Talking points

u This is a clash between two of the worst defensive sides in the competition, with Hawthorn conceding the most points a game, while West Coast is conceding the third-most.

u The Hawks have a significant preference to handball instead of kick, frequently using handball chains to exit the defensive 50.

u The Eagles’ tackling efforts have been the highlight of their season, led by Rising Star hopeful Reuben Ginbey who has the second most in the League.

u Despite Hawthorn’s defensive woes, skipper James Sicily has been putting together an excellent season down back.

West Coast Eagles

Away record: 14-17

Home record: 16-8 u Hawks coach Sam Mitchell tested positive to COVID after last week’s loss to Melbourne, but was back at the club on Thursday in time for the main training session.

Highest score: 21.18 (144), round 7, 1991, at Princes Park.

Lowest score: 6.14 (50), round 14, 1989, at Princes Park.

Greatest winning margin: 82 points, round 7, 1991, at Princes Park. Longest winning sequence: 6, round 14, 1995, to round 5, 1999.

Most goals in a game: 7, Peter Sumich, round 4, 1997, at Subiaco Oval.

Grand Final Start Time

u One of the game’s time-honoured traditions will remain intact with the 2023 Grand Final set to start at 2.30pm at the MCG on Saturday, September 30. Incoming chief executive Andrew Dillon is a strong supporter of daytime Grand Finals, but in making the announcement this week, the League noted the “great presentation of a twilight event” and said that future start times would be reviewed.

JACK MAKEHAM

Prediction: Hawthorn by eight points

PIES’ FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

u Ladder-leading Collingwood is the new star attraction of the AFL following the release of the rounds 16-23 fixtures. The Magpies will feature in four Friday night blockbusters, taking on the Western Bulldogs (round 17), Carlton (round 20), the Geelong Cats (round 22) and the Brisbane Lions (round 23). The fixture for round 24, will be announced one month before. See fixture page 52.

Clarkson Steps Away

u North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has stepped away from the club indefinitely as he continues to deal with the fall-out of an investigation into alleged mistreatment of First Nations players in his time at Hawthorn, allegations he strongly refutes. The club said Clarkson will have “whatever time he needs to restore his health”. Brett Ratten becomes interim senior coach.