SUMMARY
After such a promising start the 2015, the Giants fell back to earth with a thud in Perth last week in a woeful display against West Coast. Back at Spotless Stadium for the first time in 2015, the home side will get the chance to respond against the reigning premiers. Hawthorn is missing a host of their big names thanks to injury and suspension, but they'll still expect to extend their unbeaten record over the Giants to four games.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST THREE TIMES
R11, 2014, Hawthorn 14.10 (94) d Greater Western Sydney 13.9 (87) at the MCG
R8, 2013, Hawthorn 21.14 (140) d Greater Western Sydney 9.3 (57) at Aurora Stadium
R15, 2012, Hawthorn 28.25 (193) d Greater Western Sydney 4.7 (31) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite his team falling narrowly short against the Hawks in 2014, Giants co-captain Callan Ward collected the three Brownlow votes after racking up 29 disposals and 13 tackles.
2. Hawthorn take the ball inside 50 more than any other team, averaging 63.6 per game, while the Giants are ninth with 52.8 per game.
3. The Hawks are the number one kicking team in 2015, averaging 234.4 kicks per game, while the Giants are the number one handballing team, averaging 182.6 per game.
4. Hawthorn travels to Spotless Stadium for the first time to face the Giants, who will be playing their first home game there in 2015. They won three of eight games at Spotless in 2014.
5. This clash will be a battle of the top two ranked uncontested possession teams in 2015 – the Hawks are first averaging 265.6 per game, while the Giants are second at 257 per game.
6. Giants' midfielder Ryan Griffen is this match's only representative in the top 10 of the AFL's Official Player Ratings, with Jarryd Roughead the top Hawk at number 15.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Phil Davis, who lowered his colours for the first time this season to West Coast star Josh Kennedy last week. The co-captain fell victim to the Eagles' midfield dominance and will need more help from the Giants' on-ball division this week when he stands powerful Hawk Roughead.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 30 points
