability to play above his weight will be critical to Hawthorn’s chances of winning.
Gibson was among Hawthorn’s best against Brisbane, managing to not only perform well against his taller direct opponent, but also managing to help his fellow defenders by being third-man up at the contest.
His ability to read the play is among the best, if not the best among backmen in the competition and on Friday night his ability to hold his own and help his teammates will be crucial.
It’s about the team, not the individual in Hawthorn’s defence (and across the ground) so Gibson will need help too, from the likes of Kyle Cheney, Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall.
