Hawks supporter Matt Bellofiore previews the clash between Hawthorn and Essendon.
Who could ever forget the great battles between Hawthorn and Essendon in the 80’s. Some of the greats of the game drew blood sweat and tears on this fierce rivalry. No one will forget the “line in the sand” game where Dermie revved up some tough Hawks to stand up for themselves and give it right back to the black and red army. A great history involves itself with these two clubs and it’s upon us again. It’s fair to say although Sheedy admits a mutual respect for the Hawks, he would love to belt them this weekend at the MCG. But we’ve got something to say about that! It might be your last 5 games coaching the bombers, but do we give a Larry Dooley? Nup! We want four points!
In all seriousness, whilst we at Hawthorn have a hate for anything black and red it’s fair to say we have to take our hats off to Kevin Sheedy and the remarkable job he has done at Essendon in his 27 year tenure. He has brought so much to the club and to AFL / VFL football in general, cheers Sheeds!
Anyway, enough of the soft stuff. I think we have a really good chance against the Bombers this weekend, especially with the return of some key players on our list like Buddy Franklin, Sammy Mitchell and Timmy Boyle which adds another target up forward. Our captain, Vanders is also up and running and I think he put in a good performance against the Kangas last Sunday for his first game back in a while. But there’s no doubt that our last minute exclusions (Buddy and Mitch) hurt our run and supply, so welcome back boys!
Last time these two sides met Hawthorn were sensational. Buddy kicked a bag, Browny played out of his weight division to towel up Lucas and Sewelly, Crawf and others were simply too quick for the bombers and were really hard at it in the middle of the park. Can we do it again though?? Remember Matty Lloyd missed the game back in round 6, and some are criticising the Hawks for going too hard too early in the season so far. Wouldn’t it be nice if Browny lined up on Lloydy. They’re not exactly best mates are they? I reckon we would see more closed fists then a Tyson Vs Hollyfield shoot out. That wouldn’t be a bad thing now would it! Only kidding guys. Some are saying we’ve played our best footy for the year. I reckon that’s rubbish. Good players don’t stop being good players and I reckon were going to see a different side this week, which will hopefully put us back in contention for top four this year.
Some interesting match ups should also take place this week. Browny was sensational on Lucas back in round 6 but we now have to contain Lloyd who would love to have a day out against the Hawks. I reckon Gilham or Croad could get the job on him this time around. Also we all know what a ripper game Buddy had last time out and Roughead is getting better and better so both teams forward lines hold plenty of grunt. However, I think our midfield will prevail again as it did in round 6. Essendon don’t have the list to run with our mids like Sewelly, Crawf, Changa, Mitch and the list goes on. Whoever can supply their forwards with good, clean and quick execution will win this match.
In past weeks we have been shocking in front of goal as well. We really haven’t converted well for our entries inside fifty, so we’ll be looking to have our kicking boots on this weekend. It’s so important to make the most of opportunities in front of goal these days. Maybe Dunstall could go and give us a hand in that department instead of showing up for ‘Before The Bounce’ on Foxtel. Only joking JD, we love ya buddy!
It’s a crucial game for both clubs. Hawthorn are keen to prove its critics wrong and Essendon, coming off some great form to beat the Crows are also keen to upset the Hawks run into September. Both clubs are still very much in with a realistic chance of making the eight! What a rip snorter this could be.
So fifth on the ladder and potentially one win off regaining third sport, wouldn’t it be nice if we give them a good old fashioned hammering?! Time for the boys to stand up. We want to see some aggressiveness, hardness and pace that got us in the top 2 a few weeks ago. Go Hawkers!!!!!!!!
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.au would like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to the Official Club website. If you would like to sign up to write for hawthornfc.com.au click here for more details.
Who could ever forget the great battles between Hawthorn and Essendon in the 80’s. Some of the greats of the game drew blood sweat and tears on this fierce rivalry. No one will forget the “line in the sand” game where Dermie revved up some tough Hawks to stand up for themselves and give it right back to the black and red army. A great history involves itself with these two clubs and it’s upon us again. It’s fair to say although Sheedy admits a mutual respect for the Hawks, he would love to belt them this weekend at the MCG. But we’ve got something to say about that! It might be your last 5 games coaching the bombers, but do we give a Larry Dooley? Nup! We want four points!
In all seriousness, whilst we at Hawthorn have a hate for anything black and red it’s fair to say we have to take our hats off to Kevin Sheedy and the remarkable job he has done at Essendon in his 27 year tenure. He has brought so much to the club and to AFL / VFL football in general, cheers Sheeds!
Anyway, enough of the soft stuff. I think we have a really good chance against the Bombers this weekend, especially with the return of some key players on our list like Buddy Franklin, Sammy Mitchell and Timmy Boyle which adds another target up forward. Our captain, Vanders is also up and running and I think he put in a good performance against the Kangas last Sunday for his first game back in a while. But there’s no doubt that our last minute exclusions (Buddy and Mitch) hurt our run and supply, so welcome back boys!
Last time these two sides met Hawthorn were sensational. Buddy kicked a bag, Browny played out of his weight division to towel up Lucas and Sewelly, Crawf and others were simply too quick for the bombers and were really hard at it in the middle of the park. Can we do it again though?? Remember Matty Lloyd missed the game back in round 6, and some are criticising the Hawks for going too hard too early in the season so far. Wouldn’t it be nice if Browny lined up on Lloydy. They’re not exactly best mates are they? I reckon we would see more closed fists then a Tyson Vs Hollyfield shoot out. That wouldn’t be a bad thing now would it! Only kidding guys. Some are saying we’ve played our best footy for the year. I reckon that’s rubbish. Good players don’t stop being good players and I reckon were going to see a different side this week, which will hopefully put us back in contention for top four this year.
Some interesting match ups should also take place this week. Browny was sensational on Lucas back in round 6 but we now have to contain Lloyd who would love to have a day out against the Hawks. I reckon Gilham or Croad could get the job on him this time around. Also we all know what a ripper game Buddy had last time out and Roughead is getting better and better so both teams forward lines hold plenty of grunt. However, I think our midfield will prevail again as it did in round 6. Essendon don’t have the list to run with our mids like Sewelly, Crawf, Changa, Mitch and the list goes on. Whoever can supply their forwards with good, clean and quick execution will win this match.
In past weeks we have been shocking in front of goal as well. We really haven’t converted well for our entries inside fifty, so we’ll be looking to have our kicking boots on this weekend. It’s so important to make the most of opportunities in front of goal these days. Maybe Dunstall could go and give us a hand in that department instead of showing up for ‘Before The Bounce’ on Foxtel. Only joking JD, we love ya buddy!
It’s a crucial game for both clubs. Hawthorn are keen to prove its critics wrong and Essendon, coming off some great form to beat the Crows are also keen to upset the Hawks run into September. Both clubs are still very much in with a realistic chance of making the eight! What a rip snorter this could be.
So fifth on the ladder and potentially one win off regaining third sport, wouldn’t it be nice if we give them a good old fashioned hammering?! Time for the boys to stand up. We want to see some aggressiveness, hardness and pace that got us in the top 2 a few weeks ago. Go Hawkers!!!!!!!!
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.au would like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to the Official Club website. If you would like to sign up to write for hawthornfc.com.au click here for more details.
