Flexibility key as Hawks face brutal Easter Monday challenge

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says he will continue to tinker with the Hawks line-up as they face a daunting task in round 4.

Cam Mackenzie will continue to spend time at half-forward as the Hawks give opportunities to a wide mix of inside midfielders. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio / Getty Images

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says his players will continue to be trialled in new positions as he keeps his troops grounded following their first win of the season.

The 17th-placed Hawks will face bottom of the table Geelong on Easter Monday, but the reigning premiers will be a difficult challenge for Mitchell’s young side as they look to rebound from a 0-3 start and an ugly loss to Gold Coast.

Mitchell said he would continue to throw the magnets around rather than settle on a particular mix for the Hawks’ midfield following their dominance around the stoppages against North Melbourne.

Inside midfield trio Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and Cam Mackenzie all spent significant periods forward as Mitchell gave more time at centre bounces to Conor Nash and Will Day in Launceston.

Hawks utility Conor Nash had a superb game against Roos clearance king Ben Cunnington and could play a similar role against Patrick Dangerfield on Easter Monday. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

The move paid off in spades, as Day starred with 29 disposals and Nash limited Kangaroos star Ben Cunnington to just four kicks while having 24 disposals of his own.

“I think I look at our midfield and really we have six inside midfielders, but there’s only three spots, so they’ve got to find other positions to play,” Mitchell said.

“Whether that’s pushing Josh Ward out to the wing or Cam Mackenzie’s playing forward or Will Day spending time on the wing … I think what is really important is that midfield mix, they’re not looking for big numbers as individuals, they’re looking at winning the midfield battle.

“That’s the one part of the game that has been standing up for us OK regardless of how we play.”

Mitchell said important key forward Mitch Lewis remained sidelined for another four to five weeks as he battles an issue with the other knee from the one he injured in the pre-season.

Hawthorn used 186cm Fergus Greene as its sole key forward against North Melbourne, although Tyler Brockman and Newcombe were both also targeted to strong effect.

James Worpel spent periods at half-forward as Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell tries to develop flexibility in the Hawks’ young midfield group. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Ruck duo Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek again struggled to have an impact when they pushed forward, leaving the Hawks contemplating a shift in team balance against the Cats.

“We need to try to find a way to score … the first two rounds we really struggled to hit the scoreboard … our inside 50s were not too bad,” Mitchell said.

“We’re looking for ways to kick a score. Even on the weekend, we only scored 80 points, so certainly that’s not something we’re saying is the finished product.”

Chad Wingard’s fitness remains up in the air as he tries to return from a calf injury, with the small forward’s availability dependent on how he trains on Wednesday, Mitchell said.

“I stood here last week and said he just has to get through training, and he just didn’t feel quite confident,” Mitchell said.

“If he gets through training, then obviously he will be a welcome acquisition.”

Originally published as Flexibility key as Hawks face brutal Easter Monday challenge