Hawthorn defender James Frawley told the media on Tuesday the Hawks will need to be at their best to combat the GIANTS’ attacking brand of football.
Frawley is expecting a fierce challenge from the GIANTS, who have had a 3-2 start to 2016, and beat the Hawks for the first time at the same ground in the corresponding round last season.
“They’ve got a great young list, very talented. They’ve got a lot of high draft picks and this weekend we’re going to have to be at our best to play well against these guys,” the key defender said.
“Last week you watched them play that fast, attacking footy, it’s very exciting to watch… It’s definitely going to be a big test for us.”
Frawley has been among the Hawks’ most consistent players in 2016 and could line up on Jeremy Cameron – who kicked five goals on his return from suspension against St Kilda.
“It was a very good one – he’s a very good player,” he said.
“Whoever gets him, as a Hawks defence we try to play as a group not as a man, so we’ll probably rely on everyone to play and do their bit.
“Hopefully we can come away with the four points.”
After winning their last three games by three points, Frawley says the Hawks are only playing 'OK' football which could be an ominous sign for the rest of the competition with the three time reigning premiers sitting at four wins and just one loss.
“We’ve been playing OK footy,” he said.
“But we’ve got a lot of improving to do.
“A win’s a win and we’ll take the four points.
“I can’t put a figure on (how far from our best we are). It’s just about getting everything right.”
Speaking on 3AW in Melbourne on Tuesday night, midfielder Liam Shiels says the Hawks will be up for the challenge.
“GWS have had a fantastic start to the year, they’ve knocked off Geelong and Port Adelaide,” Shiels said.
“It’s their first home game for the year, so they’re definitely going to be up for the fight.
“I think the boys remember playing up there last year, remember the differences with the size of the ground and things like that, so no doubt we’ll be up for the fight (too).”
In injury news, the Hawks expect to have a fit and firing Bradley Hill at its disposal for Saturday’s match.
Hill sustained a lower leg injury in the Hawks’ win against Adelaide Crows, but played out the match, finishing with 17 disposals.
“He just got a knock on the calf, like a corkie,” Hawthorn GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan said on Tuesday.
“It caused a fair bit of discomfort on the night, but it’s recovered quickly.
“He trained this morning and looked pretty close to 100 per cent, so we’re happy with how he’s progressing and we expect him to be okay for the game on the weekend.
Hill had just returned for the Hawks, playing his first game for the year after a pre-season wrist injury.
In other injury news for the Hawks, Ryan Schoenmakers (groin) also ran at training on Tuesday morning, and could be in contention to return against the GIANTS.
The GIANTS take on the three-time reigning premiers Hawthorn in their first game at Spotless Stadium for the year on Saturday April 30 at 4.35pm. Click here to get your tickets now.
