With the Hawks ready to take on Fremantle on Sunday, hawthornfc.com.au looks at the five key players who could impact the result.
1. Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)
Since his return from in Round 16, Mitchell has averaged 28 disposals, 10 contested possessions, six clearances, four inside-50s and three tackles per game.
His impact through the midfield has allowed his fellow midfielders to get off the leash, with Jordan Lewis and Liam Shiels producing outstanding numbers since his return.
Mitchell has had a profound impact in previous meetings against Fremantle, with his smart play and defensive pressure in last year’s Grand Final victory drawing praise from coach Alastair Clarkson.
Despite managing just the 12 disposals, Mitchell laid seven tackles (the second most of any Hawk) and played a sacrificial role that was pivotal in the Hawks winning the clearance count 42-34.
But there was nothing sacrificial about his game in the Hawks 58-point win over Fremantle in Round 3 this season, with his straight-up dominance resulting in Crowley being moved off Mitchell after half time.
Mitchell finished with 36 disposals, five clearances, five marks, four tackles and four inside-50s.
The midfielder will be key to the Hawks’ chances of toppling the Dockers in Perth, no matter what kind of role the clever veteran plays.
2. Stephen Hill (Fremantle)
The smooth mover provides much of Fremantle’s outside run, an area in which has been criticised at times due to the defensive nature of their game.
But that makes Hill’s inclusion to the team all the more important for Ross Lyon because if you can’t score, you don’t win games.
The Hawks have gone defensive on Hill in the past because Clarkson knows his importance to the Dockers – any time he wins the ball in space he’ll hurt you.
Hill has had 10 direct goal assists in 15 games this year – the second-highest return of any Docker in equal or fewer games.
He is ranked second for forward 50 entries with 5.3 per game, second for running bounces and averages 22.4 disposals per game.
When out injured, the Dockers really missed his run and class with ball in hand and like teammate Nathan Fyfe, he’s a match-winner the Hawks can’t afford to let off the leash.
Stephen Hill celebrates a goal for the Dockers.
3. Ryan Schoenmakers (Hawthorn)
The Hawks swingman may be required to play forward on Sunday with Jarryd Roughead out suspended, a role in which he has impressed at various stages.
In his first game back from an ACL injury in Round 7, Schoenmakers demonstrated his capabilities as a forward by booting four goals and clunking six marks.
He was used in a similar role in last week’s victory over Melbourne, returning one goal from five marks.
His ability to play at both ends of the ground is a key attribute, with Coach Alastair Clarkson a fan of the versatility he provides.
Schoenmakers will look to demonstrate his worth to the Hawks line-up this Sunday and showcase his key position flexibility.
4. David Mundy (Fremantle)
The Hawks know all too well what David Mundy is capable of, with the tough on-baller producing a damaging performance in last year’s grand final.
The tall midfielder threatened to steal the game from the Hawks in the third quarter, with a spurt of centre clearances creating several opportunities for the Dockers.
He finished with 28 disposals (12 contested), eight tackles, seven clearances and four inside 50s – a sign of what he can do at full flight.
Mundy was also prolific in the Round 3 encounter this season, recording 26 disposals, six inside 50s, five clearances and five tackles.
He enters Sunday’s match in dangerous form, after chalking up 27 disposals and six clearances against the Cats last week.
He missed a difficult shot after the siren to win the game, a disappointment that could motivate him to an extreme level of performance in the remaining weeks of the season.
5. Lachie Neale (Fremantle)
Sometimes with interstate teams their games aren’t as analysed as those in Melbourne so players can slip under the radar.
Someone who hasn’t been spoken amount much as a big improver in 2014 is this classy youngster.
In a very talented midfield that boasts names like Fyfe, Mundy, Barlow and Hill, Neale has emerged as a genuine star of the future for the Dockers.
In fact, he has been just as influential of those four players we just mentioned.
Neale has averaged 21.7 disposals per game this year and comes in a close fifth to the star quartet for clearances (3.7 average) and centre clearances (1.1).
He is also a ferocious tackler and has laid as many as eight in any one game this year.
He has nerves of steel – Neale was the player who drilled the goal with second remaining two weeks ago to sink Carlton and hand his team victory.
This classy youngster doesn’t get overawed by the occasions and looms as a genuine big game performer.
His best games this year have been against the top teams – Sydney in Round 5 (27 disposals) and Port Adelaide in Round 8 (28 disposals) his best.
Lachie Neale in action for Freo.
