Hawthorn v West Coast Preview
Hawthorn v West Coast
Sunday, 1.20pm MCG
Not a great deal went right for West Coast in last year’s grand final. In fact, nothing did. Six months on, they get the chance to ease the pain and gain a semblance of revenge with a showdown against a banged-up Hawthorn, who are coming off a six-day break and will be without their inspirational skipper Luke Hodge.
The Eagles did everything everyone expected they would against Brisbane, piling on 26 goals and moving the ball around Domain Stadium at a rapid rate with minimal resistance. The contest was as contrasting as you could get to the Hawks-Geelong blockbuster the following day. The expected addition of Lewis Jetta to West Coast’s midfield is a major boost, especially with Nic Naitanui in terrific form at present. The Hawks’ on-ball brigade is light on for soldiers, with the absence of Bradley Hill and Liam Shiels compounded by the unavailability of Hodge, who can float through there.
West Coast’s forwards did as they pleased against Brisbane, but will find this a much tougher assignment. That said, Josh Kennedy couldn’t have started the year any better and will ask plenty of James Frawley. At the other end of the ground, the Hawks would love to exploit the Eagles defence like they did in the grand final. No Jarryd Roughead makes it harder to do so, while the return of Eric Mackenzie is significant.
VERDICT: West Coast by 20 points.
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