The line up
B: Hurn, Schofield, Duggan
HB: Nelson, Sheppard, Jetta
C: Gaff, Yeo, Redden
HF: Cameron, Darling, Cripps
F: Ryan, Kennedy, Rioli
FOLL: Naitanui, Sheed, Shuey
I/C: Masten, Allen, Hickey, Hutchings
EMG: Cole, Ainsworth, Ah Chee, Allen
IN: Rioli, Naitanui
OUT: McGovern, Petruccelle
What to expect
West Coast will be hoping to continue its unbeaten record at the MCG since the start of 2018 with a win on Saturday set to make it five consecutive victories at the ground, including last year’s grand final.
The Eagles are yet to fully rediscover their form towards the back half of last year, but their win last week over Essendon was arguably their best performance of 2019.
They blew the Bombers away, entering their forward 50 on 24 more occasions and recording 20 more scoring shots.
Had it not been for their wayward kicking (14.22), the 35-point win could have easily extended beyond 10 goals.
But Adam Simpson’s side’s modus operandi is not necessarily to dominate possession or the contest.
The Eagles’ numbers this season are by no means astounding, in fact many of them appear to leave a lot to be desired.
Only two players are averaging more kicks per game this year than Shannon Hurn. This makes the Eagles captain’s right boot one of the most dangerous weapons in today’s game given his ability to distribute the ball by foot both by quality and quantity. The Hawks will undoubtedly be looking to hinder Hurn’s ability to impact the game on Saturday.
They rank 15th for inside 50s, 16th for disposals and 18th for contested possessions.
The Hawks have a tough task assigned to them this week, but Hawks fans should have faith that Alastair Clarkson has devised a game plan capable of breaking down an in-form Eagles outfit.
Player to watch
Only two players are averaging more kicks per game this year than Shannon Hurn. This makes the Eagles captain’s right boot one of the most dangerous weapons in today’s game given his ability to distribute the ball by foot both by quality and quantity. The Hawks will undoubtedly be looking to hinder Hurn’s ability to impact the game on Saturday.
