If Melbourne thinks too hard about this game they may over-complicate a simple process. There is not a footy fan in the country that does not expect the Alastair Clarkson led Hawks to rebound on many fronts this week. Firstly on the back of their uncharacteristic display against the competition benchmark Richmond and secondly because of the IP reinforced and gained through the process.
Opponents can second-guess themselves sometimes and cautiously engage an expected rampant opponent on the rebound. Melbourne would be well advised to focus more on the execution and implementation of their desired system than counter-punching or over-evaluating the response from an embarrassed opponent hoping to regain respect.
Its a highly dangerous and anticipated situation, with the Demons feeling fantastic after a professional team display against the highly talented but underperforming (finals) Cats. On the other hand you have a dogged, proud, coach who will leave no stone unturned to reverse current public perception of the Hawks. The players were stage struck last week against the all-conquering Tigers. It is no disgrace being beaten – its all about the how. Risk averse, panic-stricken, fumbling, sloppy, hesitant, seemingly devoid of system and belief. The Tigers on the other hand were bursting with trust and belief with a heaped topping of enjoyment.
So do Melbourne come to centre ring and start throwing punches, applying their natural talent, prepared to lose to win, trusting and believing in each other to play your part well – therein lies the glory? Or do they gently engage, perhaps a few minutes leaning against the rope, see what their opponent has and poke a few left jabs out to test their mettle?
Whether it is talked about or subconscious we will know in the first 60 seconds what dye is cast.
Hawthorn will maintain possession at all costs and gut-run to space to provide options, frustrating their opponents with controlling the footy. That is their usual MO. Will Clarko go away from that system believing it cannot get it done against the highly spirited, manic pressure, keep-the-ball-alive, connected teams?
I’m sensing a few curve balls in this salivating final which will be as much in the planning as the execution.
If its a close game does the impeccably coached team win or does the “no fear”, grip it and rip it approach seal the deal?
I’m expecting the Demons to overcome a much improved Hawks in a really tight game that goes down to the wire. The only caveat will be the Hawks resilience and confidence on the back of last weeks performance – but thats why Clarko gets paid the big bucks.
Thomo 