SECOND SEMI-FINAL

Hawthorn v Adelaide, MCG, Friday, 7.50pm AEST

Form
Hawthorn's comprehensive loss to new premiership favourite West Coast at Domain Stadium was surprising on a couple of fronts: that the contest was effectively over before three-quarter time and the Hawks' renowned kicking skills succumbed to pressure. Winning has become habit for the Hawks, given they'd won 12 of their previous 14 games before meeting West Coast. Perhaps low-key drubbings of cellar dwellers Brisbane Lions and Carlton took the edge off them but there's nothing like a defeat to sharpen the senses.

The Crows, meanwhile, are on a roll after winning five of their past six games, including victories over finalists Richmond, West Coast and now the Western Bulldogs, and couldn't be better prepared for their massive mission. 

Injuries
The Crows emerged unscathed from their clash with the Dogs, but the Hawks have their worries with sharpshooter Jack Gunston unlikely to take his place after landing awkwardly on his right leg and appearing to damage his ankle against the Eagles. Teammate Isaac Smith defied the odds to play with a medial ligament injury in his left knee but seemed to be limited in his movement. 

MRP
No apparent issues for either team. 

What's at stake?
For the Hawks, a victory will keep alive their chance to win a third straight premiership for the first time club history. They will have to do it the hard way, given a win over the Crows would result in another trip to Perth, this time to take on minor premier Fremantle. Hawthorn has lost two of its past three clashes with the Dockers at Domain Stadium.

For the Crows, a second successive finals win in Melbourne would continue one of the season's most amazing stories and further galvanise a playing group that has become remarkably tight following the mid-season death of coach Phil Walsh. 

Last time they met
Hawthorn prevailed by 29 points under lights at Adelaide Oval in round 12 (Walsh's second-last game as Crows coach). The Hawks led by 27 points late in the second quarter but Adelaide stole the lead midway through the third term before the reigning premier piled on the next six goals.

The Crows have relatively recent experience of performing well against the Hawks in September, with half of the current line-up part of the team that got within five points of the Hawks in their 2012 preliminary final. 

Talking points
• The fitness of Hawks stars Jack Gunston and Isaac Smith.

• Will the Crows tag Hawks champion Sam Mitchell?

• Will in-form Adelaide goalsneak Eddie Betts break his recent rut against the Hawks? In his past two games against them he's managed just six kicks and two goals.

• How will the Hawks structure their defence against the likes of Taylor Walker and Josh Jenkins, given Brian Lake, Ben Stratton and James Frawley battled against the Eagles?

• Hawthorn was soundly beaten in the ruck by West Coast, but managed to win the clearances and centre clearances comfortably. Can it afford to concede ruck dominance to Sam Jacobs this time? 

Tickets
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FIRST SEMI-FINAL

Sydney V North Melbourne, ANZ Stadium, Saturday, 7:20pm AEST

Form
The depleted Swans' form has been patchy since mid-year but they managed to win the last four games of the home and away season, albeit against lowly opposition, before finishing strongly in their qualifying final against Fremantle but ultimately failing to take their chances.

Meanwhile, North Melbourne was inconsistent for two-thirds of the home and away season but strung together seven consecutive victories before being outclassed by both the Bulldogs and Richmond. An impressive come-from-behind win over the Tigers in their elimination final, with the memory of their exciting finals campaign last year fresh in the memory, should ensure they give a better account of themselves than they did in their preliminary finals loss to the Swans in Sydney last year. 

Injuries
Swingman Sam Reid could be ruled out of the finals series after suffering a hamstring injury against the Dockers, but defender Nick Smith could become available. Coach John Longmire has already confirmed Lance Franklin will miss again as he battles a mental illness.

North got through with a clean bill of health, apart from an ankle tweak for Jamie Macmillan. 

MRP
Kangaroos opportunist Lindsay Thomas was reported for kicking out at Richmond defender Dylan Grimes.

It was unsightly but probably not of sufficient force to warrant suspension.

What’s at stake?
The Kangaroos appear to have a gilt-edged opportunity to advance to a preliminary final (against West Coast at Domain Stadium), given the injury-plagued Swans will be without key big men Lance Franklin and Sam Reid and tough midfielders Kieren Jack and Luke Parker.

The Swans, meanwhile, will draw upon their famous Bloods culture in their quest to ensure they don't suffer a straight-sets exit. 

Last time they met
At Etihad Stadium in round 19, the Swans had all the answers, establishing a 31-point lead late in the second term before holding off the inaccurate Kangaroos to win by 16 points as Lance Franklin slotted a game-high four goals, including the sealer. 

Talking points
• How much closer will the result be in comparison to their preliminary final clash at the same venue last year when the Swans flogged North by 71 points?

• Will Ben Jacobs get the job on Josh Kennedy or Dan Hannebery? Jacobs kept Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin to a career-low nine possessions.

• Can Swans pair Kurt Tippett and Adam Goodes again step up in the absence of Lance Franklin and Sam Reid?

• Up the other end, can first-year Roos veteran Jarrad Waite continue to build upon his new-found consistency? 

Tickets
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