I will admit I did not think the Dogs would have gone as well over the last two weeks, but they have shown that they have some good young talent in their squad.
Most would have been of the mind that it would take time with the loss of their captain Adam Cooney along with others over the trade period. However, if the first two games are anything to go by, there is a risk that they could knock over a few of the top teams by surprise this year.
This week will be their biggest challenge when they face the Hawks on Sunday afternoon, but they do have an advantage – Luke Beveridge. Beveridge, who took over as coach of the Dogs at the end of last year, worked at the Hawks and was their defensive master mind for the last two years. He will have a good idea what to do or expect from Hawthorn’s backline.
The only advantage or weapon that the Hawks had that Luke may not have had an idea about would have been James Frawley. But with him now out for unknown period, Beveridge will know how all the players that could come into the backline work.
Either Ryan Schoenmakers or Matt Spangher will replace Frawley, with the latter the favourite after his strong efforts in the lower grades. But both will want to take their chances to cement their spot in the top 22.
This game it will be a hard battle for both teams. The big disadvantage the Dogs have is that they are recovering from some poor seasons. They are still learning the ideas and style of Beveridge as coach, and will need to adapt to a new structure.
The Hawks on the other hand, despite last week’s blip against Essendon, have a set structure and will be looking to bounce back.
This game will most likely go to the Hawks, but it will be close.
Hawks by 13 points.
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Bayley Fritsch should become an even more important player from a structural perspective, given key forward Jacob van Rooyen will be unavailable due to concussion.
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Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.
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