Hawthorn made no secret of its plans to style itself on the reigning premiers after making a move for Brisbane assistant Daniel Webster at the end of 2023.

When the 10-1 Hawks host the Lions at Ikon Park in Sunday’s qualifying final, it will be clearer whether they are still chasing after their idols, or if they have managed to surpass them in just a few months.

If Hawthorn does find a way against the AFLW powerhouse, it will likely be through the revamped midfield unit which has dominated opponents all season to have the Hawks ranked No. 2 in the competition for clearances, and no. 1 for points from clearances and points from centre bounces.

The Hawks’ stoppage structures and personnel have evolved a long way since they were thumped 2-12 at centre bounces in their last meeting against Brisbane 12 months ago.

Hawthorn AFLW midfield coach Keegan 스포츠토토사이트 Brooksby explains how the Hawks turned a vulnerable area into a significant strength under Daniel Webster.

Hawthorn leaders Emily Bates and Tilly Lucas-Rodd both have plenty of football left at 28 years old, but Brooksby said the Hawks had grown wary of how much the pair had been battered at stoppages in 2023.

They chased after Melbourne duo Eliza West and Casey Sherriff, and while the latter was sidelined for seven weeks with a broken leg, acquiring both allowed the Hawks to reset their midfield mix.

Lucas-Rodd was sent to halfback and has flourished as an outside player, while Bates’ contested possession rate dropped from 59 to 43 per cent during the home and away season as she was freed up to find more ball on the outside.