The Case for Hawthorn
September 22nd 2008 09:02
While the Hawks could point out that Geelong suffered the worst loss of any top eight team this year, it’s probably best for them to focus on their own strengths.
Forwards and forward defensive pressure
Brown and Rioli look set to be of key importance for the Hawks. Their presence up front and pressure on opposition disposal is admirable, and against a team like Geelong – who start their plays from defence – can be the key to forcing turnovers. Combine that with the goalkicking presence of Franklin, Roughead, Osborne and Williams and the Cat defenders will have their paws full.
Preliminary Final form
Geelong dominated the Bulldogs, especially in quarters two and three, but just couldn’t put them away. Had the Dogs kicked straight the contest could have been very tight. The Hawks, on the other hand, jumped the Saints and had 11 goals to 4 at half time. Lewis, Mitchell and Williams were on fire. Campbell was playing out of his skin, and Young, Bateman and Birchall added slick run through the middle. If they replicate their efficiency and movement on Saturday, they will give the Cats a serious run for their money.
The “Cluster”
Before a slight lull in the third quarter, the Hawks had twice as many inside 50s as St Kilda. This was due in no small part to the rolling grid of players that Clarkson sets up in front of his opponent’s defenders to stifle their run and force them wide. It forces a game suited to big bodies on the wing, which the likes of Lewis, Campbell, Roughead and Hodge took good advantage of. It worked well enough in round 17, and if it can stop Geelong’s famous run-and-carry on Saturday it could be a winning formula.
Brad Sewell
Initially a stopper and now a ballwinner in his own right, Sewell should be played on one of the Cats’ pack-breakers. If he can shut one down – probably Ablett – Geelong will lose an avenue into their attacking zone and one of the midfield goalkickers they use to such good effect.
Hardness at the ball
It is widely acknowledged that the Cats’ single loss for the year was due to intense tackling pressure. It is this area that Hawthorn’s midfield has improved dramatically through the aggression of Lewis, Hodge, Mitchell and Sewell. Their aggression needs to be channelled effectively if the Hawks are to get up.
Forwards and forward defensive pressure
Brown and Rioli look set to be of key importance for the Hawks. Their presence up front and pressure on opposition disposal is admirable, and against a team like Geelong – who start their plays from defence – can be the key to forcing turnovers. Combine that with the goalkicking presence of Franklin, Roughead, Osborne and Williams and the Cat defenders will have their paws full.
Preliminary Final form
Geelong dominated the Bulldogs, especially in quarters two and three, but just couldn’t put them away. Had the Dogs kicked straight the contest could have been very tight. The Hawks, on the other hand, jumped the Saints and had 11 goals to 4 at half time. Lewis, Mitchell and Williams were on fire. Campbell was playing out of his skin, and Young, Bateman and Birchall added slick run through the middle. If they replicate their efficiency and movement on Saturday, they will give the Cats a serious run for their money.
The “Cluster”
Before a slight lull in the third quarter, the Hawks had twice as many inside 50s as St Kilda. This was due in no small part to the rolling grid of players that Clarkson sets up in front of his opponent’s defenders to stifle their run and force them wide. It forces a game suited to big bodies on the wing, which the likes of Lewis, Campbell, Roughead and Hodge took good advantage of. It worked well enough in round 17, and if it can stop Geelong’s famous run-and-carry on Saturday it could be a winning formula.
Brad Sewell
Initially a stopper and now a ballwinner in his own right, Sewell should be played on one of the Cats’ pack-breakers. If he can shut one down – probably Ablett – Geelong will lose an avenue into their attacking zone and one of the midfield goalkickers they use to such good effect.
Hardness at the ball
It is widely acknowledged that the Cats’ single loss for the year was due to intense tackling pressure. It is this area that Hawthorn’s midfield has improved dramatically through the aggression of Lewis, Hodge, Mitchell and Sewell. Their aggression needs to be channelled effectively if the Hawks are to get up.
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