Match preview: Second Qualifying Final, Eagles v Hawks - AFL.com.au

Match preview: Second Qualifying Final, Eagles v Hawks

Callum Twomey September 8, 2015 10:06 AM

SUMMARY
This is the final that could determine this year's premiership, with the winner to hold a big advantage heading into the final fortnight of the finals series. If West Coast wins, it
will get a week off and secure a home preliminary final at Domain Stadium. But if the Hawks can get up, as they have done the last five times they have played the Eagles, they can get back to the MCG in two weeks and avoid an interstate preliminary final against either Fremantle or the Sydney Swans. For a couple of weeks it has been clear these two
teams will meet in the opening finals game of 2015 – now that it's almost here, we can expect a high-scoring and brutal encounter. 

WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Friday September 11, 6.20pm
 AWST
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide

WHO'S MISSING?
Hawthorn: The Hawks will welcome back suspended skipper Luke Hodge after serving a
two-week ban for his bump on Chad Wingard. Hawthorn is otherwise near full strength, with Isaac Smith the main concern after a knee injury suffered in Saturday night's win over Carlton.

West Coast: The Eagles will be sweating on the fitness of key defender Will Schofield,
who has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury. Midfielder Chris Masten is expected to miss with a low-level hamstring injury whileJeremy McGovern (shoulder) wasn't at his best against the Saints.

THIS YEAR
Round 19, Domain Stadium: Hawthorn 13.10 (88) d West Coast 11.8 (74) 

The Eagles broke out to an early lead with a five-goal first quarter and led at every break, until the Hawks kicked five goals to two in the final term to win by 14 points in a terrific game. Luke Breust kicked three goals, while the Eagles were without ruck pair Nic Naitanui and Callum Sinclair.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
R12, 2014, Hawthorn 19.9 (123) d West Coast 12.7 (79) at Aurora Stadium
R13, 2013, Hawthorn 19.9 (123) d West Coast 16.7 (103) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2013, Hawthorn 23.10 (148) d West Coast 15.8 (98) at Subiaco Oval
R23, 2012, Hawthorn 14.11 (95) d West Coast 10.10 (70) at the MCG
R4, 2012, West Coast 5.21 (51) d Hawthorn 5.16 (46) at Subiaco Oval

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Match preview: Second Qualifying Final, Eagles v Hawks - AFL.com.au