St Kilda threat to long Tassie winning run

HAWTHORN will be banking on preserving its imposing record at UTAS Stadium today as it strives to kickstart a 2017 campaign that is still teetering on the brink.

After the Hawks dropped their first four matches — the first time since 1998 they failed to win in the first month of a season — they bounced back by dismantling West Coast at the MCG last Sunday.

And with two of their next three contests in Launceston, where they have won 19 straight, the Hawks could still resurrect their season.

However, today’s opponent St Kilda came within three points of snapping the winning streak in Round 4 last year, and though happy to be at their home away from home, assistant coach Cameron Bruce knows the Hawks can’t simply expect the comfort of the Invermay venue to provide an easy four points.

“It’s definitely reassuring to know we have performed well down here, and when the game is in the balance, having that confidence and belief, we can challenge and get over the line when needed,” Bruce said.

“We did some good things last week, we just stripped it back and did the basics really well.

“We will be looking to continue that. It’s at a familiar ground and where we have a good record.

“Whenever you come down here the opposition are trying to knock you off and they performed well here last year, I think we just won by less than a goal.

“Hopefully we get the result, St Kilda are an up-andcoming side and provide so many threats.”

Bruce denied there was a sense of relief at breaking the duck last weekend, but declared the energy around the club had increased following the victory.

However, there is still a lot of work to be done before the side returns to the formidable outfit that has dominated the competition for the past four years.

“We have a long way to go to keep getting better, to build the synergy we want, to be able to match it with the sides right at the top,” Bruce said.

Midfielder Jaeger O’Meara is slated to return after missing the past two weeks with a knee complaint, however he did very little during the light training run yesterday afternoon.

The Saints are looking to bounce back from last week’s final-quarter fadeout to Geelong and while Hawthorn might appear vulnerable, Tasmanian Mav Weller refuses to the write the home side off.

“They are not vulnerable. They are a quality outfit and have been for 10 years,” Weller said.

“Although the record speaks for itself, they are very good here, but if we bring our game plan and style we think we can win the game.”