Following back-to-back losses, Hawthorn faces its biggest test yet this season.
Facing an in-form Collingwood Magpies, this week’s game is set to be a blockbuster between first and sixth under Friday night lights and a packed crowd. The Magpies position at the top of the ladder is solid, given their nine wins, two loss record, they come into this game off the back of a three game winning streak.
Hawthorn’s 33-point loss to reigning premiers Brisbane Lions at home last Saturday was made all the more disappointing given their spirited performance in the Northern Territory nine days prior, where the Hawks came close to beating the Gold Coast Suns in their northern fortress without a plethora of critical players.
Despite their seven to four win-loss record, Hawthorn’s current form has many concerned about their chances to win this Friday, particularly given their record against current top eight sides. It has also cast doubt on their finals prospects by the same pundits who hyped up the Hawks early this season.
The Hawks’ midfield was comprehensively beaten in the coal face on Saturday, conceding 41 clearances to 21, with Brisbane doubling the centre clearances count (7-14). Brisbane capitalised on Hawthorn’s lack of pressure across the ground, laying 59 tackles to Hawthorn’s 36, with 40% of the Hawthorn side failing to register a single tackle themselves.
Meanwhile the Hawks’ forwards were inaccurate kicking eight goals and 12 behinds from 51 inside fifties. After a fantastic performance last week, Nick Watson was kept goalless by Noah Answerth. Veteran Jack Gunston struggled in his first game back after being rested, kicking three behinds, as did Mabior Chol (one behind).
The silver lining from the Hawks uninspiring loss was a season best performance from Connor MacDonald, who was the only player to kick multiple majors in the brown and gold. After struggling with form since injuring his ankle early in the season, Macdonald kicked three goals from 20 disposals and 10 marks making him the clear Talking Hawks MVP.
The Last Time They Met
Hawthorn has won the last three out of five against Collingwood, including the last time they met back in July 2024.
It was perhaps Hawthorn’s most impressive victory of the season, toppling the reigning premiers by 66 points.
The mosquito fleet looked their most dangerous, with Connor MacDonald kicking a career high four, veteran Luke Bruest four, Nick Watson three, and former pie Jack Ginnivan slotted two from 31 disposals is his second game against his old side.
Hawthorn’s mids were dominant throughout, with James Worpel (28), Will Day (26), Jai Newcombe (25) and Connor Nash (29) playing tight, high pressure footy and maintaining much of the possession.
Head to Head
Despite the distance on the ladder, the head-to-head stats are evenly distributed, with no glaring outliers or advantages for either side.
Mindset is perhaps the biggest factor coming into this week. Collingwood are not only in-form, with their star midfielder Nick Daicos averaging over 29 disposals for the season. They are a confident side full of dangerous players, with the obvious Daicos brothers, the perennial goal sneak Jamie Elliott, and spry veterans Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury. Given they’ve only suffered two losses total this year, the Pies are unlikely to come into this game with any reservations about their odds.
Hawthorn on the other hand appears to be struggling with the weight of expectation and a lack of consistency, both in belief, intensity, and skill. Perhaps last week’s loss could serve as a turning point; a sign to put in the mouth guards and approach the game with more hunt and determination, much like they did last year when they were facing the prospect of a potential wooden spoon.
Collingwood are making five changes to there list this week, omitting Brayden Maynard (injured), William Hayes, Oleg Markov, Wil Parker, and Mason Cox, making way for the return of captain Darcy Moore, Bobby Hill, Lachie Schultz, Pendlebury, and Sidebottom.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have only made one change, dropping Cam Mackenzie (who had been subbed out mid game last week) for Jarman Impey, who was absent from last week’s match for the birth of his first child.
In Short
This is more than a barometer game for Sam Mitchell and the Hawks. It could very well dictate expectations and mentalities for the next month.
Hawthorn have already been tested by the current premiers and lost, and Collingwood are the clear premiership favourites at the moment.
Following this game Hawthorn will face other in form sides (and finals favourites) in the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide. Three straight losses could see the Hawks sitting precariously at eighth come the bye.
A win here is important if not critical. Not only will it help Hawthorn safeguard their position in the eight, but also perhaps build their confidence and form as they progress into the next half of the season.
Expectations are muted, but fingers are crossed for a spirited performance from the Hawks.
