Selection Dissection: Bringing down the Bombers
As we look to go 2-0 in front of a packed MCG tomorrow night, happy Brad looks at what is likely to go down at selection tonight.
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 1 — Hawthorn v Essendon
Friday, March 14, 7.40pm @ Melbourne Cricket Ground
That’s 1! What a brilliant way to kick off the 2025 season defeating the Swans by 20-points in the season opener.
Despite the forward line failing to perform, we were still able to kick 14.12 and kick close to 100-points. This is a great sign!
As previously mentioned our first six games are incredibly tough. If we can be 4-2, that will be great result.
This week we come up against our arch rivals in Essendon. Surprisingly, we haven’t beaten them since 2021. That needs to change, starting this week
Unfortunately James Worpel suffered a syndesmosis (ankle) injury against the Swans and has been ruled out for 3-4 weeks.
Let’s take a look at how I think we will line-up this week.
The backline
Overall the backline played well last week. However, it was evident at times that it will take a few weeks for the Barrass and Battle combination to settle.
James Sicily spent time forward in the last quarter, whilst Blake Hardwick started forward before being moved back in the last quarter.
This week Hardwick should play back all game and match-up on Isaac Kako. Sicily must start forward.
Sam Frost started the game as the sub and struggled when he came on in the third quarter after Worpel was subbed.
The midfield
The midfield were absolutely brilliant last week smashing the Swans in all the key stats. Will Day will get the three Brownlow votes after his 26 disposals and three goals.
This week we must stop Zach Merrett. He’s their captain and best player.
As mentioned above, James Worpel will need to be replaced. There are two options. Josh Ward or Henry Hustawite.
I’m going with Ward. He was preferred over Hustwaite as the emergency last week. This is Ward’s big opportunity that he must take. We need to see the Ward we saw against the Bulldogs in the Elimination Final last year.
Changkuoth Jiath has been declared fit and up for selection. He is a favourite of Sam Mitchell’s, so it will be interesting to see if he comes in this week.
The Ruck
As I expected Meeky started the season with a bang and took the points over Brodie Grundy last week. The most pleasing part of Meek’s game last week was his ability to hit the scoreboard, kicking two goals.
If Meek can kick 20+ goals this season he will put himself in the frame for the All-Australian ruck spot. It doesn’t get any easier this week.
The Bombers will play two rucks - Sam Draper and Nick Bryan. Both are big and strong and like to push forward.
The forwards
The biggest disappointment from last week. The lack of a second key forward was clearly evident, with Mabior Chol forced to play a lone hand until Sicily was moved in the last quarter.
Other than Dylan Moore’s first quarter, the small forwards were incredibly poor. Nick Watson, Jack Ginnivan and Connor Macdonald combined for 1.1 and the goal was a gift for Macdonald after a Ollie Florent turnover.
We won’t be beating the Bombers on the MCG if we have a repeat of last week.
What should happen:
Out: Worpel (injured)
In: Ward
My Round 1 Team:
B: B. Hardwick, T. Barrass, J.Impey
HBF: J.Battle, J.Scrimshaw, K.Amon
C: H.Morrison, W. Day, M. D’Ambrosio
HFF: C.Macdonald, J.Sicily, J.Ginnivan
F: D.Moore, M. Chol, N.Watson
R: L. Meek, J. Newcombe, C.Nash
I/C: F.Maginness, J.Weddle, C.Mackenzie, J. Ward, S. Frost (SUB)
Emg: Jiath, H.Hustwaite, W.McCabe
What will happen:
Out: Worpel (injured)
In: Ward
B: J.Sicily, T. Barrass, J.Impey
HBF: J.Battle, J.Scrimshaw, K.Amon
C: H.Morrison, W. Day, M. D’Ambrosio
HFF: C.Macdonald, B.Hardwick, J.Ginnivan
F: D.Moore, M. Chol, N.Watson
R: L. Meek, J. Newcombe, C.Nash
I/C: F.Maginness, J.Weddle, C.Mackenzie, J.Ward, S.Frost (SUB)
Emg: C.Jiath, H.Hustwaite, W.McCabe
Depth: M.Ramsden, L.Breust, N.Reeves J.Serong
The AFL season is almost upon us and the Hawks Insiders are in full flight - subscribe now and make sure to follow us on social media through the links below:
Seems the likeliest scenario.
Totes agree Brad. I think it may be similar to last week in that if we win the midfield battle that will go a long way to winning the game. The other thing I am looking forward too is a possible Sicily to forward line from the start of the game. The swagger from him if he booted 5 or more would be a highlight. Really enjoyed the Hawks doco on 7 that showed a great insight into Sam's selection dilemmas of having 27 players pushing for selection and love how you have a depth section to your selection dissection. Its great to have players knocking on the door waiting for their chance to shine. Really hope Wardy has a blinder.