Hawks set for bruising Roos
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson is expecting another physical and hostile battle against North Melbourne as the Hawks fight to retain their hold on top spot.
The Hawks triumphed with a nine-point win in a fiery clash against the Kangaroos in Round 13 earlier this year, but there is more on the line in this encounter at the MCG.
Sitting just one game clear at the top of the ladder, the Hawks could potentially slip out of the top four if they lose, while eighth-placed North need to keep winning to guarantee their spot in the finals.
While Clarkson said he wasn’t placing any extra importance on the match, he was certain it would be another physical battle.
“They’re always physical encounters, particularly the top-eight teams when they come up against each other there’s a lot of competitiveness, there’s good sides and that’s what you expect when you come up against those sorts of teams,” Clarkson said.
“So I wouldn’t imagine it’s going to be any different.”
The Hawks’ breathing space at the top of the AFL table was reduced to just one game ahead of second-placed Sydney after their shock loss to Melbourne last round.
Three other teams – Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney and Geelong – also sit on the same number of points as the Swans.
Clarkson said the Hawks were not motivated by the chasing pack in the remaining three rounds.
“All we can control is us winning games of footy and we’ve done that pretty well for the majority of games this year and that’s why we’re sitting on top of the ladder,’’ he said.
The Hawks have made five changes, including the return of experienced trio James Frawley, Paul Puopolo and Liam Shiels from injury.
Billy Hartung’s form in the VFL has also been rewarded with a call-up, while Ryan Burton will make his AFL debut.
Meanwhile, Clarkson described discussion linking assistant coach Brett Ratten to the Brisbane Lions coaching job as “disrespectful”.
“I think it’s disrespectful that we are even thinking about who he might be going to and what he might be doing,’’ Clarkson said.
“He needs to assess his own situation. There is a not a coaching vacancy at this point in time and I don’t think it is fair that anyone speculates one way or the other what’s going to happen then.’’