Hawks supporter Brad Hopkins previews this weekend's clash between Sydney and Hawthorn.
The last time Hawthorn was challenging for a top-four spot come Round 22, they had their hopes snuffed out by a 15th placed St Kilda side, led by Barry Hall who kicked the winner after the siren. Yes, a sure-tell sign that this match was what seems like millenniums ago, Hall was at St Kilda, St Kilda were challenging for the spoon and Hawthorn were chasing the top 4.
Hawthorn would fight in their attempt to make the Grand Final the hard way. Playing Sydney in a home Elimination Final, heading over to Adelaide to knock off Port in thrilling circumstances and then the journey back to Melbourne to face Essendon in the Preliminary Final proved all too tough. The loss that all Hawks fans have tried to forget, 6 long seasons ago, is the last time any Hawks fan have had the chance to witness September action. This year however, history can be rewritten. The Hawks are back in September and their chances will be greatly improved if they can defeat Sydney on Sunday.
The situation the Hawks are encountering this weekend is strikingly familiar to the previous anecdote mentioned above – they face another Hall led side with another top 4 spot up for grabs. The scenario however, is somewhat tougher this time – playing the Grand Finalists of the previous two seasons in their own backyard instead of a 15th place side with nothing to play for. Nevertheless, if you believe defender Leo Barry, Sydney are not too worried about winning or losing – their spot in the top 8 is sewn up and they cannot finish higher then 7th, meaning an Elimination final regardless of the result and a likely trip to Victoria. Paul Roos has also come out saying that any player that has the slightest of injuries will not be risked. However, this somewhat lax attitude held by the Swans could catch the Hawks off guard – if the club gets sucked into mind games and goes into the match with anything less then 110% commitment, they place their top four chances in jeopardy.
So, is this Hawthorn’s chance to take a closer step to that prestigious top 4 spot, bearing in mind that finishing fourth would allow the club a “home” (match would be played at the MCG) final against Geelong and a double chance? It certainly presents a golden opportunity, especially if the Sydney side isn’t fair dinkum.
This game shapes as one of, if not Hawthorn’s biggest match since that ill-fated Preliminary Final in 2001. Whether you’re watching at home or the pub or listening on the radio, get ready for some serious celebrations if the side wins.
All the talk during the week was of the likely omission of Hall and ex-Hawk, Peter Everitt. The loss of Amon Buchanan through suspension and another ex-Hawk Luke Brennan will certainly play into the Hawks hands. Sydney will welcome back Lewis Roberts-Thomson into the extended 25-man squad in what could possibly be his first match of the season, as well as Leo Barry.
After thumping the Bulldogs at the Telstra Dome last Sunday, the selectors decided to introduce 3 players into the 25-man squad. Ben McGlynn makes his way back into the side, desperate to regain some form after a few quiet matches prior to Round 21. Tom Murphy also joins the team as does Travis Tuck. The final squad will be announced on Saturday but is probably unlikely to have Murphy and Tuck featuring. Xavier Ellis on a 7-man interchange is probably the player most likely to make way for McGlynn.
It wouldn’t be a preview without a prediction, so I will go out on a limb. Earlier in the week, I was not confident that the club had what it took to head over to Sydney but the more I think about it, the more likely a victory seems. The Hawks have everything to play for – their season is literally on the line. Sydney on the other hand are going through the motions, ensuring their squad is 100% fit to tackle the Elimination Finals the following weekend. With conjecture about the appearances of O’Loughlin, Hall and Everitt, it appears the Swans may lack height against the Hawks, with defenders such as Croad, Brown and ruckman Robert Campbell likely to lick their lips if these big names miss. If Buddy can find the big sticks and if Hodge can dominate from the half-back line (or forward if he happens to make his way down there again), I think the Hawks will be too tough for the struggling Swans. My prediction – Hawthorn by 25 points.
Cheero
Brad
Would you like to read another opinion? Bryon Sweerts previews the match for hawthornfc.com.au
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.au would like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to the Official Club website. If you would like to sign up to write for hawthornfc.com.au click here for more details.
The last time Hawthorn was challenging for a top-four spot come Round 22, they had their hopes snuffed out by a 15th placed St Kilda side, led by Barry Hall who kicked the winner after the siren. Yes, a sure-tell sign that this match was what seems like millenniums ago, Hall was at St Kilda, St Kilda were challenging for the spoon and Hawthorn were chasing the top 4.
Hawthorn would fight in their attempt to make the Grand Final the hard way. Playing Sydney in a home Elimination Final, heading over to Adelaide to knock off Port in thrilling circumstances and then the journey back to Melbourne to face Essendon in the Preliminary Final proved all too tough. The loss that all Hawks fans have tried to forget, 6 long seasons ago, is the last time any Hawks fan have had the chance to witness September action. This year however, history can be rewritten. The Hawks are back in September and their chances will be greatly improved if they can defeat Sydney on Sunday.
The situation the Hawks are encountering this weekend is strikingly familiar to the previous anecdote mentioned above – they face another Hall led side with another top 4 spot up for grabs. The scenario however, is somewhat tougher this time – playing the Grand Finalists of the previous two seasons in their own backyard instead of a 15th place side with nothing to play for. Nevertheless, if you believe defender Leo Barry, Sydney are not too worried about winning or losing – their spot in the top 8 is sewn up and they cannot finish higher then 7th, meaning an Elimination final regardless of the result and a likely trip to Victoria. Paul Roos has also come out saying that any player that has the slightest of injuries will not be risked. However, this somewhat lax attitude held by the Swans could catch the Hawks off guard – if the club gets sucked into mind games and goes into the match with anything less then 110% commitment, they place their top four chances in jeopardy.
So, is this Hawthorn’s chance to take a closer step to that prestigious top 4 spot, bearing in mind that finishing fourth would allow the club a “home” (match would be played at the MCG) final against Geelong and a double chance? It certainly presents a golden opportunity, especially if the Sydney side isn’t fair dinkum.
This game shapes as one of, if not Hawthorn’s biggest match since that ill-fated Preliminary Final in 2001. Whether you’re watching at home or the pub or listening on the radio, get ready for some serious celebrations if the side wins.
All the talk during the week was of the likely omission of Hall and ex-Hawk, Peter Everitt. The loss of Amon Buchanan through suspension and another ex-Hawk Luke Brennan will certainly play into the Hawks hands. Sydney will welcome back Lewis Roberts-Thomson into the extended 25-man squad in what could possibly be his first match of the season, as well as Leo Barry.
After thumping the Bulldogs at the Telstra Dome last Sunday, the selectors decided to introduce 3 players into the 25-man squad. Ben McGlynn makes his way back into the side, desperate to regain some form after a few quiet matches prior to Round 21. Tom Murphy also joins the team as does Travis Tuck. The final squad will be announced on Saturday but is probably unlikely to have Murphy and Tuck featuring. Xavier Ellis on a 7-man interchange is probably the player most likely to make way for McGlynn.
It wouldn’t be a preview without a prediction, so I will go out on a limb. Earlier in the week, I was not confident that the club had what it took to head over to Sydney but the more I think about it, the more likely a victory seems. The Hawks have everything to play for – their season is literally on the line. Sydney on the other hand are going through the motions, ensuring their squad is 100% fit to tackle the Elimination Finals the following weekend. With conjecture about the appearances of O’Loughlin, Hall and Everitt, it appears the Swans may lack height against the Hawks, with defenders such as Croad, Brown and ruckman Robert Campbell likely to lick their lips if these big names miss. If Buddy can find the big sticks and if Hodge can dominate from the half-back line (or forward if he happens to make his way down there again), I think the Hawks will be too tough for the struggling Swans. My prediction – Hawthorn by 25 points.
Cheero
Brad
Would you like to read another opinion? Bryon Sweerts previews the match for hawthornfc.com.au
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.au would like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to the Official Club website. If you would like to sign up to write for hawthornfc.com.au click here for more details.
