- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Hawthorn have warned that last Friday night’s two-point loss to Geelong will spur them on as they move into the AFL finals.
The Hawks went down to the Cats for the ninth successive time at the MCG, but Hawthorn ruckman David Hale said the result will fire up the group.
“Our last loss against Richmond was a bit of a kick in the pants and got us to focus on a few things,” Hale said on Monday.
“I’m sure after we go through it (the loss to Geelong) today, it’ll help us re-set our target and hopefully go through again until the end of the year.”
Hawthorn next meet Port Adelaide, who are in disarray after a dismal 34-point loss to AFL newcomers GWS that forced the exit of coach Matthew Primus.
“Last time we played them we won by about 50 points,” Hale said.
“Obviously they’ve had a bit of turmoil and they’ll want to come out and play well but it’s not really about who we play any more. If we can do our thing and play the way we want to play we should be able to beat any side.”
Star forward Lance Franklin has missed four games with a hamstring injury but Hale said he was inching his way towards a comeback and could rejoin the side this week.
“He’s been running the past couple of weeks, so I’m sure he’ll put his hand up this week,” Hale said.
“The coaching staff and the medical staff will make a decision later in the week.”
Captain Luke Hodge is poised to play his 200th AFL match, against the Power at Aurora Stadium.
Hale said Hodge, who has been sidelined through injury for much of the year, was about 25 per cent away from his best form.
“He played pretty well first up but a lot of people struggle in their second game,” he said.
“It’s going to take him a couple more weeks to get going to match fitness and (cope with) the speed of the game. Hopefully, with four weeks to go before the finals, he’s good to go by then.”
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.