SUMMARY
When these teams last played off, a Grand Final berth was up for grabs. The Hawks won that one and they should prevail this time around even though the stakes aren't nearly as high. Hard to believe as it is, the Dockers have yet to win a game this year, but coach Ross Lyon is all aboard with the rebuild, and with a contract in place until 2020, he has all the time he needs to implement it. His team will bring application and industry on Saturday to Launceston, where they seemingly play every year, but the Hawks bat deeper all over the ground and the signs were there against Richmond last week that their midfielders are finding their groove and the outside run is back.
Paul Puopolo tackles Lee Spurr in last year's preliminary final. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Aurora Stadium, Saturday, May 14, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
Last Five Meetings:
1PF, 2015, Hawthorn 15.4 (94) d Fremantle 10.7 (67) at Domain Stadium
R15, 2015, Hawthorn 17.13 (115) d Fremantle 6.7 (43) at Aurora Stadium
R21, 2014, Fremantle 17.8 (110) d Hawthorn 13.13 (91) at Domain Stadium
R3, 2014, Hawthorn 21.11 (137) d Fremantle 11.13 (79) at the MCG
GF, 2013, Hawthorn 11.11 (77) d Fremantle 8.14 (62) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Sam Mitchell starred with 35 disposals the last time these sides played in the 2015 finals; Taylor Duryea had 26 and Luke Hodge 25. Hawk Cyril Rioli kicked three goals, while Michael Walters booted three for Freo.
2. Hawthorn has been accurate kicking for goal so far in 2016, ranked third at 56.9 per cent, kicking 103.78. In total contrast the Dockers are last at 41.1 per cent booting 69.93.
3. Hawthorn and Fremantle meet for the 33rd time and the Hawks have dominated over a long period of time winning 24 games to eight, including 11 of the last 13.
4. The Dockers have struggled to take the ball inside 50 in 2016, ranked 17th averaging only 46.1 per game; Hawthorn is mid table, equal eighth at 53.9 per game.
5. The Hawks have been nearly unbeatable at Aurora Stadium over a long period of time winning their last 16 matches and 23 of their last 25; they haven’t lost since round five, 2012.
6. Cyril Rioli (No.13) and David Mundy (No.35) will be the top-ranked players from each club on Saturday according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Bradley Hill. The Hawk speedster had a delayed start to the season because of a wrist injury, but started to find some form against Richmond with some searching runs down the MCG flanks. He enjoys the long wings at Aurora and another matchup with brother Stephen, who plays for the Dockers.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 20 points
