Hawks have all to play for in finale

HAWTHORN can’t make the AFL finals this season but don’t try to tell them they’ve got nothing to play for when they face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Friday night’s clash will be premiership captain Luke Hodge’s last match, with injured defender Josh Gibson also ending his decorated career.

Hawks vice-captain Isaac Smith says they are is desperate to send the pair out on a high and snuff out the Bulldogs’ faint finals hopes in the process.

“If we beat the Bulldogs it stops them making the finals so we’ve got a lot to play for,” Smith said. “We’ve got Gibbo, who won’t be playing, finishing up and Hodgey finishing up.

“He’s been one of the greatest Hawks of all time.

“There should be a fair bit of emotion around the game, so hopefully it’s a full house.”

The game will also have added meaning for Hawks veteran Shaun Burgoyne. The 34-year-old will play his 341st AFL match to pass Adelaide superstar Andrew McLeod and move into outright second behind indigenous games record holder, Sydney dualBrownlow medallist, Adam Goodes (372 games).