Sam Mitchell, the coach of Hawthorn, acknowledges that he may have “overtrained” his team in an attempt to prepare them for the crucial matchup with North Melbourne, another AFL contender.
But in an attempt to get his winless team to respond, he thinks it’s a risk worth taking.
Despite two straight six-day breaks over the previous two weeks, which culminated in a horrific 53-point hammering from Gold Coast, Mitchell stepped up the intensity on the track this week.
Both teams enter the game with a record of 0-5, so the Hawks will have an opportunity to make amends when they play the Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Mitchell said to reporters on Friday, “We do some physical training every week and there’s been a little bit of extra competitiveness among that.”
After two consecutive six-day breaks, it’s possible that we overtrained during that period.
“But we certainly know that going into this game confident in the work you’ve done was something that we prioritised over the physical freshness of the group.”
Mitchell, who prevailed in their lone previous matchup last year, will face off against former mentor and Hawthorn coaching predecessor Alastair Clarkson once more.
Following a chaotic coaching transition between the two, which resulted in four-time premiership tactician Clarkson leaving the Hawks in 2021, the two got into a personal spat.
“Every week you look at the opposition team, you look at the opposition coach, what they like to do, how they like the game played – and this week’s no different,” Mitchell stated.
“I have no doubt that Clarkson is examining our materials, my theories, and mine. It is the same as it is each week.
Mitchell made three substitutions to his side, bringing back Harry Morrison, Jai Serong, and Jack Gunston in place of Josh Ward, Max Ramsden, and Sam Butler.
After playing a variety of roles at the VFL level last week, veteran forward Gunston will start in the attacking lineup.
“We’re looking forward to having him just set us up with a little bit more leadership,” Mitchell stated.
“Last week, we were missing a few smart players to deal with the pressure and consistency of the Suns, so I believe having an additional smart player on the pitch this week will be beneficial.
“He’ll start in front of the ball, and we are confident in his ability to play virtually anywhere on the pitch during a rotation.
Following an ankle injury, North Melbourne recalled Will Phillips and brought back Cameron Zurhaar; George Wardlaw (managed) and Hugh Greenwood (omitted) were left out.
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