Hungry Hawks ramp up tackling pressure

Hawthorn were at their tackling best on Thursday night against the Sydney Swans, recording 81 tackles to the Swans’ 54.

The Hawks’ ability to hunt the opposition when they have the ball is first rate and their ability to lay big tackles at crucial times was one of the big reasons why the Hawks got over the line on Thursday.

That same physical pressure will need to be on show against the Tigers this week.

 

Cyril sublime, Burgoyne brilliant

Cyril Rioli and Shaun Burgoyne were the difference between the two sides on Thursday night.

Whether he was up forward or in the midfield, Rioli was dangerous all night, finishing with 17 disposals, seven tackles, six inside 50’s and two goals including the match-winner.

Burgoyne produced one of the great individual performances in the last quarter, seemingly willing the Hawks across the line with two clutch goals and a number of crucial acts which helped the Hawks get up in a thrilling win.

 

Frawley having an excellent season

James Frawley hasn’t received plaudits from the wider football community this season, but he is putting together a terrific season as Hawthorn’s number one key defender.

‘Chip’ made sure Swans superstar Lance Franklin had no scoreboard impact on the game, with Franklin finishing with just two behinds for the night.

Frawley may have only had seven disposals himself, but his ability to stop the opposition’s best forward will be vital to Hawthorn’s fortunes for the rest of the season.

 

Travel holds no fear for Hawthorn

The Hawks have a good record against the Swans when the two sides play interstate, and have now won five of their last six away games against them – two wins at ANZ Stadium and three at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Hawks clearly like playing in NSW, with those five wins coming with an average winning margin of 31.8 points.

The fact the Hawks travel so well interstate means they shouldn’t harbour any concerns should they be required to play an interstate final in 2016.

 

Hawks’ playing list bats deep

Hawthorn made three changes to the side which beat Port Adelaide the previous week, yet seemingly lost nothing in terms of players being able to play their role.

Brendan Whitecross, Jonathan O’Rourke and Angus Litherland all came into the side and performed admirably, showing that the Hawks don’t just rely on the same players week in, week out.

Will Langford, Billy Hartung, Tim O’Brien, Kade Stewart, Kieran Lovell and Marc Pittonet all played at Box Hill on the weekend but have also played at AFL level this year, and are capable of stepping up if required.