Hawthorn came off a commanding 62-point victory, emphasising their strategy of controlling territory and possession when they face Sydney, who blitzed Brisbane early and claimed a convincing 44-point win at the MCG on Thursday night. The Hawks will need every ounce of that form as they confront one of the competition's early pace-setters.
For Hawthorn, the Round 1 demolition of Essendon was the kind of performance that builds genuine belief. Sam Mitchell's side dominated territory and possession, finishing with a massive 69 inside 50s to Essendon's 40, setting up what many see as a breakout season under the coach's continued development. Midfielder Conor Nash received four coaches' votes for his 23 disposals, nine score involvements and game-high seven clearances, underlining Hawthorn's balanced midfield approach.
Sydney, meanwhile, arrived at the MCG with a growing sense of momentum. Joel Amartey bagged five goals as the Swans kicked the first seven goals of the game, winning 15.14 (104) to 8.12 (60) against Brisbane. But the win came at a cost. Potential injuries for star duo Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney, both leaving the field in the final quarter, cast a shadow over the Swans' early success.
After kickstarting their AFL campaign in ominous fashion, Hawthorn are ready to kick up another level to nullify Sydney's weapons, says midfielder Conor Nash. The Irish midfielder understands the challenge ahead. "They've just got weapons and threats everywhere, and particularly in midfield, that's where they've got heavy reliance, heavy dominance," Nash said.
Yet there is genuine confidence in the Hawks' engine room. The Hawks' midfield of Jai Newcombe, Nash, Josh Ward and Cam Mackenzie got the job done in the clinches against Essendon, and they understand what needs to be done. Sydney, albeit without stars Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney, still have the likes of Chad Warner, Justin McInerney and James Rowbottom to contend with.
"We'll have to have a plan for those boys. The biggest part will be getting it done together as a group. That's the beauty of our midfield. We try to spread the load. It's a real workmanlike midfield," Nash said of Hawthorn's approach.
The MCG has been a fortress for Hawthorn in recent seasons. Hawthorn have won 14 of their past 18 at the MCG, Sydney have won just three of their past 11, suggesting the home ground advantage may prove decisive when the two sides meet on Thursday night.