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Round 5 begins with two teams on a roll facing off, as the Hawthorn Hawks host the Adelaide Crows at the MCG. Join The Roar from 7:40pm (AEST) for all the action.
Both sides come into this game off the back of three successive wins, however they are playing with styles from different ends of the spectrum.
Hawthorn were lucky to get the points last week, falling in against a resilient St Kilda side. Scores were level heading into the final term, with experience and knowledge of how to win close games coming to the fore for the Hawks.
Adelaide were involved in a tight tussle as well, holding off a previously unbeaten Sydney side.
In what has been called the game of the season so far, Eddie Betts stood up in the final term to edge the home side clear.
Despite the win last week, Alastair Clarkson would not have been happy with his team, especially having let St Kilda dominate in terms of disposals (410), and allowing them to enter inside 50 on 46 occasions.
Adelaide have lost their last six against the Hawks, and were on the back of a 74-point hammering the last time they played, in last year’s semi-finals. With a large crowd expected, tonight will have a similar feel.
If the Crows are to get the win, they’ll need to continue to be strong in clearances, something they are excelling at in 2016, with Sam Jacobs’ form in the ruck a big reason.
The match-up between Sam Mitchell and Rory Sloane will be worth the price of admission alone. Mitchell set a club record 44 disposals last week, and a similar effort from the star midfielder would see the Hawks a long way towards victory.
The defensive pressure of Hawthorn is another key towards a win, with the Hawks leading the competition with over 81 tackles per game. In a tight tussle, this could get them over the line.
Prediction
In what has serious match-of-the-round claims, we’re sticking with Hawthorn at the ‘G, although Adelaide will be right in it until the final siren.
Hawthorn by 8
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