“That’s my biggest concern": Hawthorn's looming question entering September

Phil Davis has listed his biggest concern with Hawthorn ahead of their Friday night elimination final against the Bulldogs.

Approaching their first final since 2018, the Hawks are one of the in-form teams of the competition, winning 13 of their last 16 games including their final five matches by an average margin of 87 points.

While they may look primed for a run at the premiership, their high-pace, exciting brand of football is unproven in finals footy, and former GWS captain Phil Davis is concerned that their style of play may not hold up under the pressure of September.

“It’s two things intertwined”, Davis told SEN’s Whateley.

“Does their system stack up in the finals? The game changes (in September).

“How they play, yes, it’s built around good fundamentals, but they play with this space and this flair and this overlapping run which is definitely unique and exhilarating to watch.

“But if that gets slowed at all, it leads into my question, can they kick enough goals?

“That’s my biggest concern. I just worry, if teams can take that away a little bit, those overlapping handballs, goals from their smalls, easy goals from the goal square, if they are reduced by half, how are they going to find enough goals to win.

“That’s my biggest question mark.”

With the often high-pressure, in-tight style of play that usually unfolds in do-or-die clashes, Davis feels that Hawthorn’s run and spread may not be rewarded the same freedom.

“(Their style) doesn’t seem as natural (to finals) as some sides just because of their love of space”, he said.

“To me, historically speaking, the teams that are very good contested-ball, clearance teams have done well in finals for a long period of time.

“They have got part of that in their DNA no doubt, but they rely so heavily on their smalls which is a little bit different.

“I must admit, (Hawthorn are) the one side that I have got no line of sight on.

“I am sitting and watching like everyone else, but I am predicting that the Dogs will be too good.”

Hawthorn will look to bring their best brand to the ‘G on Friday night as they bid for their season against the Bulldogs.