In the latest edition of Opposition Watch, Swans Media looks at the Hawks camp ahead of the clash with the Swans on Saturday at the SCG.
Recent form
The Hawks sit 14th on the AFL ladder and are coming off three consecutive losses, to GWS Collingwood and Melbourne.
Ins and outs
The Hawks have been forced to make to two changes, with Ricky Henderson and Tim O’Brien both sustaining injuries in last week’s loss to the Demons.
In their place, the Hawks have welcomed back defender Jack Scrimshaw from injury and will debut Keegan Brooksby. The ruck/utility has not played at senior level for some 1063 days, following stints with the Gold Coast and West Coast.
Key match-up
Swans fans will be very familiar with Hawks midfield ace Tom Mitchell. After 65 games with the Swans, Mitchell departed for the Hawks and has since become a Brownlow medallist.
Mitchell is very familiar with the tight confines of the SCG and will be a key to the Hawks chances.
Expect to see Mitchell go head-to-head with Swans co-captain Luke Parker.
Last time they met
Round 14, 2019 @ SCG
Sydney 6.1 7.4 8.9 12.10 (82) def. Hawthorn 3.1 6.3 7.7 9.9 (63)
In a tight Friday night tussle, the Swans defeated the Hawks by 19 points in front of 30,000 fans.
The Swans got the jump on the Hawks with a six goal opening term, but the Hawks worked their way back into the contest.
Just eight points separated the teams at the final change, however the Swans proved too strong late, running out 19-point winners.
Lance Franklin’s four goals were pivotal in the tight contest, while Luke Parker starred in the midfield with 31 disposals and 12 tackles.
Jaeger O’Meara was the best of the Hawks with 28 disposals.
What they said
Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson on the matchup against the Swans…
“They’re a little like us. They haven’t been hitting the winning scoreboard either.”
“So I’m sure it’s going to be a war of attrition on Saturday. Someone’s going to be the victor and feel a bit better about themselves but both clubs have been a little bit down on their winning form, that’s for certain. So it will be an interesting game. Both sides need to win and try and get their seasons back on track again.“
"We can't continue on losing like this.”
"We're backing in our senior guys but at some point in time there needs to be a changing of the guard if the senior guys don't perform.
"But you've got to understand this club and me personally and these players have got a pretty decorated history with the club … so they need to be given an opportunity to perform.
"That will only go so far before we say we need to inject some more young talent into our group."
