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Only two games left and still a much coveted top-four spot is up for grabs in what is shaping as a true blockbuster between the West Coast Eagles and Hawthorn Hawks. Join The Roar from 8:10pm (AEST) for all the action!
Hawthorn bounced back from their loss a fortnight ago in tremendous style this past Saturday, blitzing North Melbourne in the opening quarter and going on to win comfortably.
Cyril Rioli is in sensational form and, given his ability to stand up in big games, will surely play a big part for the Hawks.
West Coast’s crucial interstate victory over the Greater Western Sydney Giants last week did the job of shirking their ‘flat-track bully’ tag, but also showed just how important Nic Naitanui is to this side.
Despite being written off after some subpar performances, the Eagles have snuck up on the competition, winning seven of their last eight games and jumping to within a whisker of a top-four spot.
In recent times the Hawks have the wood over their western rivals, taking the points in eight of the last ten encounters; most importantly being the big grand final triumph of last season. There might not be any silverware on the line this time around, but given the tightness of the top eight, there’s no mistaking the importance of a win.
A West Coast win means the Hawks probably lose the right to host a game in the first week of finals, and puts their chances of a top-four finish back into question. Not only that, it means the Eagles throw their hat back into the ring for the double chance and almost certainly guarantees at least one home final.
Hawthorn win and the minor premiership and all its perks are just about sewn up, the Eagles (probably) fall to seventh, and their chances of retribution look all but gone.
Lewis Jetta and and Jackson Nelson come into the West Coast side to replace the suspended Tom Barrass and injured Simon Tunbridge. On paper, this side is just about as strong a 22 as the Eagles can field. Interesting to note that No.1 offseason recruit Jack Redden has been named as an emergency. A dynamic player like Elliot Yeo or Jack Darling could be the difference here in unsettling a Hawks team that is usually so unflappable.
Hawthorn have the same team that beat the Kangaroos last week. Their ability to blood so many new players this year and still keep the wins ticking over has been such a credit to their success as a club, and will only help prolong their reign. It’s hard to understand why youngster James Sicily has been named as an emergency though – he’s been a great avenue to goal this year.
Watch out for Isaac Smith. The most underrated player in the game (in my humble opinion) has starred in the last month, and on the wide expanses of Domain Stadium could run his way to another big outing.
Grand final rematch, primetime slot, plenty on the line – bring it on.
Prediction
The Eagles at home can get the job done – just.
West Coast by 1.
The West Coast Eagles or the Hawkthorn Hawks – who goes up in the pecking order? Join The Roar from 8:10pm (AEST) for live coverage of this monster clash!
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