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Two benchmarks of the competition meet when the Hawthorn Hawks take on the Sydney Swans at the MCG. Join The Roar for all the Friday night football action from 7:50pm (AEST).
The build-up to this game has been put to one side this week, with the news that a routine scan has revealed a recurrence of melanoma to popular Hawks forward Jarryd Roughhead.
He will have a biopsy shortly to reveal the next steps for his treatment, but has been ruled out from returning to football indefinitely.
Our thoughts are with Jarryd and we wish him a speedy recovery.
On to the game, and the last time these sides met, the Swans were given a rare football lesson, being defeated by 89 points in Sydney. Sydney are 6-2, and a much closer game is expected.
Hawthorn are also 6-2, but their form has not been as convincing as previous years, just falling over the line on a number of occasions.
The Swans lost to Richmond last week at the MCG by one point in an after-the-siren thriller, and will be looking to atone for a game they should have won. Lance Franklin continued his fine season with five goals in an enthralling contest with Alex Rance. Dan Hannebery also had a good game, with 34 disposals.
Last weekend the Hawks defeated an understrength and winless Fremantle Dockers in Launceston by 41. Isaac Smith was the Hawks’ best, with 27 disposals, and was ably supported by Jordan Lewis, who has returned to form after some quieter games earlier in the season.
For Sydney, Josh Kennedy and Gary Rohan have recovered from hamstring injuries and Ben McGlynn returns from a leg injury. Making way are Dean Towers and Jack Hiscox, who have both been omitted, while Tom Papley has a shin injury.
Hawthorn have made one change, with Cyril Rioli returning after missing last week’s game to travel to the Northern Territory for a family illness. Youngster Daniel Howe has been omitted.
The pressure will on the Hawthorn midfield to win the contested ball and limit the supply to Buddy. Sydney have had the most inside 50s in the competition this year, which has assisted Franklin’s strong start to the season. Dependable defender Nick Smith will play his 150th match.
Prediction
Emotions would have been high at Hawthorn this week with Roughead’s troubling news. Expect them to put this to one side and continue their recent strong record against the Swans in what should be a terrific encounter.
Hawthorn by 24 points.
Join The Roar from 7:50pm (AEST) as we bring you all the action from this highly anticipated Round 9 match.
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