Selection Dissection: Into the Lions Den

A case of out of the fire and into the furnace as the Hawks head to the 'G to take on the reigning premiers

May 22, 2025

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Round 11 — Hawthorn vs Brisbane

Saturday, May 24 — 4:15pm @ MCG

Well, at least it was better than our last time at TIO!

Despite going down to the Suns by eight points, we can take a lot from the game. To come back from being five goals down early in the second quarter, to leading at three-quarter time was pleasing to see. The decision to rest key players may come back to haunt us later in the season but I still think it was the right decision heading into a season defining month.

With 13 games to go, the equation is simple. We have to win nine out of 13 to make the top four and seven out of 13 to make the top 8. To remain in the top four heading into the back half of the season, we must win three of our next four games - Brisbane (MCG), Collingwood (MCG), Bulldogs (Marvel) and Adelaide (Launceston). A tough test!

Team Selection Talking Points

This is going to be a tough week at the selection table for Sam Mitchell with four players set to return. Lloyd Meek, Jack Gunston, Conor Nash and Jarman Impey will all come back into the side. Box Hill had another big win, with many AFL listed players putting their hands up for selection. There will be some nervous players from last week’s side that played against the Suns.

🛡️ Defence:

With Impey set to return, Bailey Macdonald will be the unlucky one to make way. I think he’s done well as the sub the last three weeks but a full game at Box Hill won’t hurt his development.

Josh Battle copped a big knock to his shin against the Suns but by all reports, should be fine for Saturday. The Lions have a quality group of small forwards, so expect Blake Hardwick to play back this week. The Hawks need their skipper James Sicily to have a big game if they want to get the win.

⚙️ Midfield:

Unfortunately the midfield got comprehensively beaten by a quality Suns unit. The loss of Will Day really shows against the better teams and will continue to be an issue for the majority of the season. Conor Nash will return from suspension this week which will be a handy inclusion. Jai Newcombe returned from Darwin in a moon boot after hurting his ankle but should be fine to play this week. He will be needed as Neale, Dunkley, McCluggage and Will Ashcroft is an elite midfield unit.

🤾‍♂️ Ruck:

Meek will return after being rested against the Suns. Unfortunately Ned Reeves didn’t take advantage of his opportunity and will return to the VFL. Oscar McInerney was a late out for the Lions last week and may miss again this week which would be a big plus.

⚡ Forwards:

We really missed Jack Gunston against the Suns but it was good to see the small forward’s play well, especially Nick Watson in the first half. Calsher Dear returned from injury but had no impact and was subbed out in the third quarter. In hindsight, he should not have played in Darwin. Look for him to have a better game this week on the MCG. Connor Macdonald is one player that will be nervous this week about keeping his spot. He’s now gone goalless in his past three matches and is struggling to have an impact.

🤦 Ben Ronke of the Week

Logan Morris to kick 4+ goals

🔮 Selection Predictions 🔮

What should happen:

Out: Reeves (omitted), B.Macdonald (omitted), Maginness (omitted), C.Macdonald (omitted)
In: Meek, Impey, Nash, Gunston

B: J. Battle, T. Barrass, B. Hardwick
HB: J. Scrimshaw, J. Sicily, K. Amon
C: H. Morrison, J. Worpel, M. D’Ambrosio
HF: D. Moore, C. Dear, J. Ginnivan
F: J. Gunston, M. Chol, N. Watson
FOLL: L. Meek, J. Newcombe, J. Ward

I/C: J. Weddle, J. Impey, C. Mackenzie, C. Nash (C. Jiath)

Emg: J. Serong, M. Ramsden, C. Macdonald

Depth: H. Hustwaite, F. Maginness, B. Macdonald, N. Reeves, S. Frost, L. Breust, S. Butler, S. Mitchell, J. Scaife, C. Anderson, B. Ryan

What will happen: