SUMMARY
The result of this match between the ninth-placed Hawks and the 10th-placed Giants will have huge ramifications on the finals chances of the losing side. Both teams have recovered from some shaky form to win their past three matches to sit just outside the eight. Hawthorn will be without star veteran Shaun Burgoyne (hamstring), but the already injury-hit Giants have been rocked by the suspension of Jeremy Cameron (35 goals this season), and the home side will miss their leading goalkicker with Ryan Griffen and Zac Langdon (both 12 goals) their next best. GWS has fixed their pressure on the opposition and they'll need to maintain that around the footy against the Hawks, especially if they hope to contain prolific ball-winner Tom Mitchell. Vice-captain Stephen Coniglio could get a job on Mitchell, with the visitors no doubt planning to try and curb star Giant Josh Kelly.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, June 30, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R16, 2017: Hawthorn 14.13 (97) drew with Giants 15.7 (97) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R6, 2016: Giants 24.14 (158) d Hawthorn 12.11 (83) at Spotless Stadium
R6, 2015: Giants 16.12 (108) d Hawthorn 14.14 (98) at Spotless Stadium
R11, 2014: Hawthorn 14.10 (94) d Giants 13.9 (87) at the MCG
R8, 2013: Hawthorn 21.14 (140) d Giants 9.3 (57) at University of Tasmania Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was a thrilling draw when the teams played in 2017. Hawthorn led by 15 points at three quarter-time before the Giants kicked five goals to three in the final quarter. Tom Mitchell collected the three Brownlow votes with 39 disposals, nine tackles and one goal.
2. Hawthorn is the equal-strongest third-quarter team this season, they're plus-154 points and have won nine of 13 third quarters. The second quarter is the Giants' strongest; they're plus-156 points, kicking more total points in second quarters than any other side.
3. This is the seventh clash between the sides with Hawthorn winning three games to two and one draw; three of the six matches have been decided by more than 70 points.
4. The Giants are undefeated against Hawthorn at Spotless Stadium, winning by 10 points in 2015 and 75 in 2016. Despite the recent losses the Hawks have won three of their last four matches played in Sydney, all against the Swans.
5. A big advantage for Hawthorn could come in front of goal; the Hawks are ranked fifth for accuracy at 49.1 per cent, a long way ahead of the Giants (15th at 43.7 per cent).
6. At number 15 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, Hawks big man Ben McEvoy sits 538 places ahead of his likely opponent, GWS ruckman Dawson Simpson.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …
With Jeremy Cameron missing, Giants forward Jon Patton will need to have a presence inside 50. The powerful Victorian started quietly last week but finished with three goals against Brisbane.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 9 points.
