Veteran to shore up defence
TO farewell loyal fans is not the only reason Hawthorn will welcome suspended ace Luke Hodge back for today’s AFL match against North Melbourne in Launceston.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said the retiring former skipper is critical to organise an inexperienced defence that was exposed by Richmond’s relentless pressure last round.
“We missed him last week” Clarkson said.
“We’ve got a pretty young defence and they’ve acquitted themselves pretty well, but the wise, old counsel of Hodgey has assisted them enormously.
“He has had a rest, so, hopefully, he’s jumping out of his skin to play again.
“It (Tasmania) has been a home away from home for us for a long period of time, and he has been a big part of that.
“So, it will be a good chance to thank the fans down there.”
Clarkson reaffirmed 198cm second-year backman Kaiden Brand for the key role on Kangaroos forward Ben Brown.
“Brandy’s probably the only one down there who has got the reach to get anywhere near Browny,” Clarkson said.
“So, he’ll probably get first crack on him, but the way we defend, we’re going to need guys to help out at different stages.
“And that includes the midfield to apply pressure on the ball so it’s not giving easy access to Brown and others.
“... their midfield is still very, very strong.
“They’ve got some outstanding leaders and really strong ground-level players and (Todd) Goldstein is still a very threatening ruckman.
“We need to win that midfield battle so it doesn’t get to Brown.”
■ Hawthorn v North Melbourne, 2.50pm, Launceston