Coming off two important wins and a bye, Hawthorn will venture down to Tasmania to face North Melbourne.
After a frightful three weeks, where Hawthorn suffered losses at the hands of the Gold Coast Suns, Brisbane Lions, and Collingwood Magpies, Sam Mitchell’s young side recaptured some much needed form just in time for the mid-season bye.
Wins against finals contenders the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide Crows secured Hawthorn’s spot at fifth on the ladder, with 36 points (equal with Adelaide and Fremantle), and a 111.6 percentage (below Adelaide and above Fremantle).
North Melbourne, meanwhile, have won three of their last five, including last week’s victory over Carlton. While the last month has been fairly successful for the developing Roos, the side has failed to notch any consecutive wins this season. The most impressive result for Alistair Clarkson’s men this season came back in Round 9, as the young Roos broke even with the reigning premiers Brisbane in this season’s only draw to date.
Head to Head
Under Sam Mitchell, Hawthorn has yet to lose to North Melbourne, notching six consecutive wins since 2021. In their last meeting back in Round 24 last year, the Hawks demolished the Roos by a remarkable 124 points; the highest winning total of any team that season. Hawthorn’s total for the match came to 26.14.170 from 66 inside 50s (kicking at 73.9% efficiency).
Stalwart midfielder Jai Newcombe and winger Massimo D’Ambrosio both had a day out, with 66 disposals and three goals between them. Co-captain, Dylan Moore, continued his All Australian form, with four goals (three behinds) from twelve disposals, while draftee Nick Watson slotted three goals from 15 disposals.
Moore averages 2.5 goals and 21.3 disposals playing against the Roos, while Newcombe averages an impressive 30.5 disposals (from the last four games). In his young career, Connor McDonald has done well to average 1.5 goals and an average of 21.5 disposals against the Kangaroos, kicking three goals back in round 24 last year.
Expect a tight contest between rucks Lloyd Meek and Tristan Xerri, who are both averaging around 36 hitouts per game. Xerri’s importance in the Roo’s midfield cannot be understated, as he averages an elite 4.6 clearances and five tackles a game.
In fact, the Roos clearance game has become quite potent this year, averaging 41.4 total clearances (compared to Hawthorn’s 35.7), 12.1 from the centre (11.4 for Hawthorn), and 29.4 from stoppage (24.3 for Hawthorn).
Harry Sheezel, Luke Davies-Uniacke and former Bulldog Caleb Daniel present as North Melbourne’s key movers, each averaging 25+ disposals a game.
The Side
Following a stint on the sidelines, captain James Sicily was a test for selection this week, as was midfielder James Worpel. Sicily took leave due to ongoing hip and groin issues, resulting in minor surgery, while Worpel was sidelined after copping a nasty corky during the Western Bulldogs game.
However, Henry Hustwaite, who was subbed out early in round 14, is this week’s sole omission, making way for Cam Mackenzie.
Fans will have to wait another week for their captain to return.
The Short of It
This Saturday’s twilight game presents the Hawks with what should be an opportunity to greatly improve their percentage, which is presently lacking when compared to the top four.
Thanks to a couple of blowout wins, Hawthorn has won the last five games by an average of 50 points, which should have many fans hoping they can continue this trend, as a stronger percentage could prove vital to their finals chances.
Following this year’s midseason bye, Hawthorn face a challenging run home and will need to secure at least five wins out of the next nine if they are to play finals. While a win here is expected, the hope is that Hawthorn improves on their form following the bye, building consistency and efficiency in time to face more difficult sides.
Saturday 28 June 2025 • 4:15 PM (AEST)
University of Tasmania Stadium – Palawa
