Fremantle's blockbuster clash with Hawthorn on Thursday night shapes as the most important game so far this season for both sides, according to Luke Hodge. The Hawks champion has had his say on where the game will be won and lost, believing the midfield battle will prove crucial in determining which side tastes defeat for the first time in two months.
Form Guide
The second-placed Dockers will enter the game at Optus Stadium on the back of seven consecutive victories, their longest run without a loss in more than 10 years. They sit one spot above the third-placed Hawks, who bounced back from an Opening Round defeat at the hands of Greater Western Sydney by peeling off six straight wins of their own before taking their share of the points from an enthralling draw with Collingwood last Thursday.
Team Changes
Fremantle have made just one change to their side, with defender Judd McVee recovering from illness in time to play at the expense of Jeremy Sharp, who has been dropped after playing in their past two victories. Meanwhile, Hawthorn have made a series of changes. Calsher Dear is out with an adductor injury, and Jack Scrimshaw and Finn Maginness have been dropped, making way for Max Ramsden, Sam Butler, and debutant Bodie Ryan.
Hodge's Analysis
Hodge, who will be part of Channel Seven's commentary team for the game, told The West Australian he had been hugely impressed with what he had seen from Fremantle's new-look on-ball brigade this season. But the four-time premiership star warned the Hawks, who are coached by his former running mate Sam Mitchell, should not be underestimated. "Both teams have been impressive at different stages. No doubt, it's going to be a ripping contest," Hodge said.
"You look at Freo... one of their main strengths is that midfield. If they can get on top with (Luke) Jackson and (Mason) Cox battling against (Lloyd) Meek and (Ned) Reeves, whoever gives their mids first look at the contest, both forward lines are pretty dangerous."
"When (Hawthorn) lost (James) Worpel and missed out on (Zach) Merrett, I guess everyone said the weakness was their midfield, considering their forwards and backs are pretty strong. Last week, they were plus-16 in clearances. They've got a system that works for them — obviously, they couldn't convert that onto the scoreboard last week against the Pies."
Hayden Young's Return
Hodge said he was delighted to see Hayden Young back in full flight after an injury-interrupted run and hailed the dynamic left-footer as the key to Fremantle's improved midfield. "(After) you see a young player who gets injured early, it's good to see him get to a mature stage now where he can have an impact," he said. "He's just added to the depth of that midfield — (Murphy) Reid's pushing in there as well, you've obviously got (Andrew) Brayshaw and (Caleb) Serong, who have been so, so good for them. I think the more guys who you have that can float through that midfield, it helps the coaches be able to throw the magnets as well."
Hawthorn's Attack
Led by ageless 34-year-old Jack Gunston, the Hawks are again one of the competition's most potent attacking sides, sitting behind only first-placed Sydney and back-to-back reigning premiers Brisbane for points scored so far this season. Hodge credited their offensive potency to Mitchell giving their ball-users license to take risks at appropriate times in games. "They want to try and open up the forward line for the likes of Gunston and those guys to have a bit of space, so I think that's going to be the big test for Freo, making sure they can match it," he said.
"Freo's got a pretty good history against the Hawks, so it's going to be a good battle. Hawthorn's going to try and be aggressive with the football and Freo just have to be stable behind the ball, led by (Alex) Pearce, who's a quality skipper and defender."
