Selection Dissection: Power failure
The Hawks delivered on the biggest stage they've seen in recent years. Now they head to Adelaide and a hostile Power crowd, an even bigger test awaits
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Qualifying Final — Hawthorn v Port Adelaide
Friday, September 13, 7.40pm @ Adelaide Oval
One down three to go! What a night and what a brilliant win against the Western Bulldogs in front of over 97K, with the majority in brown and gold. It was great to see.
It’s time to avenge the horrible loss the Hawks suffered at the hands of Port earlier this season, which actually may have been the making of this team.
The positive
A star is born. His father did it in 1991, winning the Norm Smith Medal and more than 30 years later it was another Dear’s turn. Calsher Dear, at only 19 years old, was the star key forward on the ground. Dear outperformed the likes of Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Sam Darcy.
He finished the game with three massive goals and showed he’s going to be a future star of the AFL.
The negative
It’s hard to be negative but it is probably the goal kicking in the third quarter.
We kicked 4.8 after a dominant display and should have led by 10 goals at 3/4 time. We can’t afford to be that inaccurate again if we want to keep our premiership hopes alive.
Looking ahead
Time to look ahead to selection this week for our Semi Final against the Power in Adelaide. After our Round 10 debacle, we owe them one.Unfortunately Sam Frost suffered a foot injury in the win against the Dogs and is out for the season. Jai Serong, who has been brilliant at Box Hill will replace Frosty.
Will Day and Cam Mackenzie have also both been ruled out again after missing the clash against the Bulldogs. It will be great to see Josh Ward and Finn Maginness get another deserved opportunity, after both players had impressive performances last Friday night.
The backline
Our backline continued their stellar form against the Dogs, holding them to just 62 points. Unfortunately, Sam Frost will need to be replaced. Hopefully Jai Serong can bring in his VFL form and perform well. The Power don’t have a big or strong forward line, so we should be able to deal with Frost’s absence.
Last time we played the Power, Blake Hardwick played forward and kicked five goals. That won’t happen this week as he will be matched up on Willie Rioli, which will be a great clash to watch.
The midfield
Despite being without Day and Mackenzie, the midfield stepped up big time completely outplaying the Dogs’ more experienced midfield. A special mention to Josh Ward, who had his best game in over a year. He finished with 22 disposals. five clearances and nine tackles.
This week is another big test four our midfield, with Horne-Francis, Butters (playing injured), Rozee and Drew. Watch for Willem Drew to lock down on Jai Newcombe.
My burning question: Will we see the return of CJ?
CJ missed out last week and was an emergency. Despite being able to play a range of roles, I don’t believe he’s currently in the best 22. All of Morrison, Ward and Maginness deserve their spots in the team. CJ will need to cheer from the sidelines for the remainder of the finals unless we get another injury to one of the midfielders.
The ruck
Take a bow Lloyd Meek. A complete domination of Tim English last Friday night, which played a huge role in our victory.
This week he comes up against former Bulldog, Jordan Sweet. Sweet plays a similar way to Meek — bash and crash — but not at the same level. Meek should win this battle.
The forwards
Another brilliant performance kicking 14.15 against the Dogs. Nick Watson had his best game kicking four goals, and the other youngsters, Calsher Dear (three) and Connor Macdonald (two) also continuing their great form.
Mabior Chol and Dylan Moore were quiet but should bounce back this week against the Power, who will be without their All-Australian Dan Houston and his left-hand man Kane Farrell.
A special mention to Luke Breust (300 games) and vice-captain Moore (100 games) on their milestone games this week.
Ben Ronke of the week
Esava Ratugolea to kick four for the Power and make the Hawks rue missing out on him
What should happen?
Out: Frost (injured)
In: Serong
FB: Hardwick Scrimshaw Serong
HB: Sicily Weddle Impey
C: D’Ambrosio Nash Morrison
HF: Moore Dear Macdonald
FF: Watson Chol Ginnivan
R: Meek Newcombe Worpel
Int: Ward Amon Gunston Maginness (Breust)
What will happen?
Out: Frost (injured)
In: Serong
FB: Hardwick Scrimshaw Serong
HB: Sicily Weddle Impey
C: D’Ambrosio Nash Morrison
HF: Moore Dear Macdonald
FF: Watson Chol Ginnivan
R: Meek Newcombe Worpel
Int: Ward Amon Gunston Maginness (Breust)
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Looks like Will Lorenz is named as an emergency
Ironic if he gets a run...could be the Ronke?
We 'should' win easily based on recent form. But if you look at how we have gone when Jai has been curtailed especially without Will present it makes me nervous. Drew the Koroit tough nut has to be respected.