NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 18 Preview
By Caitlin Arnold
Hawthorn Hawks vs. Sydney Swans
(12-4, 3rd) vs. (13-3, 1st)
Considering Sydney’s colossal 12-game winning streak and Hawthorn’s continual rise in form, the Round 19 clash at the MCG is being looked upon by many as a Grand Final preview.
The last time these two sides met, there was an extra element of vengeance in the air. It was Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin’s first game against the club he left behind, and Hawks fans were out for blood.
Although the Swans came away with the points in Round 8, Buddy cut a frustrated figure by kicking an inaccurate two goals and seven behinds.
This time around, as the Swans aim for outright first on the ladder, Buddy is back in form and kicking goals from every angle on the ground as he once did when he wore Hawthorn colours.
In a game of significant ‘ins’, Buddy may find himself matched against his old friend Josh Gibson who is set to return to the game following a pectoral injury suffered the last time the two teams battled.
With Brian Lake still missing due to suspension, Gibson will bear the brunt of the much talked about Swans forward line in a baptism of fire in his first game in 11 weeks.
Another big-name to return to the field this Saturday is Kurt Tippet who dominated Gibson in their Round 8 match-up by kicking four goals against him. Having missed the last two rounds due to knee inflammation, Tippett rejoins the squad in place of Brandon Jack, and will also be looking to give Gibson a headache upon his return to the game.
The Tippett and Jack exchange is the only difference to last round’s Swans list, however the Hawks have had to make way for Gibson and youngster Bradley Hill by omitting Ben Ross and Taylor Duryea. Matt Spangher will also miss for Hawthorn with ankle troubles as Alex Woodward is recalled to the Hawks line up.
Despite word during the week that Dan Hennebery might return for the Swans, he has not been named. Having accumulated two goals and 40 possessions in the Round 8 match, Hawthorn will be looking to capitalise on his absence from the team.
With the home crowd behind them, the Hawks will be aiming to take back the all-important second spot on the ladder as Geelong leapfrogged them in last week while they sat out with the bye. One of the three teams sitting on 48-points and vying for a top two position, Hawthorn will see this game as a must-win match.
Statisticians will have their eyes on the inside-50 count as the top-two sides in this aspect of the game (Hawthorn first, Sydney second) go head-to-head.
With Jarryd Roughhead spearheading the Hawks from up front alongside accurate New South Welshman, Luke Breust, Hawthorn fans will be hoping to stretch their lead in overall goals scored this year (274 goals) against Sydney who are ranked fourth (224 goals).
Even though Sydney sits above Hawthorn on the ladder, the average disposal count (396-381), average clearance count (42-39) and average hit-out count (45-35), all sway in favour of ‘the mighty fighting Hawks’.
The past five games between the two sides have Hawthorn with a one game advantage, including last year’s Quarter Final where the Swans went down by a hefty 54-points – a prospective game both sides will be looking to avoid until the Grand Final.
Adding an extra element of inspiration for the Hawks on top of Buddy’s first game in Melbourne against his former side, Jarryd Roughhead will be hoping to celebrate a win in his 200th game, while teammate Ben McEvoy will be playing his 100th.
Sydney will be determined to spoil their party as they vie for a club record 13th straight victory on their way into the finals.
AFL NSW/ACT News
Jason Tutt (Ainslie) this week highlighted the talent coming out of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory as he conversed with Matthew Suckling (Wagga Tigers) and Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) over Twitter, suggesting there could be winning formula coming out of a possible NSW/ACT State of Origin squad in the future.
Anthony Miles (North Albury) is receiving the praise he deserves this week, following some outstanding performances this year for Richmond. After being drafted from the GWS Giants, Miles has accumulated 68 contested possessions since Round 12 – more than any other in his team – and averaged 26 disposals per game.
Geelong coach Chris Scott has rejected the suggestion that Tom Hawkins (Finley) is struggling with a back complaint. While Hawkins pulled up visibly sore following a marking contest in Geelong’s win over Greater Western Sydney last week, Scott says that he is “comfortable” with Hawkins’ current health status.
