Ready to Dee-stroy

Hawthorn assumes brace position for manic Melbourne

MELBOURNE is revelling in the chaos of September with its Richmond-like pressure system, and Alastair Clarkson admits Hawthorn is doomed unless it can find a way to play tonight’s semi-final on its terms.

Richmond’s swarming pressure and unpredictability at stoppages was pivotal in its victory over the Hawks in last week’s qualifying final, and the rampant Dees employed a similar style as they knocked Geelong out of premiership contention.

Finding a way to minimise the influence of star ruckman Max Gawn and the Demons’ brigade of contested-ball specialists looms as the key to Hawthorn avoiding a straightsets finals exit.

“We spoke about chaos … that’s where they’re particularly strong,” Clarkson said.

“Some of that’s got to do with Gawn giving them first use of the ball but some of it’s got to do with the fact they’ve got some really good hunters in there.

“(Jack) Viney coming back into their side helped them enormously in the first half in particular last week.

“If you can get your hands on the ball then you’ve got the choice of what you can do with it … if we can do that, then we give ourselves a chance.”

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said it was no secret the Demons thrived on chaos in much the same way as last year’s premiers.

“I guess if you looked at our game style there are some similarities, certainly the way we tackle and our pressure and intensity, but there are (also) a lot of differences.”

Both coaches acknowledged plenty had changed since Hawthorn thrashed Melbourne in Round 4 despite Gawn racking up 66 hit-outs.

Goodwin noted that while Hawthorn were better known for their precise ball use, they were also more than capable at the coalface.

“Without question I think people underestimate what they’re like in the contest and their tackling,” he said.

“We’ve looked at Hawthorn for the last month so we know what they’re good at.” EMG: TV RADIO IN OUT NEW MILESTONE