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Sport Nation
The two GWS players Mitchell is worried about for do-or-die clash
Nicholas Quinlan • September 5th, 2025 3:12 pm
Sam Mitchell has given the two GWS players that Hawthorn will be focused on during their do-or-die clash on Saturday at ENGIE Stadium.
Despite a hot start to the season, injuries have affected their season, which has seen them finish 8th on the ladder and sees them fighting for their season in an elimination final.
Despite coming into the match as the slight underdogs, the Hawks coach has backed their game style against the Giants, whose modus operandi of fast ball movement has helped them get to their third finals series in a row.
“Part of it is just playing your own way,” Mitchell said on SEN’s Fireball.
“Obviously, they move the ball a little bit more aggressively and a bit more run and gun than some of the other teams that we have played.
“Knowing that you are going to need to defend the corridor pretty well, which is the same for most teams.
“They are going to get their numbers back and try and run and gun from there, and (it’s) just making sure we are diligent.
“If you have any lazy moments or lazy players who don’t concentrate and fall asleep for a bit, then the Giants are one team that can really hurt you.”
The Hawks will be adding some firepower back into their side with Josh Weddle, the big-name inclusion after being out since June.
Meanwhile, the Giants add the experienced trio of Josh Kelly, Jesse Hogan, and Jake Stringer to their starting line-up.
But for Mitchell, it’s their captain, Toby Greene, and star half-back Lachie Whitfield, that will be the main focus for the match.
“I think Toby always sits in the back of your mind,” he added.
“He could not touch it for three and a half quarters, and you still have a nervous feeling about him.
“He’s probably the one that sticks out the most.
“Whitfield is the other one. He can just beat you with consistency with how he goes about it.”
The winner of this elimination final will play the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval.
SEN will have live coverage of the match from ENGIE Stadium beginning from 1pm AEST.
The first bounce will take place at 3:15pm.
