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Damien Hardwick is a little nervous about Tom Hawkins’ absence, even with the major advantage it gives Richmond in their AFL preliminary final.
Hawkins’ suspension means Geelong will have to recast their attack for the Friday night clash against the Tigers at the MCG.
The All-Australian key forward had played every game this season and it’s unclear how the Cats will try to cover his absence.
Geelong have made one change so far, recalling defender Lachie Henderson to replace Hawkins.
Gary Rohan, who missed last week’s semi-final win over Collingwood through injury, was named as an emergency and he is the most likely inclusion if the Cats decide on a late change.
“It’s a funny one as a coach – you love the predictability of what a Tom Hawkins brings, but I’m also very happy he’s out,” Hardwick said.
“He’s an outstanding talent.
“What it does bring is something different, whether Harry (Taylor) goes forward, Danger (Patrick Dangerfield) plays a bit more forward, whether (Lachie) Henderson strolls down there, Gary Rohan comes in.
“They will look different, no doubt, but … we’re still pretty happy with our defensive mix.
“We feel we can handle anyone.”
If he returns, Rohan needs a big match after he missed an easy shot on goal and generally struggled in the qualifying final loss to Collingood.
Gary Ablett also is yet to kick a goal in this finals series.
Hardwick said the Richmond coaches will look at Geelong’s options in attack and brief the players as necessary.
“We won’t burden our players with a whole heap of information,” Hardwick said.
“Eighty per cent of the time we concentrate on ourselves, we give them 20 per cent of what the opposition may or may not do.
“A lot of that will happen on game day, once we have a better understanding of what their side is.”
Richmond’s defence have been outstanding this season since they lost Alex Rance after round one to a knee reconstruction.
Despite Cats coach Chris Scott saying this week that Richmond were a better side last season, Hardwick said the Tigers are ready.
This time last year, Richmond had injury and illness worries before Collingwood giant Mason Cox took them apart in the preliminary final.
“We’re certainly better prepared … I feel we’ve grown as a side, there’s no doubt,” Hardwick said.
“I feel we’re better placed.”
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