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The biggest match of the year is almost upon us, but which team will triumph in the big dance?
The sides are locked at one a piece this year, however the Eagles inflicted the most crucial and decisive blow, with their 32-point qualifying final win less than three weeks ago.
That night the Hawks looked a shadow of their former selves but have returned to usual proceedings with dominant victories over the Crows and Fremantle.
Here is the case for both sides to claim premiership glory.
West Coast Eagles
Qualifying final
Their win over the Hawks less than three weeks ago must give them tangible confidence heading into Saturday’s game. No team has been able to belt-up Hawthorn like the Eagles did, particularly on such a big stage, for over half a decade.
Granted, the Eagles were buoyed by parochial home support, and the Hawks were having an off night, however it must give them a real psychological boost leading into the game.
The ‘Weagles Web’
The Weagles Web has strangled teams coming out of defence this year, with players providing extreme pressure and guarding the perimeters approximately 50 metres from an opposition kick. They have then punished teams on turnover, kicking large scores in the process.
This has been arguably the greatest tactical and coaching strategy of the year, and played a significant role in unravelling the Hawks in their previous encounter.
Firepower
This is one thing the Eagles have in abundance, possessing arguably the game’s best forward line. The centrepiece is Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy, who has kicked 80 goals this season, but it runs far deeper than that. There are the silky smooth skills of Mark LeCras, the hard edge and natural talent of Jack Darling, as well as side acts from the dangerous Jamie Cripps and Josh Hill.
It is perhaps the only forward line in the competition that surpasses the Hawks’.
Hawthorn Hawks
Experience
Perhaps the biggest factor in the Hawks’ favour is experience, and plenty of it. They are gunning for their third straight flag and are playing in their fourth consecutive grand final. Seven players are aiming for their fourth premiership medallion, after also tasting the ultimate success in 2008.
They are a side that knows exactly how to handle the big stage.
Home-ground advantage
This could aid the Hawks in a number of ways. They have played at the MCG 10 times this season, posting an impressive eight and two record, including their 74-point thumping of Adelaide under a fortnight ago. The Eagles on the other hand have played at the ground just once in 2015, albeit recording an impressive Friday night victory over Richmond.
The Hawks’ home advantage may play another, perhaps more crucial role in helping to unravel the Weagles Web. The Eagles have virtually perfected the strategy at Domain Stadium, knowing the ground’s reference points like the back of their hands. This may be harder to come to grips with on the less-familiar surrounds of the G, particularly under the pressure and scrutiny of the game’s biggest occasion.
Unsociable Hawks
This isn’t a throwaway line, it is a real and highly intimidating prospect. The Hawks roughed up Sydney in the first quarter of last year’s decider and combined with career-defining performances from their leaders. The Swans never recovered.
So far in 2015 the Eagles have not only been able to stand up to but thrive under the Hawks’ manic pressure. Whether they can do so again when the intensity is lifted even higher remains to be seen.
Prediction
It’s incredibly hard to go past the Hawks for a third consecutive flag. The combination of big game experience, home-ground advantage, and that their best is still significantly better than anyone else’s makes them the favourites.
Having said that, if any team was to ruin the Hawks’ shot at immortality, it has looked like being West Coast from a long way out. They have the firepower and strategy to rival Hawthorn, but how will they stand up on Australia’s biggest sporting occasion?
One thing is for sure, the 2015 grand final looks like an absolute cracker.
Hawthorn to defeat West Coast by 23 points.
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