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Hawks have last tune-up before AFL GF

When the Dockers towelled up the Eagles in round three, even the most optimistic of West Coast Eagles fans would’ve been courageous enough to predict the club would make the grand final.

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West Coast flew to Melbourne on Thursday, bringing a 26-man squad across the Nullarbor.

The Hawks are renowned for their “unsociable football”, with their uncompromising brand helping them reach four consecutive grand finals.

“But if we achieve three in a row that’s history-making, no doubt”.

“Once you get to this time of the year, you can make a case for anyone”, Hurn said.

Eagles supporters who missed out on Monday’s ballot can compete for returned tickets on Tuesday afternoon.

It was the secondary element in the Ryan Crowley “shock return” storyline that ran throughout preliminary final week.

Vice-captain Scott Selwood has been overlooked for the Eagles, meaning he may have played his last game for the club.

Truly inspirational. Don’t be surprised if he wins the Norm Smith Medal.

Hartung was dropped as the Hawks recalled forward Jack Gunston for Saturday’s premiership decider against West Coast.

That image has been overtaken by the huge growth of Hawks fas in more far flung and less wealthy suburbs, but it lives on in ABC Radio personalities The Couldabeen Champions’ character “Haydn from Glenferrie”, an earnest sounding professional type who seems to read from talking points when professing his passion for the team. The umpires also played their part in the drama with three critical decisions going the Eagles’ way.

Litherland will still take to the MCG in a few capacity on Saturday, with the quick Hawk selected as his club’s representative for the traditional grand final sprint.

“The outcome of the AFL grand final prediction started off very slow… but Hawthorn were the favourites, they took all the yellow rocks so I think definitely Hawthorn will win”, the aquarium’s bird manager Sarah Walsh said.

It’s just his second season in charge of the Eagles, having spent the previous four seasons at the Hawks working under Clarkson.

For what it’s worth, there will be an army of punters hoping the Eagles hold their nerve and back their whole team defence to curb Mitchell’s enthusiasm.

Meaning one unlucky Hawk will join the unenviable list of players who miss out on playing in a Grand Final due to omission.

The problem for the Hawks is their number one goal sneak this year – Jack Gunston (53) – will be running around with a dodgy knee and ankle if he plays. He gathered 27 disposals and kicked a crucial goal.

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Hawthorn Fans pack the terraces at Waverley Park.

Nic Naitanui and Callum Sinclair of the Eagles celebrate after winning their semifinal