AFL: The two hottest teams in the competition will meet as Fremantle host Hawthorn in what could be an early finals preview.
The Dockers haven’t lost to Hawthorn at home since the 2015 preliminary final and are on a hot-streak of seven straight wins.
The Hawks are unbeaten in their last seven, coming off a draw with Collingwood in what will be the biggest test yet of Fremantle’s premiership credentials.
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Hawthorn in the white strip tonight
Sam Mitchell talks through his selections
“He’s a real goer he has a lot of running power and is really composed with the ball, just a real lockdown player when you need him,” he says.
“We brought in the third ruck as we’re a bit worry about Jackson and Cox.
“I think the Dockers have potency on every line; they’re not easily exploitable so we’re going to need to play a full 120 minutes.”
Longmuir says Hawks will give them a good audit
“Obviously, Hawthorn are in a rich vein of form and solid all over the ground so we’ll get a good audit of where we’re at,” he says on Fox.
“We like to think we can challenge teams in different phases of the game.
“Bolton’s just come a lot more consistent this year, he’s got a high ceiling and he’s just been able to reach it more consistently.
“We’ll try to get Vossy to Sicily to limit his aerial work, but if we have to make sure we have to get it to ground and compete.”
Josh Battle shares his thoughts
“I’m feeling good they’re a very good outfit and playing some really good footy so it’s going to be a huge test for us,” he says.
“Barrass and I are coming together, building that synergy; we’re getting to know each other really well.
“We’ll have our work cut out for us. Barrass will probably take the deepest, and I’ll take the next one.”
Josh Treacy doesn’t care which defender he gets
“Thankfully [the eye] ok, I can see out of it clearly tonight, which is a positive,” he says on Fox.
“I think I might just run away from everyone to stay safe.
“If feels like we’ve been challenged very week so far and it’s a great opportunity to be back in front of the fans.
“I’m the forward, and they’ve got to play on me, so whether I’ve got Tom Barrass or Josh Battle, I don’t mind.”
No late changes
Both Fremantle and Hawthorn will go in as named with Judd McVee returning for the Dockers in place of Jeremy Sharp.
The Hawks have made three changes with Max Ramsden, Sam Butler and debutant Bodie Ryan brought in.
Purple Hands
A reminder that tonight’s game is Fremantle’s Purple Hands Foundation Game, which raises money to help young people overcome barriers through sport.
Fans at the ground are encouraged to grab a free wristband upon entry to take part in the three-quarter-time light show.
Welcome
Hello and welcome to Thursday night footy in what looms as the game of the round as the second-placed Fremantle take on third-placed Hawthorn.
Both sides are unbeaten in their last seven and for Fremantle this is their biggest test of their premiership credentials.
A win would also put them temporarily on top of the ladder.
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