Is it wise for Hawthorn to be resting so many players a week before the finals?

Question

Do you think Hawthorn has made a wise decision resting a lot of players against the Suns this weekend. I know they face Geelong next week but I suspected them to play a full side and perfect things. As for Geelong what is better finals preparation other than playing the competition leaders Collingwood. Who do you think has tactical advantage going into next week providing Geelong sustain no injuries.

Answer 1

All things considered, it is an Interstate trip so not the best thing for players carrying niggles. In addition to this, a top team playing a side like Gold Coast can get into bad habits. You only have to look at Geelong and some of the bad habits they have picked up thrashing (and lairising) Gold Coast and Melbourne.



Had the game been in Melbourne, I would suspect that Hawthorn wouldn't have rested as many players. With not much to gain (ladder wise), resting players isn't a bad thing but I guess time will tell.

Answer 2

I have said for some time Geelong rookie coach Scott will feel the heat come September from experienced coach's Like Malthouse, Clarkson, Worsfold and Lyon. Unfortunately for Scott and his Cats, Clarkson has just ignited a little heat, resting gun players, while the " tired and aging" Cats have selected a near full strength line up to take on the Pies, with only pride at stake. Only Mooney is missing from the Cats team, the player who inadvertently helped Geelong lose the '08 Grand Final against the Hawks, through inaccurate kicking for goal . The Cats could still make further change to their line up before the Collingwood encounter, but surely Geelong don't think resting Mooney's wayward kicking foot this week, will be a bonus for them next week ? My guess is the Hawks and Clarkson have taken early tactical points against rookie coach Scott, and it will be most interesting to see what unfolds from here !

Answer 3

I find this decision to rest players one week out from the finals. a very good tactical ploy by Alistare Clarkson. after all. its not exactly a "danger" game is it?



The club has this wonderfull advantage,not only to rest some of their top liners. but also get to run players at senior level this week. that may not have gotten the chance. if they had of been playing a higher placed team on the ladder.



Its a very smart move i say. as the Gold Coast team in the last 5 weeks. have proved that they can not play 4 qtrs of footy. so all the Hawks have to do. is a get a 5 goal buffer by quarter time in this game. then they can just cruise through the rest of the game. & why not! its worked for every other team that the Suns have played at Metricon this season.



Second spot on the ladder is obviously not an issue for the Hawks. winning a grand final is!

cheers.

Answer 4

Yeah , I reckon it was a great Idea ? Why risk injuries to your star player's on the eve of final's footy ? Gives them a chance to freshen-up and as Chris said previously when answering another query, too much percentage to make on Geelong to claim second spot on the ladder ?

Answer 5

Yes it is a good thing it is not like they are playing a top team in the final home and away game & there star players can have a rest before the finals

Answer 6

Wise choice, it's a nothing game. Hawthorn can't move ladder positions. Why risk and injury to one of your stars? Also it's good to bring in those that need a little match fitness (Mitchell)

Answer 7

It is a 50 50 thing, they don't want to risk injury, but they might have their players lose form. But they have the double chance. So I say they'll be good.