In the lead up to the GIANTS' clash with Hawthorn at Spotless Stadium, we’ve examined some of the key statistical components that could influence the match.
Costly Suspensions – Hawthorn will be without influential veterans Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis who were both reported in their round five match v North Melbourne. Midfielder Lewis is leading the AFL in disposals this season while captain Hodge is ranked fifth in the competition. With the two former All Australians forced to miss the match, Hawthorn will lose nearly 500 games of experience. Over their career Hodge and Lewis average 22 and 23 disposals per game respectively.
Rebounding Reduction – Although damaging around stoppages, Hawthorn are ranked last in the competition for rebound-50s this season. The Hawks average just 30 rebounds per game compared with the GIANTS who average 37.
Superb Shiel – Midfielder Dylan Shiel has enjoyed a superb start to 2015, averaging 29 touches, four marks, four tackles and a goal each match. Shiel is also ranked equal third in the AFLCA Champion Play of the Year Award. Expect Shiel to attract close attention through the midfield to restrict his influence.
Ruck Dominance – There’s a gap between first-choice ruckmen with Shane Mumford averaging 12 hit-outs per match more than Hawthorn’s Jonathon Ceglar. Mumford is currently ranked equal fifth in the AFL for total hit-outs while Ceglar is ranked 16th.
Run, Baby, Run – No team has taken more bounces than the GIANTS in 2015, averaging 16 per game. Hawthorn aren’t far behind (third in the AFL) with 14 per game. The main ‘bouncers’ for the GIANTS include Heath Shaw, Dylan Shiel, Nick Haynes and Adam Treloar who are all ranked inside the top 20 in the competition.
Kick v Handball - The Hawks are the number one kicking team in 2015, averaging 234.4 kicks per game, while the GIANTS are the number one handballing team, averaging 169.8 per game. Both teams are ranked number one and number two for uncontested possessions.
The Unknown – Hawthorn have never played on Spotless Stadium before so the GIANTS will have a big home-ground advantage. It’s the first time the GIANTS will play at Spotless Stadium in 2015 in front of a home crowd.
Last Time They Met – When the sides last met in round 11, 2014 at the MCG it was the Hawks who narrowly got across the line by seven points. The GIANTS led late in the third quarter before being overrun in the final term. Despite playing in a losing side it was Callan Ward who was awarded the three Brownlow Medal votes while Devon Smith kicked four goals.
