Last time they met - Preliminary final, 2011:
Hawthorn 2.4 4.7 7.11 9.11 (65)
Collingwood 2.3 3.5 5.6 10.8 (68)
Crowd: 87,112 at MCG.
A game Hawthorn fans wish to forget, the Hawks succumbed to a fast-finishing Magpie outfit that booted five goals to two in a heart-stopping final term.
Looking ahead
Defence
The Magpies statistically boasted the best defence in the league last year, conceding only 1546 points over the course of the 2011 home-and-away season, and will be looking to replicate that form throughout 2012. Full back Chris Tarrant will miss the blockbuster in a blow to the Magpies defensive stocks.
Midfield
The midfield battle will be the barometer, as a number of superstars will line up for both sides. Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury, the Pies’ two best prime movers were ranked in the top six players last season for average disposals per game and will look to back up that form this season. With Max Bailey out injured for the Hawks, the importance of the ruck battle against Darren Jolly may impact on the contest and the ability of either team to get on top in the clearances is pivotal.
Forward
Up forward, the Hawks will need to shut down imposing big man Travis Cloke who enjoyed a career best season and announced himself as a superstar of the competition. The Pies two-pronged attack with Cloke and fellow big man Chris Dawes will pose an interesting battle with Hawks defenders throughout the night. Cloke was the best contested mark in the competition last year, averaging a season high 3.8 per game and 95 contested marks throughout the year - an impressive 38 more than second-ranked, James Podsiadly.
View the Hawks team to take on the Magpies
Luke Beveridge - "Although their forward line has changed from 2011 to 2012, their two biggest threats, (Travis) Cloke and (Chris) Dawes are still there, so for us to win the game we need to make sure we reduce their influence."
David Hale - "They've obviously got a lot of top-line midfielders in (Dane) Swan and (Scott) Pendlebury and with (Darren) Jolly they've got a lot of good players in the midfield, but in saying that, so have we - so it will be a good battle."
Maestro Rinday - "Just hoping to see the Hawks run out the game, and for our younger players to step up and showcase their talents. Rioli to pressure the defenders up forward and keep it locked in the 50 like we all know he can."
What are you looking ahead to against the Pies on Friday night? Share your views below.
