And just like that, we’ve reached the final round of the season. And, despite some people’s expectations early in the year, Hawthorn are approaching round 24 not only as favourites or with momentum, but a real chance of making finals for the first time in six years.
Hawthorn’s fate is very much in its own hands, however. Success here could look like another climb up the ladder, locking in Hawthorn’s place in the finals series, while failure could mean dropping out of the eight and Hawks’ fans waiting another season for finals glory.
For the last game of the home-away season, the Hawks will face the Kangaroos at UTAS in Tassie – a fitting place to send off the three time premiership Hawk, Liam Shiels, who will retire in North Melbourne colours this weekend.
Hawthorn come into this game clear favourites given their position on the ladder plus the current records against North and playing at UTAS. Sam Mitchell would be looking to keep his streak against his former mentor and coach, Alistair Clarkson, going strong, making the record 3-0 if things go well this weekend.
Last time the Hawks and Roos met was back in round six, where the Hawks notched their first win of the season, thumping the Roos by 45 points. The Hawthorn clinic took place at Marvel on a Sunday afternoon, following Hawthorn’s trouncing by Gold Coast up at People’s First Stadium.
The Suns’ game had been referred to as a turning point in Hawthorn’s season, with vice captain Dylan Moore stating after the loss that the boys needed to “wear their mouth guards at training” and step up their efforts if they were to avoid breaking some unwanted records.
Moore was voted the Talking Hawks MVP for that round, kicking four goals from 20 disposals. Jai Newcombe came a close second, clocking 32 disposals and nine clearances.
A collarbone injury to Will Day will see him on the sidelines this week with Finn Maginness getting the call up to play in his stead. With Jack Scimshaw (finger) and Lloyd Meek (illness) who were both in doubt, they’ve been cleared to play this Saturday.
This is good news for Meeky, as this weekend is his 50th game. Don’t expect to see CJ in the team selection though, as he will be missing another week with calf soreness.
As Coach Mitchell said in Wednesday’s press conference, this Saturday’s game is “as good as an Elimination Final”, alluding to Hawthorn’s lapse in effort in last Sunday’s game against the Tigers. Expect a four quarter effort where the boys focus on “[beating] the team right in front of [them].”
Hawthorn v North Melbourne
Round 24 • Saturday 24 August 2024
12:30 PM (AEST)
UTAS Stadium, Launceston • Palawa
