It is a bit strange that we play the Hawks for the second time in two weeks. Obviously it’s something that has happened a few times before and I remember a couple of years ago that Geelong played Collingwood a couple of times in a row, so it’s one of those strange things that can happen when finals come around.

Despite the fact we knew we were more than likely to play each other again this week when we faced off last Friday, I still think both sides had a real crack in round 23, so that certainly was a good gauge going into preparing for this week. We have looked at that game pretty closely in the lead up to the qualifying final and had a look at some of the things we can do better for tonight’s match. We also looked at certain things that the Hawks might do and we’re really expecting them to come out red-hot this week and we’re hoping to do the same.

While we didn’t come out on top last week, I think there were a few things we did do well. I think some of our younger players played pretty well. I thought Brandon Jack and Harry Cunningham did a good job, and it was good to see them experience that kind of pressure. I think they both stood up pretty well. Luke Parker was another one who had a good game as well, so certainly a few players playing well and in form is something you really value at this time of year.  Also, to get some good games into some of our good players was really important.

For most of the year we’ve had at least six of our best players from last year missing from the side, so that’s been a big challenge, but one we’ve been able to manage pretty well. I think the pleasing thing is that we finished fourth at the end of the home and away season and we’ve given ourselves a real shot at a finals campaign. We’ve had players like Jesse White, Jed Lamb, as well as Brandon and Harry, play really well in the last couple of months, especially up forward. We’ve also added Gary Rohan back as well, so while it has been a challenge for us, it’s been great to see some new faces and for them to do well.

Earlier in the week our co-captain Jarrad McVeigh mentioned that there was a hunger within the team to succeed this year. That is certainly the case within the forward line and it’s been exciting to work with some of the players who missed out last year like Ben McGlynn, Jesse White, Gary Rohan and Kurt Tippett. While it has been disappointing not to work with the regulars like Goodesy, Reidy and Jetts from last year, it’s been really exciting working with those newer faces. You can sense that they certainly are hungry and that’s how they are playing at the moment.

We’re back in Melbourne tonight, so that’s always a challenge facing a team like the Hawks at their home. Last time we played them in Melbourne in round seven they really got a hold of us and played a super game. We’re expecting their good players to play well and they’ll certainly be looking to carry on from last week, where their last quarter was really impressive. Our challenge will be to absorb their pressure and push back a bit with a bit of our own stuff. No doubt the Hawks will be red-hot – even without Buddy – so it’s going to be a big challenge and we can’t wait.