Surely Port win here? Unless they are all injured the club has to make a statement.
Hawks just deliriously overachieving, and this experience is fantastic for the younger ones, even a 10 goal thumping wouldn't slow them down going into next year.
Very happy for Calsher Dear, his family is a friend of a friend and I met the dad and uncle once or twice: decent blokes, and the boy is showing genuine talent, might be the best of them.
Hawks have put together and developed this side for a few years but the way it has clicked all at once is very impressive. If they beat Port then Mitchell is surely coach of the year. I think it's unlikely though. I think crusty Ken makes a change or two and rights the ship.
Since round 8…
This is the weakest that Hawthorn will be (list wise) for about five years. That is presuming they get Barass, Battle, another midfield, Mitch Lewis comes back (touch wood) and they get natural development from the 9 players under 23 that played on Friday.
To get 2 (maybe 3 finals) in addition to those blockbuster games against the Tigers, Pies and Blues this year is terrific for the development (it’s probably worth an extra season of development)