The club: Hawthorn

Formed: 1902
Joined AFL: 1925
Premierships: Nine – 1961, 1971, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991.
Last finals appearance: 2007, first semi-final (v Kangaroos)

2007 at a glance:

Hawthorn came from the clouds in 2007 to stamp itself as a genuine premiership contender for the near future. After succumbing meekly to the Lions in round one, Alastair Clarkson’s charges eventually finished the home-and-away season in sixth spot and then rode the hot form of Lance Franklin to knock off Adelaide in an elimination final. However, a reality check followed the next week with a 33-point first semi-final loss to North Melbourne.

2008 to date:

The Hawks are one of three undefeated sides remaining in the competition, having taken care of Melbourne, Fremantle, the Kangaroos and Adelaide. The 44-point round-four win over the Crows in Launceston was especially impressive, with Hawthorn’s midfield clearly on top and Franklin finishing off the good work with six goals.

The coach:

Alastair Clarkson has won less than 45 per cent of his games in charge, but he’s quite rightly regarded as one of the best young coaches going around. The former North Melbourne and Melbourne player has moulded the Hawks’ young list into one of the most talented in the competition.

Missing in action:

Comeback midfielder Stuart Dew remains out with a hamstring injury, while a wrist problem may prevent Trent Croad from taking on Jonathan Brown or Daniel Bradshaw. The 2005 All-Australian is listed for a fitness test. Skipper Sam Mitchell should return from a calf ailment and Tim Boyle (hip) is also considered a chance to play.

The gun:

Since the turn of the century, only two players (Matthew Lloyd twice and Fraser Gehrig) have kicked 100 goals in a season. Lance Franklin looks a definite chance to improve on that record. The player known as Buddy booted 73.62 last year and has 21 already in 2008 – including bags of six against the Crows and Demons. Freakishly athletic for his 196cm, 101kg frame, Franklin is unlikely to want for confidence.

The bolter:

Much was made of Chance Bateman’s 100th game last week – more, it seemed, for the WA product becoming the first indigenous player to reach the mark in Hawthorn colours than in recognition of his talents. That’s a shame because, in his ninth AFL season, Bateman has developed into a complete midfielder. Makes up for what he lacks in size (175cm, 78kg) with a mix of heart and skill and complemented 30 possessions with two goals against the Crows.

Strengths:

To watch the Hawks against Adelaide was to understand why many pundits regard them as the most obvious threat to Geelong’s continued dominance. Hawthorn’s ability to run the ball is explosive and testament to the talents of Bateman, Mitchell, Shane Crawford, Brad Sewell and Luke Hodge. Newcomers Cyril Rioli and Cameron Stokes continue to impress, the ruck pairing of Robert Campbell and Simon Taylor is underrated and the forward skills of Franklin, Boyle, Jarryd Roughead and Mark Williams are undoubted.

Weaknesses:

The Port Adelaide defensive duo of Alipate Carlisle and Toby Thurstans struggled to cope with Brown and Bradshaw last week – and it’s an area the Lions will again look to exploit on Saturday night. If Croad doesn’t come up, key defensive duties could be left to the likes of Thomas Murphy and Steven Gillham, who boast less than 50 games between them. It would be a huge ask.

Running hot:

First-year small forward Rioli has laid 18 tackles in four games – second only behind Hodge … the relatively unheralded quintet of Brent Guerra (102), Sewell (101), Bateman (99), Grant Birchall (91) and Clinton Young (85) head Hawthorn’s possession count for the season …Franklin and Roughead have combined for 33 goals to date.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club