The last time these two teams met, Hawthorn took the points in a disappointing outing for the Southern Saints. But Peta Searle’s will be looking to return to their best and get one back against the Hawks to open a St Kilda/Sandringham double-header at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday afternoon.
ALL THE DETAILS
Where: Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham
When: Saturday 28 July
Time: 11:45am
Conditions: Cloudy, with a high of 14 degrees
Form guide:
The Southern Saints lost their third consecutive game last week when they failed to pull off a last-quarter comeback against Melbourne Uni to lose by three points. Peta Searle’s side now sits at 4-5 for the season but should be bolstered by the return of midfielder Ali Brown and U18 Vic Country product Shelley Heath.
In contrast, Hawthorn has enjoyed an almost flawless season so far, losing its only game of the season to league-leaders Collingwood in Round 5. Prior to last week’s bye, the Hawks had won their last five matches.
Selected team:
B: T. Annear, J. Rolland, C. Wilson
HB: T. Gordon, S. Karlson, L. Olsen
C: S. Heath, A. Brown, C. Jones
HF: L. Arnell, T. Bohanna, K. Ripari
F: A. Allsopp, C. Munn, G. De Angelis
R: R. Watt, A. Drennan, S. Johnson
Int: S. Binder, M. Maitland, J. Owen, A. Silver
23P: H. Bate
Players to watch:
SOUTHERN SAINTS
Rhiannon Watt
The Saints ruck was again at her most dominant last week against Melbourne Uni, recording 41 hit-outs to easily win the ruck battle. Named in the Saints best, Watt also finished with 12 disposals and four tackles.
Tara Bohanna
The forward’s final-quarter effort last round almost snatched a victory for the Saints, with two goals clawing back the margin. Bohanna also kicked two final-term goals against the NT Thunder in Round 7 to lead the Saints to victory.
HAWTHORN
Tahni Nestor
The former AFLW player was best-on-ground in Hawthorn’s Round 10 win over Melbourne Uni, which saw the 27-year-old pick up 19 disposals, three marks and a match-high 10 tackles in the five-point victory.
Rebecca Beeson
Beeson was another of her side’s best in Round 10, picking up 25 disposals, seven tackles and a goal. The AFLW Giants recruit is also the Hawks’ most effective player by hand and should be closely monitored.
