The stage is set for an intense elimination final as the Hawthorn Hawks prepare to face the Greater Western Sydney Giants (GWS) on September 30, 2023, at Engie Stadium. Tensions are already high following a training incident between Hawthorn teammates Dylan Moore and Josh Ward, which Moore attributed to his eagerness to get back into competitive play after the AFL pre-finals bye.
Moore acknowledged that his aggressive approach during practice last Saturday resulted in a physical altercation with Ward, although he emphasized that it was all in good fun. “I was a bit angry on Saturday — I decked him (Ward) and he went back at me, but all in good fun,” Moore stated during a club media session. With both teams closely matched in their recent performances, the upcoming clash is anticipated to be both fiery and competitive.
The rivalry between captains James Sicily of Hawthorn and Toby Greene of GWS adds another layer of excitement to the match. Moore expressed his enthusiasm for the physical nature of the game, noting, “They (GWS) have a lot of physical guys and a lot of talent that probably fires off that and we do too. I hope it’s a fiery clash.”
As the Hawks prepare for this crucial match, the impact of the pre-finals bye has been a topic of discussion. Moore, while not particularly fond of the break, recognized its potential benefits for his team. “I love footy, so I’d love to just keep playing, but the body feels really good after a probably tough six weeks of footy,” he remarked. He also acknowledged that the bye serves as an equalizer, especially for those teams in the top four.
One significant question leading up to the match is whether Hawthorn will reintegrate defender Josh Weddle, who has been sidelined since June due to a back injury. Weddle recently resumed playing with the VFL and has been an influential player for the Hawks, both defensively and offensively. Moore stated, “He’s a massive player for us, so influential, the way he runs and defends as well. It sets us up a lot and creates a lot of threat.”
Another key player to watch is half-forward Jack Ginnivan, who has made a noteworthy return to the AFL after being dropped earlier in the season. Moore praised Ginnivan’s performance, saying, “He’s been tremendous — credit to him, he went back to Box Hill, had the right attitude, came straight back in and since that, he’s been just about the best half-forward in the comp.” He highlighted Ginnivan’s work ethic and ability to contribute significantly to the game.
Despite finishing the regular season with a loss to the Brisbane Lions, Moore is confident in the Hawks’ readiness for the elimination final. “The last three months of footy we’ve been in every game and not many sides can say that. We know our best stacks up and even our worst stacks up,” he asserted.
With both teams eager to advance, the Hawthorn-GWS elimination final promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the determination and skill of two competitive sides. Fans can expect a match filled with intensity, strategic plays, and perhaps a few more dust-ups as both teams vie for a place in the next round of the finals.
