Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for the most in-depth and wide ranging Hawthorn cover there is. From exclusive interviews to analysis, match recaps to podcasts, the Insiders have you covered.
Round 24 — Hawthorn v North Melbourne
Saturday, August 24, 4.35pm @ UTAS STADIUM
Despite winning 13 games and with a percentage of more than 110, we still aren’t locked in to play finals. If results go our way this week, we can still make it with a loss but let’s not worry about that. Let’s just beat North Melbourne and lock it in!
Before we look at another huge week at the selection table, let’s take a quick look back at our 63- point win over the Tigers last Sunday.
The positive
The first quarter: Our eight-goal first quarter was arguably the best quarter we’ve played all season. If we can play like that for all four quarters, no team is coming close to beating us.
The negative
Will Day’s injury: Day copped some friendly fire from Jai Newcombe after he was pushed by Jacob Hopper early on in the first quarter. Unfortunately Day suffered a serious collarbone injury and won’t play this week. He is also in doubt for week one of the finals should we make it.
Selection this week will be fascinating. Will Day will need to be replaced. Jack Scrimshaw also had minor surgery this week on a dislocated finger and will be touch and go.
The backline
As mentioned above, Jack Scrimshaw may need to be replaced. Jai Serong is the obvious replacement. Serong has been Box Hill’s best player this season and deserves another chance. Seamus Mitchell had a massive game for Box Hill (37 touches, 12 marks and two goals) last weekend but unfortunately there is no spot in the side for him.
James Sicily will be counting down the days until the end of the season so he can get his shoulder surgery. When he is forced to defend one on one, he is struggling big time. Should we make the finals and have to play the Bulldogs with Naughton, Darcy and Ugle-Hagan, this may be a big issue.
The midfield
After having a dream run with injury for the majority of the season, Day — as mentioned above — is out this week and may miss the first final should we make it. James Worpel and Jai Newcombe were superb against the Tigers, and it was good to see Cam Mackenzie get some much needed inside midfield minutes. CJ will miss again with a calf injury. That will be three weeks out after he was a “late out” against Carlton in Round 22. Worrying.
My burning question: Who replaces Day?
There are a few options. Finn Maginness and Josh Ward will be the two fighting it out to replace Day. It would be great to see Ward get some inside midfield time. On the other hand Maginness is more flexible and can play a range of roles if required.
The ruck
Meek continues to play well. This week will be his biggest test in many week’s when he comes up against the most in-form ruckman in the competition - Tristan Xerri.
The forwards
Take a bow Jack Gunston. A season high five goals against the Tigers. He has definitely earned another contract and will go around again in 2025. A special mention to young Calsher Dear, who finally picked up a much deserved Rising Star nomination.
Ben Ronke of the week
Robert Hansen Jr to kick three goals plus.
What should happen?
Out: Day (Injured), Scrimshaw (managed)
In: Maginness, Serong
FB: Hardwick Frost Amon
HB: Weddle Sicily Impey
C: D’Ambrosio Nash Morrison
HF: Moore Dear Macdonald
FF: Gunston Chol Ginnivan
R: Meek Newcombe Worpel
Int: Watson Mackenzie Maginness Serong (Breust)
What will happen?
Out: Day (injured)
In: Ward
FB: Hardwick Frost Amon
HB: Sicily Scrimshaw Impey
C: D’Ambrosio Nash Morrison
HF: Moore Dear Macdonald
FF: Gunston Chol Ginnivan
R: Meek Newcombe Worpel
Int: Watson Mackenzie Ward Weddle (Breust)
Don’t forget to listen in as the HI team goes live on Wednesday nights on X (Twitter). Follow us on social media through the links below:
Minor correction, 9 goal first quarter last week.
Meek ill?