Re: Pre game postulations: AFL 2020 Rd 9: Carlton vs Hawthorn
Reply #56 –
HS Article bits related to Hawks and Carlton
What’s Hawthorn’s DNA?
It‘s the first time I’ve asked that question in Alastair Clarkson’s incredibly successful 16 seasons in the coach’s chair.
I’m convinced Clarko should be the club’s long-term leader.
He has two more seasons of his contract left and he’s a genius, so I’d back him to turn around what looks like the biggest challenge of his career.
In saying that, the four-time premiership coach must rediscover one of the pillars that made the Hawks what they once were – a skilful kicking team
Historically, the Hawks have been a good contest/pressure team, able to generate high turnovers. Importantly, they also had the foot skills and a touch of class to score from those turnovers.
That polish is gone now.
The 2020 Hawks are still creating turnovers.
Collectively, matches involving Hawthorn this year rank No. 1 for turnovers, so their defensive structure remains strong.
But they aren’t capitalising on those turnovers.
They rank 17th for scores against, and 16th for points scored from turnover differential.
The Hawks’ kicking efficiency against the Swans last week was 43.8%, with their 2020 tally sitting at just under 60% – the worst in the AFL.
As a result, they had THREE marks in the last quarter last week – an embarrassing figure, even allowing for the wet conditions.
In their dominant 2013-2015 seasons, the Hawks averaged 86 uncontested marks per game. That’s now down to 57.8. Even allowing for this shortened version of the game, that’s a huge drop off in ball security.
They used to cut and slice through defences. Now they give the ball back.
Is it because of the exodus of good ball users Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis and Grant Birchall? Or just a lack of decision-making and polish in the current side?
Or maybe a combination of the both?
KEEP THE SIX FORWARDS AT HOME
Playing in Perth, the Hawks must provide slicker ball movement, show more dare coming out of defence and take more risks through the corridor.
In offence, ‘Release the shackles,’ Clarko.
The Hawks must expose the Blues’ inability to defend opposition ball movement out of their own forward half.
Making the ground big is a priority. At times, players must run selflessly to open up space for others to be usable options, either to receive long or short 45 degree kicks in far more damaging areas on the ground. Winning uncontested marks close to the boundary must be a last resort.
Putting speed on the ball will complement the back-leading space of forwards Jack Gunston, Luke Breust and Chad Wingard. They are craving for quick entries.
Clarko must keep his six forwards at home so the likes of Sam Docherty and Kade Simpson are kept honest.
Kicking to an outnumbered forward line would play into Carlton’s hands.
As much as Clarko would like an extra around or behind the ball, it’s too dangerous against the Blues’ defence – even more so when the Hawks are struggling to score.
Let Gunston, Wingard and Breust operate in one-v-one situations and not competing against an extra defender.
JEKYLL AND HYDE BLUES
Carlton’s strength is its front-half game, with a strong scoring profile and the fifth-highest time in forward half differential this season.
That’s the good … and that’s a reason why they are in top 8 discussions.
Now, for the bad …
The Blues have conceded 28.8 points per game to opposition defensive half chains – 18th in the AFL.
The inability to defend opposition ball movement means they have allowed their opposition to generate an inside 50 from 41 per cent of their defensive-midfield chains, ranked 16th.
That’s why North Melbourne remained in the game last week longer than it should have.
David Teague also needs to be mindful of what is going on with his mids.
The Blues’ midfield depth has been impressive. But one aspect diminishes part of their good work.
Opposition midfielders are hitting the scoreboard too frequently against the Blues.
An increase in accountability must be a priority as the Blues have conceded 33 goals this year to opposition mids, mid-forwards and wingmen – the most of any side.
Clarko will look to use his most offensive weapons around the footy, not just to curtail Patrick Cripps, but to work off him, Marc Murphy and Will Setterfield when attacking.
The Blues must be wary of this. If Shiels, Jaeger O’Meara, Isaac Smith or Tom Scully hit the scoreboard, it could be disastrous for Teague and his men.
Topic: Pre game postulations: AFL 2020 Rd 9: Carlton vs Hawthorn (Read 12742 times)
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