Sunday, June 7 2009, 2.10pm, MCG
Season to date
The reigning premiers had a slow start to the year as injuries took their toll. Losses in three of the first four games raised questions over the Hawks ability to be contenders again in 2009.
However, Hawthorn has won four of its past six games to surge back into the top eight as its more experienced personnel rejoined the fray.
Recent form
Round 6 – Hawthorn 16.10 (106) d Carlton 15.12 (102), MCG
Round 7 – Hawthorn 10.12 (72) lost to Essendon 17.14 (116), Docklands
Round 8 – Hawthorn 13.9 (87) d Fremantle 9.11 (65), Subiaco
Round 9 – Hawthorn 17.12 (114) d Melbourne 13.14 (92), MCG
Round 10 – Hawthorn 12.7 (79) lost to Adelaide 16.10 (106), AAMI Stadium
Last time they met
Sydney Swans 22.11 (143) d Hawthorn 15.15 (105), round two 2009, ANZ Stadium
The Swans were coming off a hiding against St Kilda in which they failed to score a goal in the second and third quarters; the Hawks ran Geelong to within a couple of kicks.
But that form line was reversed in emphatic fashion as the Swans ran rampant in the second half, booting 14 goals to seven to win by 43 points after leading by just two at the long break.
Adam Goodes was superb with 24 touches and four goals, a tally matched by Barry Hall, while Darren Jolly and Jesse White dominated in the ruck.
Hawk Mark Williams battled up forward for three goals and Xavier Ellis was efficient off a half-back flank on a tough night for the visitors.
The venue: MCG
Hawthorn has won its past two at the MCG, albeit by small margins against Carlton and Melbourne. In contrast, the Swans have lost their past four at the home of football with their most recent victory coming against the Hawks in round 11, 2007 by nine points.
The coach: Alastair Clarkson
The former North Melbourne and Melbourne onballer’s competitive streak has served him well as he took the Hawks from strugglers to premiers in four years at the helm.
However, he’s only guided Hawthorn to victory once against the Swans – in round 15, 2009 when the Hawks triumphed by 31 points at the MCG. Paul Roos and his Swans have won the remaining six encounters in Clarkson’s time as senior coach.
Strengths
Much has been said about the Hawks’ potent forward line of Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams and Cyril Rioli and with good reason. It’s the most talented group of forwards in the competition.
Franklin and Roughead have yet to hit the heights of 2008 when they combined for 188 goals in the season. However, both are among the top five in this year’s Coleman Medal race.
Rioli has been the real star this season, dazzling opponents and fans alike with his pace and skill. A four-goal, 22-possession performance against Adelaide in round 10 underlined his ability.
Missing in action
Three premiership players – Trent Croad (foot), Luke Hodge (adductor) and Clinton Young (hip) – will definitely miss Sunday’s game and two more – defender Stephen Gilham (knee) and midfielder Rick Ladson (knee) – face fitness tests.
Impressive youngster Brendan Whitecross (hamstring) will also be assessed, while Garry Moss (knee) has been ruled out for 6-8 weeks following a strong start to the season.
The key: Keep Rioli quiet
The Swans have had difficulty at times in keeping the opposition’s small forwards quiet with Steve Johnson’s four-goal masterclass at Skilled Stadium a perfect example.
Despite his tender years, Rioli matches the Cats star for skill and he has the potential to cause some headaches for the visitors on Sunday.
Hundred-gamer Paul Bevan is a chance to stand Rioli at the first bounce and Jared Crouch could be a back-up option, provided he is sufficiently recovered from concussion sustained against the Bulldogs. If he really breaks loose, Craig Bolton could be forced away from Buddy Franklin to rein in the Hawk magician.
The young gun: Beau Muston
It’s rare to see a player look immediately comfortable at AFL level but that’s what Muston has done in the past two weeks. The 22-year-old was drafted in 2005 but persistent knee problems delayed his debut until round nine this year.
He racked up 31 touches and a goal against Melbourne and followed up with 26 possessions in an assured display against Adelaide. With athleticism, height and a booming kick, the young midfielder is quickly developing into a potent weapon for the Hawks.
The big questions
Can the Swans bounce back from last weekend’s shellacking at the hands of the Bulldogs? Will Franklin’s lean run against the Swans continue? Which side will head into the split round with momentum? How much confidence will the Swans’ round-two win give them? Who’ll stand Rioli?
What they’re saying
“[The Swans] are a great side. They are a really well drilled and disciplined side. We’ve got an enormous amount of respect for them. They are really well coached and it will be a big challenge this week. They really perform well when they’re under pressure so it will be a good matchup.” - Hawthorn midfielder Chance Bateman
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs.
