Selection Dissection: A Marvel Monstering

Two losses in a row means we are on the hunt for a big win against the Eagles under the roof at Marvel Stadium

Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for the most in-depth and wide ranging Hawthorn coverage available. Exclusive interviews to analysis, match recaps to podcasts, the Insiders have you covered.

Round 7 — Hawthorn v West Coast

Sunday, April 29, 4.45pm @ Marvel Stadium

Pushing Past the Cats

Two losses in a row and another loss against Geelong.

That’s now five losses in our last sic games against the Cats. However, with how we have played this season, we would have taken 4-2 any day after our first six games.

The next three weeks are all must win games if we are to keep our top four goal a reality. West Coast at Marvel, Richmond (100 year anniversary) and Melbourne. No excuses.

With Gold Coast in Darwin off a 5-day break to come in Round 10 we simply must have a 7-2 record heading into that clash.

Unfortunately Connor Nash copped a four-week suspension (lucky) and will need to be replaced. It has to be Henry Hustwaite based off his recent VFL form. Hopefully Sam Mitchell doesn’t make him the sub - I can tell you now, it will not be a good decision.

Box Hill had a big 46-point win over Geelong in the VFL, with many listed players pressing their claims for selection, including Jack Ginnivan, who had 23 touches and kicked four goals.

🔐 Defenders 🔐

Our captain James Sicily had an absolute shocker against Geelong. Hopefully he follows the same arc as 2024, where he started the season poorly in the first five games before playing at an All-Australian level.

I thought that Josh Battle played well on Jeremy Cameron and despite kicking three goals, Josh Weddle had a decent game on PatrickDangerfield.

Tom Barrass has not looked at his best over the past two weeks. Hopefully, he has a big game this week against his old team. Oscar Allen will return and Jake Waterman is a quality key forward so Barrass will have his work cut out.

A special mention to Karl Amon, who played another strong game. With Jai Newcombe, he’s been our most consistent player this season.

🪖 Midfield 🪖

The midfield stood up and played well against the Cats. They were tough in the contest and tackled hard all day.

The loss of Connor Nash, with Will Day already out is going to hurt over the next month. Especially against Melbourne and Gold Coast.

The likes of Cam Mackenzie and Josh Ward (if he holds his spot) need to do more.

Hopefully we see Hustwaite come in for Nash and get a good block of games.

🤴🏻 Ruck 🤴🏻

Lloyd Meek was very good against the Cats. This week he comes up against a similar type of player to himself in Matt Flynn and I’m expecting Meeky to have another strong game.

🤨 Forwards 🤨

The biggest question this week will be if Ginnivan returns and I think he will.

Playing Luke Breust in the starting 22 on Easter Monday was a poor decision. He’s either the sub or he doesn’t play.

Jack Gunston continued his good form and could have kicked five or six goalswhile Mabior Chol, after a slow start stood up and finished with three.

Dylan Moore finished with just nine disposals against the Cats and needs a massive lift. He's had a poor start to the season.

Ben Ronke of the Week

This week’s Ben Ronke – Archer Reid to kick 3+ goals.

🔮 Selection Predictions 🔮

What should happen:

Out: Nash (suspended), Breust (omitted), Morrison (omitted)
In: Hustwaite, Ginnivan, B.Macdonald

B: J. Battle – T. Barrass – J. Impey
HB: J. Weddle – J. Scrimshaw – K. Amon
C: J. Ward – J. Worpel - M. D’Ambrosio
HF: D. Moore – J. Sicily – C. Macdonald
F: B. Hardwick, J. Gunston – N. Watson
FOLL: L. Meek – J. Newcombe – C. Mackenzie
I/C: B. Macdonald - J. Ginnivan - M. Chol - H. Hustwaite - (C. Jiath - sub)

EMG: L. Breust - S. Frost - N. Reeves
Depth: H. Morrison - M.Ramsden - J.Serong - W.McCabe - S.Mitchell - J.Scaife - B.Ryan -C.Anderson - N.Mraz - N. Maginess

What will happen:

Out: Nash (suspended), Breust (omitted)
In: Hustwaite, Ginnivan

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

EMG: L. Breust - S. Frost - N. Maginness
Depth: M.Ramsden - J.Serong - W.McCabe - S.Mitchell - J.Scaife - B.Ryan -C.Anderson - N.Mraz

---

The Hawks are up and about and the Hawks Insiders are in full flight - subscribe now and make sure to follow us on social media through the links below:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram