A THURSDAY night clash down in Frankston pits the impressive Hawks up against the up-and-down Dockers in what could be a ripping contest. We preview the clash between Hawthorn and Fremantle tonight.

NEED TO KNOW

Date: Thursday, October 2
Venue: Kinetic Stadium
Time: 7:15pm local

TEAMS

Hawthorn:

Fremantle:

CHANGES

Hawthorn has lost key midfielder Emily Bates for the contest, while talls Mackenzie Eardley and Sophie Butterworth have been managed and omitted respectively. A trio of youngsters come in with Elli Symonds, Emily Everist and debutant Daisy Flockart all named for the match. Fremantle on the other hand has only made the one change with Dana East making her long-awaited return in exchange for the injured Orlagh Lally (foot).

MISSING IN ACTION

Bates’ shoulder injury means she joins Najwa Allen (hamstring) as the other key Hawk unavailable at the moment, while the Dockers are still missing Aine Tighe (knee) with Lally’s injury extent to be confirmed.

WHERE IT’S WON

Fremantle’s inside strength through the likes of Kiara Bowers, Gabby O’Sullivan and Gabrielle Newton will likely get on top, especially with Bates out. The Hawks still have Jasmine Fleming and Eliza West who can win the contested ball, and the brown and gold’s defence when it does go in there has been superb.

Everist’s return only strengthen’s the Hawks’ back five with Jenna Richardson and Laura Elliott able to play key roles, while Tamara Smith and Tilly Lucas-Rodd have the potential to impact both offensively and defensively.

The ruck battle will be fascinating between two in-form rucks in the way of Mim Strom and Lucy Wales, while the Dockers have the likes of Emma O’Driscoll and milestone talent Ash Brazill capable of providing run and carry from the back half of the ground.

It should be no surprise that the team that wins the midfield will gain the upper hand, and the Hawks have been the better side defensively this season, but both are capable of providing some run and scoring.

PREDICTION

Hawthorn has been the more reliable of the two sides, playing good footy both offensively and defensively, and thus sit top four. The Hawks will want to take home the four points in this one and continue to push towards November. Hawthorn by 9 points.