Looking ahead

He is arguably the AFL’s best player, and the Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson has the near impossible task of formulating a plan to stop Gary Ablett.

The Gold Coast captain continues to enhance his reputation as one of the AFL’s elite players through his ability to back up 30 disposal effort after 30 disposal effort week in, week out.

Even if the Hawks aim to restrict his run, Ablett is sure to have an impact on the inside, as the former Cat possesses the unique ability both to be an inside and outside player. Of his 34 disposal per game average, 15 of those are contested.

He’s also his side’s premier stoppage player, averaging seven clearances per game.

He tackles, he kicks goals, he sets them up, he does it all. The questions is though, when  a player of his calibre is certain to have an impact no matter the attention he’s given, do you bother to tag the Gold Coast skipper?

If Clarkson decides to send a player to the “little master”, that player is likely to be Hawthorn hard man Brad Sewell or the returning Liam Shiels. Both Shiels and Sewell have performed defensive roles with aplomb for the Hawks this season, while remaining an offensive weapon for their team from the middle.

Shiels was one of Hawthorn’s best in the 117-point win over North Melbourne in Round 10 when he successfully nullified former captain, Brent Harvey. On that day, Harvey had just 14 possessions.

Sewell on the other hand has performed the “run with” role for the Hawks on a number of occasions, but his best game for the year was the Round 11 win over Port Adelaide. Sewell blanketed Power young gun Hamish Hartlett, restricting him to just 12 disposals, while Sewell was best afield for Hawthorn with 33 disposals.

The strengths of the Gold Coast side lie undoubtedly in its midfield led by Ablett.

The Suns possess one of the best young midfields in the league, who can be as damaging as any on their given day. Youngster Harley Bennell has emerged as one of his team’s most exciting young players, averaging 23 disposals and eight contested per match.

He also wins his fair share of clearances, averaging three per game and hits the scoreboard with devastating effect. He has kicked 25 goals this season to the Suns’ leading goal kicker.

Up forward, veteran and former Hawthorn player Campbell Brown leads the Suns in their forward 50, providing great leadership and the much publicised “forward pressure” that is integral to each team’s game style in 2012.

While he averages just 11 disposals per game this season, his intensity around the ball, desire to impact on a contest through his physicality and leadership makes him an important player for the Suns.

His partner up forward, Jared Brennan will also be on Clarkson’s agenda, as the athletic midfielder/forward possess a unique threat. Brennan can take marks, kick goals and run his opponent ragged. He averages 18 disposals per game for the Suns this season, had kicked goals and also enjoyed time in the ruck.

The Suns are ranked 17th in the league for contested possessions, averaging 134 per game. It is in this area that the Hawks can assert their authority, through its seasoned and hardened bodies around the ball. Sam Mitchell and Sewell will be integral for the Hawks in the midfield.


Grant Birchall: “He is obviously the standout player for them. He’s been a champion for a number of years now. We’re going to have to try and stop his influence, particularly around the stoppages.

“They’ve got a couple of young kids as well who are going to be really good players.

“It’s important that we get off to a really good start this week.”


Roy Smith on Facebook: “The Suns don't like close marking teams, they are still young across the board and they're half a step behind in making quick decisions under tagging/close marking pressure.

“(We should) also employ the 'swarm' mentality across the field. Too much movement across the field will also put them under perceived pressure.”






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