AFL Grand Final Preview: Hawthorn v West Coast

It all comes down to this, four quarters of footy to decide the 2015 premiership.

For the Hawks, they play in their fourth grand final in as many years, with a three-peat on the cards. Meanwhile, for the Eagles, their first premiership since 2006 beckons.

TEAMS: See how the Hawks and Eagles will line up.

The AFL’s two best attacking teams will do battle on the expansive MCG turf, where the Hawks’ running game will give them a big advantage, something the Eagles did a fantastic job of nullifying in their qualifying final win.

Nobody moves the ball quicker and more damagingly by foot thank the Hawks, but they must adjust to the Eagles stifling backline.

For the Eagles, their suffocating defence will set the tone once again. But can they spring off halfback and allow the likes of Andrew Gaff to hit the Hawks with wave after wave of attack down the flanks?

Josh Kennedy will be the main man for West Coast up front. He was almost unstoppable when these teams last met.

Jack Gunston’s return adds some much needed firepower for the Hawks. Their leading goal-kicker will give the Eagles backline another headache to deal with.

Despite these two teams stellar attacking credentials, this one will be won by the defences. Halting the Eagles around the clearances will be a real focus for Hawthorn, with West Coast boasting simply too many options for Nic Naitanui to utilise. Can the Hawks slow down the likes of Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey around the contest?

Team News

West Coast have the luxury of coming onto the grand final unchanged, whilst the Hawks welcome back Jack Gunston, with Billy Hartung making way.

Key Matchups

Matt Priddis v Sam Mitchell

This pair of Rolls Royce midfielders are the engines that make their teams tick. Mitchell racked up 35 touches in their qualifying final loss, whilst Priddis watched on from the sidelines. With both players healthy and firing, their battle will produce some superb footy. The Eagles may well flirt with the option of tagging Mitchell to try and take him out of the game.

Josh Kennedy v James Frawley

Brian Lake had the job last time out, with Kennedy feasting on three goals and a dominant second-quarter push. Frawley will likely get the job and whilst keeping the Coleman medalist quiet won’t be easy, it is almost necessary.

Our Tip

Hawthorn three-peat! Hawks to win by 12 points.