The Hawks sit fifth on the ladder with a 5-5 record. It has been an inconsistent start to the season, with glimpses of the great footy we know them to be capable of, but only now have they been able to string multiple wins together.
The result of this among the Hawks faithful is concern, feeling that the Hawks are on thin ice for making the top four.
But it’s too early to hit the panic button.
In the lead-up to the game against the Saints, it was interesting to be reminded that the Hawks were only one game worse as the same time last season, where they had a win loss ratio of 6-3.
They went on to finish second in the home-and-away season, and claim their second consecutive premiership.
Despite the fact the start to their season has been less then ideal, there is plenty of footy left to be played – ample time for the benchmark side in the AFL to flex their muscles.
They have to hit the ground running after the bye, the struggles and inconsistency they are experiencing must be a thing of the past.
The week off will do them a world of good: time to refresh, reflect on the first 10 games, and prepare for what they must do in the second half of the season.
The Hawks must fight tooth and nail to ensure they are where they want to be at the end of the season, but that’s something they are capable of doing.
They love a challenge, and they certainly have one now.
dan ced
Guest
I think It's a good chance for Adelaide to knock off Hawthorn. As an Adelaide supporter I'm scared which version of the Crows will turn up! B.Crouch and R.Douglas back after a bye week should help us compete against Hawthorn's midfield. Our defence has been pretty solid given the lack of experience. Forwards have been a bit flaky apart from Betts. Should be a cracker of a game (hopefully).
AB
Guest
Hard to see the Hawks missing the top four. But they have a tough draw ahead and could easily drop another 2-3 games, even if they're in very good form. So that could mean a trip to Perth or Sydney in the first week of the finals, which would be a huge test. That said, they're hardened finals campaigners. No matter where they finish on the ladder, I suspect they'd be the team that every other club would least like to meet in a Grand Final.
Jason Crawford
Roar Rookie
Thank you Tim. I noticed the mistake last night, thought i had corrected it but obviously i didn't. Im trying to take a win off them lol. I agree the Adelaide game carries great significance, we have to be able to win that game. What it means as far as ladder position, but also i think it is important to continue to build momentum. The thing that also works in the teams favour is the great percentage, which can later in the season be worth its weight in gold.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
I just indulged in a bit of lunchtime ladder predictor play and got the Hawks a fairly comfortable 3rd. A pretty good place to stage an assault for the third in a row. Although it could mean hypothetical trip to Sydney in the first week and then possibly Perth a fortnight later.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
The game against Adelaide with the perspective ladder position goes is the obvious point. But it is also about the team gaining some credibility in 2015. I say this for we have been far from impressive, beating up on the weaker kids and then coming up short in the moments that matter. Our bad starts have plagued us all season, but have yet to be addressed and giving up leads in the last and getting beat have happened all too often. I cannot figures why these issues are occurring, maybe they are lacking in hunger, or something is amiss. They need to address it. The thing in their favour is they are perfectly placed to make an assault if they get things together, and while top 2 might even now be difficult I can still see them finishing top 4. If that occurs I do not think either freo/Swans would look forward to facing us :)
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
That Adelaide game is huge isn't it? Lose that one and it gets that much harder. Especially if Collingwood win today and Richmond win their next game, all of a sudden there'll be a big logjam of clubs between the Hawks and the top 4. They probably would still get there, but there won't be much room for error.
Dominic
Guest
obviously, thinking that Hawthorn would lose to St Kilda! 6-4 is where Hawthorn are at the moment!
EddyJ
Guest
I wouldn't be too concerned about Hawthorn at this stage – their largest loss is 10 points to GWS, and the only match they've really been locked out of was against Port Adelaide. Even still, they had a chance to snatch the game towards the end, and only fell short by 8 points. Other losses: Essendon by 2 points, Sydney by 4 points – should have won both. Still, they register as losses but for a reigning premier to be 6–4 near the mid-way point of the season, with a percentage of 155 is very good. I'd expect they'd finish in the top four by the end of Round 23.
andyl12
Guest
We have a 6-4 record, not 5-5. I'm already one up on the article writer. We have been unlucky at times this year, but the key will be getting on a run. We will start comfortable favourites for at least our next 3 games and need to avoid any lapses so we can turn 6-4 into 9-4. On our side is that Fremantle and Sydney seem the only obvious flag challengers right now, although there are potential smokies out there like Port and West Coast. Of big importance would be finishing in the top 2 to avoid travelling for our first final.
rossco
Guest
Of the 5 losses the biggest losing margin was only 10 points.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
Great write up Jason, and we are far from gone. We are 6/4, despite rarely playing at our optimum all season. Instead playing in frustrating bursts rather than full game intensity. All Hawk fans only need to look at last year when they have doubt, and how many times most thought we were gone to know the resilience we have as a group. Our main rivals know this to and will not like spending the season knowing we are in their immediate rear view mirrors. All this said, the game against the Crows after the break is huge. I do not rate the Crows, but they are tough at home. So, we will need to play at our best to beat them. If we do, I can see us going on a real run