Selection Dissection: A Giant Task

Can we go 4-0? Ecstatic Brad takes a look at the team and what it will take to get it done.

Mar 27, 2025

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Round 3 — Hawthorn v GWS

Saturday, March 29, 7.30pm @ UTAS Stadium

Winners are Grinners

That’s 3! How good was it to get the win for Jarman Impey in his 200^th game!

Like the match against Essendon, we didn’t play well for a lot of the game but still won comfortably in the end. This is a sign of a quality team. Premierships aren’t won in March. Just keep banking the wins!

Unfortunately Connor Macdonald suffered an ankle injury and will miss this week’s clash against the Giants. Hopefully he returns after our bye for the “Gather Round” clash against the Power.

Whilst our depth is strong, the injury list is starting to build and will start to become an issue if it continues.

Let’s see how I think we will line up this week.

🔐 Defenders 🔐

A superb game from the defensive unit holding the Blues to eight goals and only two in the second half.

Josh Battle played an incredible game on Charlie Curnow, while Tom Barrass continues to impress.

The ability to switch the likes of Blake Hardwick and James Sicily from back to forward is also working brilliantly.

Sam Frost didn’t play for Box Hill last Friday night. Was he being rested to return as the sub this week?

🌟 Midfield 🌟

Welcome back Jai Newcombe!

After a quiet opening two games, “Newc” was back with a bang gathering 32 disposals, 11 tackles and nine clearances. He will need to have a similar game against the Giants this week if we are to get the win.

The GWS midfield with the likes of Tom Green and Finn Callaghan is very strong. The clearance and stoppage numbers will need to improve this week against an elite Giants midfield unit.

A special mention to the young guns Josh Ward and Cam Mackenzie, who both played excellent games.

🚨 Ruck 🚨

The biggest negative from the game. Meeky got comprehensively beaten for the second week in a row. A nine-day break has come at the perfect time for him.

It won’t get any easier this week. Kieren Briggs will return from concussion protocols.

Let’s hope Meek can bring his form from the first half against the Swans in Opening Round.

🙌🏼 Forwards 🙌🏼

Mabior Chol, take a bow. Cholly played arguably his best game for the club and continues to prove the doubters wrong. He’s been our most consistent forward this season. If he continues his current form, it’s going to be interesting to see what happens when Mitch Lewis and Calsher Dear are ready to return.

As mentioned about Connor Macdonald will need to be replaced.

Ben Ronke of the Week

This week’s Ben Ronke – no surprise at all is Callum Brown (for a second time) to kick four goals. He is turning into a Ronke Hall of Famer.

🔮 Selection Predictions 🔮

What should happen:

OUT: Connor Macdonald (injured)
IN: Luke Breust (sub)

B: J. Battle – T. Barrass – J. Impey
HB: J. Weddle – J. Sicily – K. Amon
C: H. Morrison – W. Day – M. D’Ambrosio
HF: D. Moore – B. Hardwick – J. Ginnivan
F: J. Gunston – M. Chol – N. Watson
FOLL: L. Meek – J. Newcombe – C. Nash
I/C: F. Maginness – C. Mackenzie – J. Ward – C. Jiath - (L.Breust - sub)

EMG: S. Frost – H. Hustwaite – W. McCabe
Depth: J. Serong – M. Ramsden – S. Mitchell – B. Macdonald – N. Reeves

What will happen: