HAWTHORN premiership player Max Bailey believes the Hawks could gain an advantage by playing two ruckmen against Sydney Swans' big man Mike Pyke in the Grand Final.
The Hawks are set to make the tough call to partner either surprise packet Jonathon Ceglar or ex-Saint Ben McEvoy with David Hale on Saturday.
Bailey, who retired after tasting premiership glory last season, said whichever duo got the nod should give Pyke the run around on the wide expanses of the MCG.
"I don't think they have to play anything differently. They've all played against him before during the year," Bailey said at Waverley on Thursday.
"I don't think there's anything special they have to do. The good thing about it is that Mike Pyke is the sole ruckman there whereas Hawthorn they're going to have two guys there.
"So they can hopefully work him over and run him around a bit."
Bailey was one of the uplifting stories from the Hawks' 2013 flag success after he overcame three knee reconstructions to play his part in the Grand Final triumph against Fremantle.
He then hung up the boots with 43 games to his name, opening the door for Ceglar and former Saint McEvoy to compete for the second ruck spot this season.
The 206cm big man, who took on a development coaching role at Richmond this season, was relieved he didn't have to choose between his successors for the Grand Final.
"It would be tough to see Jon get dropped because I think he's had a great year," Bailey said.
"But at the same time Ben's had a great season as well and probably deserves a spot, so I'm glad I'm not picking it."
Bailey expected the Hawks who hadn't experienced a Grand Final – such as Matt Spangher, Taylor Duryea and Ceglar – would have been offered plenty of advice this week and wouldn't be overawed.
"I think last year from memory the club did a really good job of keeping it just a normal week and the club's been through it a number of times before," he said.
"So I don't think it will be too much of an issue, they know what they're doing and they'll be fine."
Much of the hype this week has been focused on Swans superstar Lance Franklin's showdown with his former club in a mouthwatering match-up.
But Bailey doubted the extra attention would have affected his ex-teammate and – with his Hawthorn hat on - admitted he feared Buddy's potency.
"Yeah, a little bit. Their whole forward line, we saw it last Friday night how damaging they were. So it's going to be tough but hopefully Brian (Lake) can get the job done on (Kurt) Tippett and (Josh) Gibson on Franklin," he said.
Despite the Swans' attacking threat, Bailey predicted the Hawks would go back-to-back for only the second time in club history.
"I definitely think Hawthorn will win. I think it will be a really good game, really close, and fingers crossed they get the job done," he said.
