Hawthorn wary as resurgent Roos fire
EMERGING Hawthorn defender Denver Grainger-Barras says the Hawks will enter their first ever clash at Blundstone Arena on Saturday excited and full of confidence but well aware of the dangers a rejuvenated North Melbourne possesses.
The Roos have suffered a season from hell in 2022 but since their 112-point drubbing by Geelong three weeks ago appear to have turned a corner after backing up their heartbreaking seven-point loss to Collingwood in round 17 with an inspiring four-point win over Richmond last week under new caretaker coach Leigh Adams.
Hawthorn will also enter the clash on a high after backto-back wins over Adelaide and West Coast but GraingerBarras has kept a close eye on the Roos and was expecting a tough battle come Saturday.
“I watched North Melbourne against Collingwood which was a cracking game and they played some good footy and I thought they were going to win and then obviously they beat Richmond last week which was a really good win so they’re certainly in some good form and it’ll take our best to get over the line,” the key defender said. “We’ve had a couple of really good games ourselves and played our system really well and gained some good belief in our contested work so we’ll have to continue that and really commit to our values we really pride ourselves on to give ourselves the best opportunity to win.”
The 20-year-old West Australian, who has played 12 games this season after being taken with pick 6 in the 2020 AFL Draft, said he was excited to play in Hobart in what will be the Hawks first ever game at Bellerive and just their second game ever played for points in the capital city following their match against Fitzroy at North Hobart Oval in 1991.
“I’ve been to Hobart before to visit my grandfather as he lives down there and it’s a beautiful spot and I can’t wait to get down there for a game,” Grainger-Barras said.
“Tassie always provides great footy grounds so I’m sure that’s what we’ll get and there’s a real level of excitement with it being a new place and new arena and some new fans for us to play in front of.
“It’s good to know the vast majority of the team will be in the same boat playing there for the first time and hopefully we can play some exciting footy and get a win.”
The battle of Tasmania’s two AFL affiliated sides will get under way at 1.45pm on Saturday at Blundstone.