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An early potential Grand Final preview awaits us this afternoon as the West Coast Eagles host Hawthorn at Patersons Stadium. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 4.40pm AEST.
Despite being two of the big favourites coming into the season, both teams come into the match with a loss from the opening round.
And with both teams having tough draws throughout this year, a win today is absolutely crucial
The corresponding game last year was a scrappy, but tight contest. But both teams haven’t had easy starts to the year.
For West Coast, injuries have hurt them once again.
Mark LeCras once again finds himself on the sidelines after a fractured lower arm, joining Nic Naitanui, Mark Nicoski, Sharrod Wellingham and Matt Rosa.
They were disappointing after half time in their loss to Fremantle in the round one Derby, with a lack of run through the midfield and poor turnovers around the ground.
The double-edged sword is the 15-day break for this game – rest for the players, but also the disruption of having just their second game in 28 days.
What is good news for West Coast is the possibility of Daniel Kerr making a return for today’s match after a long layoff with a knee injury.
They’ll need their forward line to function a bit better than in the Derby, with just six goalkickers.
While at Hawthorn, it’s been a shortened pre-season and some strange off-field circumstances.
Making the Grand Final meant being behind the eight-ball in the lead up to the new season.
Add this week’s comments from former President Jeff Kennett to the protracted discussions surround Buddy Franklin. And then, of course, last week’s loss.
Let’s not sugarcoat this, Hawthorn were mentally weak in the second half last week folding again to Geelong.
A six-day break and trip across the other side of the country won’t help them either.
But midfielder Brad Sewell says the quick turnaround is a positive for the group to forget Monday’s game and move on swiftly to a venue they’ve played well at of late.
The Hawks are likely to have Brian Lake make his debut for the club in defence, while Michael Osborne could force his way back into the lineup after a knee injury.
I know plenty of focus will be on the Collingwood vs Carlton game today, but this match deserves similar billing. After all, we could be seeing the match up that happens on Grand Final day later this year.
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