Selwood inspires Cats revival

Geelong have continued their recent dominance over Hawthorn with a thrilling seven-point victory at the MCG.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood bursts out of trouble to set up a late goal for the Cats. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

CAPTAIN is a moniker that befits a warrior like Joel Selwood.

He oozes leadership, a fine trait that was never more evident than when the contest hung in the balance at the MCG.

Geelong's tardy first half required someone to show the way back against Hawthorn in the second half.

Selwood immediately and instinctively stepped forward in the critical third quarter which the Cats started with a 20 points deficit.

The midfielder simply willed himself to win the ball at a fiercely congested contest in the centre of the ground that set free Mitch Duncan to goal on the run.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Selwood built on that perfect start after the resumption by floating across a pack of players, with typical disregard for his own welfare, to mark and slot another goal.

And he hit a leading Tom Hawkins on the chest with a bullet pass a couple of minutes later for the big Cat to roost one from 50m to trail by only one point.

It was deflating for the Hawks to watch all their first half toil disintegrate in 10 minutes of sterling Selwood leadership that dragged along senior colleagues like Paul Chapman.

Just the same, it took Geelong until 15 minutes into the third quarter to grab the lead for the first time in what was another cracking contest between these rivals.

Geelong forward Allen Christensen kicked a critical last-quarter goal to set up the Cats victory over the Hawks. Picture:Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

But you sensed the game was up for the dogged Hawks even when Shane Savage and Jarryd Roughead pulled back a couple of goals to snap the Cats' six-straight run late in the third term.

In the end, Geelong had too much run left and controlled the flow in the same manner as Hawthorn did in the first half.

When most players were sucking in deep breaths, Cats Travis Varcoe, Steven Motlop and Allen Christensen found acres of space to run and carry with devastating effect.

Goals by Christensen, James Podsiadly and Duncan pushed the Cats lead out to 21 points with only 10 minutes left.

And, while the brave Hawks kept coming with answers from Luke Breust and Savage, they were always going to run out of time as much as legs.

Tom Hawkins celebrates after kicking a goal during the 3rd quarter of the Hawthorn vs Geelong match at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Geelong's defence, so shaky in the first half, regained control, with Tom Lonergan containing Lance Franklin to just two goals.

And he had wonderful support from Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie and Jared Rivers, particularly when the dangeous high balls floated within Buddy's reach.

Hawthorn should've gone into the long break with a bigger buffer than 20 points, particularly with 11 more inside 50 entries.

The Hawks dominated the first half, especially the centre clearances, with Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell right on top, and looked far more potent going forward.

Geelong's defenders were under immense pressure, illustrated by rare fumbles from the likes of Corey Enright and Mackie who have withstood the fierce heat of grand final battles.

When the Cats went forward, it was a scattergun approach.

They had been inside 50 11 times before Billy Smedts posted the first goal from a snapshot right against the boundary line.

Geelong increased the intensity in the second quarter, but the fumbles continued and a lack of system up forward presented key targets Hawkins and Podsiadly with few opportunities to operate one-out with opponents Josh Gibson and Ryan Schoenmakers.

At least the goals started to flow, especially with Podsiadly from a toepoke on the goalline and Hawkins two-steps snapshot from a mark close to the behind post.

And when the dangerous Varcoe crumbed a spilled ball at the top of the goal square for another with only seconds left on the clock, it set up an intriguing second half.

It may have taken the Cats 25 minutes to post their first goal and another half hour to find their touch, but the breathtaking manner they wrested the game away from the Hawks after half-time hammered out another warning of who was boss in these contests.

Sam Mitchell leads the hawks of the MCG after their 7 point loss to Geelong at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

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'Eddie knows the reasons why'

Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire after the 2011 Grand Final loss to Geelong. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse says he has no plans to reconcile with Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.

McGuire has said he hopes to one day repair his relationship with Malthouse, which soured following the Collingwood coaching handover to Nathan Buckley at the end of 2011.

But Malthouse last night made he it clear he did not share the sentiment.

"I have many things to do, but I don't think that is going to happen," Malthouse said on Fox Footy's On the Couch last night.

"And Eddie knows exactly the reasons why.

"I don't need to go there...there's a million things that happen on this planet and that are going to happen in football.

"I'm just focusing on this year."

A massive crowd is expected at the MCG on Sunday when Malthouse coaches against his former side for the first time.

Malthouse denied the blockbuster would be all about was him and his fractured relationship with the Magpies.

"This cannot be about one person and it won't be about one person," he said.

"This is about the football club, Carlton, playing Collingwood.

"If we went back to VFL days, it's tribal.

"But it's a national competition now.

"The significance - it's my old club, yes.

"But so is West Coast, the Western Bulldogs, as is Richmond and St Kilda."

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Time for Clarkson to go: Kennett

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has called for coach Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the season's end following 10th straight loss to Geelong

Keep walking, Clarko. Former Hawk president Jeff Kennett says it is time for a change at Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett last night called for premiership coach Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the season's end.

After watching his side lose to Geelong for the 10th consecutive time at the MCG today to continue the 'Kennett Curse',  the man himself said it was time for a change.

Asked if he thought Clarkson should be moved on at end of the season, Kennett said: "Yes."

"I think we need to introduce a freshness at the club that doesn't exist at the moment because so many of the personnel have been there for a number of years," Kennett told 3AW last night.

"They have been listening to the same voice for too long."

HAVE YOUR SAY - IS IT TIME FOR CLARKO TO GO?

Clarkson, who has a 57 per cent winning percentage in his eight years at the helm, has another year remaining on his contract.

But Kennett said the club had "underachieved" since winning the 2008 premiership.

"I always believe six to eight years is long enough any coach should stay at any club," he said

"He has brought great service to the club, but he has been in charge of one of the best groups of young men going around in footy now for a number of years now, certainly since 2008.

"There was an excuse in 2009 for our performance because of injury.

"But in 2010, 2011, 2012 we underperformed...someone has to accept responsibility for that."

Kennett said the club should look at appointing an untried assistant coach rather than try to lure a big name.

"I'd be looking for a second-tier coach who has proved himself and hungry for success and trying to prove himself," he said.

"I don't believe you look around for another senior coach - you elevate an assistant coach who has something to prove.

"Alastair has now been there for a long time, the players understand him very well...you have to freshen up the group.

"And we have a very good list still."

Kennett said near enough was not good enough at Hawthorn.

"What are we doing right? We're not winning flags," he said.
 

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Ablett, Goodes and Cotch make cut

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett celebrates the Suns victory over St Kilda. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

WELCOME to another year of Team of the Round, where the champions were joined by the unknowns.

Yes, Gary Ablett, Jobe Watson and Scott Pendlebury were there, but so were Brett Goodes, Nick Lower and Sam Dwyer.

Will Minson was an unlikely face in the ruck and maybe he can finally string it all together.

Brendan McCartney has copped plenty in his short tenure yet may still have the last laugh.

And who bobs up at full back? The grandfather of course in Dustin Fletcher

Scroll down to see Jon Anderson's Team of the Round. Live chat from 1pm below:

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

BACKS

Brett Goodes: How many others have been missed over the journey?

Dustin Fletcher: When will this journey end?

Nick Lower: A second chance can mean so much.

HALF-BACKS

Sam Mitchell: Did everything in his power to lift the Hawks

Harry Taylor: Remains one of the best ever drafting selections.

Jarrod Harbrow: Provided the dash he is known for

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

CENTRES

Trent Cotchin: Leadership will only enhance his game

Jobe Watson: Continues to bring his own ball to games

Bryce Gibbs: A sublime and prolific display

HALF-FORWARDS

Joel Selwood: When it  had to be done, guess who rallied

Travis Cloke: looked to be a player enjoying his footy

Kieren Jack: Easy to see why they made him captain

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

FORWARDS

Lindsay Thomas: When he turns it on what a sight he is

Jay  Schulz: Just needs to find consistency

Ben Howlett: Making the transition from good to very good

RUCKS

Will Minson: One of this maligned player's finest games

Scott Pendlebury: Just cruises around at his own pace

Gary Ablett: What more can you say?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

INTERCHANGE

Andrew Swallow: His teammates should follow his lead

Hamish Hartlett: Are we going to see a breakout season?

Michael Barlow: Yet another midfield ball magnet.

SUBSTITUTE

Sam Dwyer: Another just happy to grab his chance

COACH

Brendan McCartney: Deserves this after engineering a massive win

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What you missed on TV last night

Coach Mark Neeld searches for answers during Round 1 clash against Port Adelaide. Source: Herald Sun

DID you miss last night's AFL television shows? Rewind and catch up here on all of hot topics and big issues discussed.

AFL 360

* The boys were quick to discuss former Hawk president Jeff Kennett calling on Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the year's end. Robbo said the Hawks need to respond withing 24 hours to put it to bed. READ JEFF'S FULL COMMENTS HERE.

* Melbourne's dismal Round 1 display was a big talking point and Robbo did not hold back. The Herald Sun chief football scribe stressed he liked Demons coach Mark Neeld, but said he would have to go if the Demons are still playing like that in a month. "Something would have to give," Robbo said.

* The panel heaped praise on Suns superstar Gary Ablett following his epic performance against St Kilda. His former coach Mark 'Bomber' Thompson said Ablett was "getting better and better with age." He went on further to declare he would finish his career regarded as one of the best 10 players of all time.

Suns skipper Gary Ablett. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

ON THE COUCH

* Paul Roos said he believed Hawthorn have a 'significant' problem with their ball use and going inside 50.

* The state of the Melbourne Football Club was a hot topic with Roos declaring there was something "seriously wrong" with the Demons.

* Gerard Healy said new football operations manager Mark Evans should appeal the MRP's decision to clear Lindsay Thomas for his off-the-ball bump that floored Magpie Ben Reid. "Everyone is confused now," Healy said.

* Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was the guest and said he had no plans to reconcile with Eddie McGuire. SEE MALTHOUSE'S FULL COMMENTS HERE.

Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire after the 2011 Grand Final. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

FOOTY CLASSIFIED

* Garry Lyon said he could not defend anything said about Melbourne after their Round 1 performance.

* Cats coach Chris Scott said he did not believe in the 'Kennett Curse' and said it would be "arrogant in the extreme" to suggest they have a mental hold of Hawthorn.

* Scott would not be drawn when asked about the stoush between Magpies coach Nathan Buckley and his brother, North Melbourne coach Brad. "My policy is you should be really careful about talking about other teams," he said. Although that answer may have gave away what he really thought on the matter.

Keep walking, Clarko. Former Hawk president Jeff Kennett says it is time for a change at Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

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Dismal Dees booed off

The AFL's contentious score review system has again come under fire with two incidents in today's Melbourne-Port Adelaide clash at the MCG

Nathan Jones after the match Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

SHELL-SHOCKED coach Mark Neeld was flummoxed; Wayne Carey said he'd "never been as disappointed in a team".

And before the tactical dissection of Melbourne's 79-point capitulation to Port Adelaide began, shattered Demons players admitted they'd been rocked by - but understood - the savage hail of booing to which they were subjected as they trudged from the MCG.

Neeld, flanked by equally stunned captain Jack Grimes at his press conference, was at a loss to explain his team's inability to bring training track form and rudimentary footy basics to a Round 1 clash with an opponent, on average, actually younger than his Demons.

Live HQ: Melbourne v Port Adelaide

"There are angry players, angry coaches, angry supporters, (an) angry club," Neeld said.

"It's particularly disappointing that you can train one way for four or five months, then come out and be unrecognisable on a footy field.

"We didn't deal with Port Adelaide's speed and aggression ... We didn't see that coming."

Former Kangaroos champ Carey was far less diplomatic.

"Rather than play stupid games and see who can grow the longest beard, how about train? They are a shambles," he said on Triple M.

"If I was Mark Neeld I'd say to the conditioning guy, 'I don't give a crap (about recovery)'.

"I'd get 'em up at 4.30am (on Monday morning) and give them a 10km time-trial and then a swim afterwards.

"Actually, a 10km time-trial, then make them watch this game (as punishment).

"They dress like AFL footballers, look like AFL footballers, but don't play anything like one.
I've never been as disappointed in a team."

After the game, Neeld spoke to his player for half an hour trying to find out "who's a competitor and who's not".

"And the general feeling in the room was that everyone's a competitor - at times.

"There weren't too many who were able to get up in front of everybody and say, 'I thought you competed all day'," he said.

Dees lay egg in Easter shock

Neeld said the players had correctly recalled all aspects of his game plan in the review, but couldn't explain the variation from the reality.

There was one piece of good news for Melbourne: Forward Mitch Clark's leg injury is a rolled ankle, a pleasant surprise after he appeared to suffer a serious knee or ankle injury midway through the third term.

The match was peppered with stunning grabs; with Port's Jay Schulz taking an early contender for mark of the year.

But his towering speccy will be tinged with controversy after he clearly grabbed it over the goal line.

The umpires agreed the mark had been in the field of play, but went upstairs for a review that returned an "inconclusive" verdict, meaning the the mark stood.

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Scott tells Bucks to butt out

North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas faces a nervous wait with the match review panel after flooring Collingwood's Ben Reid with a big bump.

Lindsay Thomas's bump has sparked a war of words between the coaches. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

A SCATHING war of words erupted between opposition coaches Brad Scott and Nathan Buckley last night as the postscript to the North Melbourne and Collingwood clash at Etihad Stadium which turned sour.

Scott told his Magpies counterpart to keep his opinions to himself after Buckley called Lindsay Thomas's off the ball hit on Ben Reid an "average'' act that would see the AFL "hold him to account for his actions''.

Magpies defender Reid did not return to the field having been left concussed and bleeding from the mouth after the third quarter incident.

VIDEO: See Lindsay Thomas's bump which has sparked so much controversy in the player above

As the ball was trickling out of play Roos forward Thomas changed direction and clashed heads with an unsuspecting Reid who lay motionless on the ground for a couple of minutes.

Live HQ: North Melbourne v Collingwood

A grossly undermanned Collingwood outclassed North Melbourne by 16 points, but the Thomas/Reid incident was the major talking point afterwards.

"I thought it was pretty average,'' Buckley said.

"I have full faith that the systems the AFL has in place will hold him to account for his actions.

"It was off the ball, unprovoked and we'll see how it happens.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Clash of heads between Ben Reid and Lindsay Thomas saw Reid off with a bloody mouth and players in a scuffle after Scott Pendlebury tested Lindsay Thomas's Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

"I don't want to pre-empt anything, but clearly if it's behind play and it it's high you're in a bit of strife.''

Scott was left seething by Buckley's remarks.

"Nathan Buckley should just worry about his own team,'' Scott said.

"Commentary like that doesn't help. I don't know what incident Nathan Buckley saw but a head clash is a head clash, it does happen in football, we play a contact sport.

"Bucks should just keep his opinions to himself when it comes to decisions and things that will be taken care of by the powers that be.

"It doesn't help when a senior coach comes in and starts influencing things and casting dispersions on our players.

"If Bucks wants to call me he can.''

Scott said it wasn't for him to say what he thought of the incident himself.

"But certainly from where I sat it didn't look malicious, it didn't look like he tried to hurt Ben Reid,'' he said.

"But as I said, it's not for me to say and it's certainly not for him to say.''

Reid's absence was further accentuated by the fact Ben Johnson had to be substituted at half time with a corked thigh.

Asked how he felt seeing Thomas continue while his side went down to two players on the bench Buckley simply said: "He stayed down and tried to fake that as well.

"It is what it is, it was not a great act and I'm sure he'll be feeling pretty sorry for it right now.

"Reidy will play next week.''
 

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Jeff's curse alive and kicking

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett  hopes Hawthorn wins today but should it happen he won't be tempted to retrieve his famous brown and gold jacket from the club's museum at Waverley Park. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

JEFF Kennett isn't sure whether he wants Hawthorn to beat Geelong at the MCG today.

The former premier and Hawthorn president is responsible for the Kennett Curse after he lobbed a grenade on the eve of the 2009 season, accusing the Cats of not having the "mental drive" of the Hawks.

Seen to be gloating after Hawthorn's shock victory over Geelong in the 2008 Grand Final, Kennett praised the Cats but said they didn't have the quality of some of his players or their psychological drive.

Hawthorn hasn't beaten Geelong in nine attempts since.

Kennett doesn't accept responsibility. He said if the curse was broken no one would ever talk about him.

"It's the only thing that this poor pensioner has left going for him," he joked.

"The only thing that gets brought to the public these days about me is the Kennett Curse."

Kennett, who was club president from 2006-11, said yesterday he was only referring to beating Geelong in grand finals, but says everyone took it to mean Hawthorn had to win every clash with the Cats.

"I don't regret it for a moment," Kennett said.

"Can I say that I don't think I regret anything that has happened in my life, let alone what I've said but there are others who often regret it. Our boys are either good enough to beat Geelong or they are not and it doesn't matter what I say or what anyone else says.

"I would always prefer that we beat them in grand finals than home-and-away games."

Kennett hopes Hawthorn wins today but should it happen he won't be tempted to retrieve his famous brown and gold jacket from the club's museum at Waverley Park. He suggests that he, and the coat, will be put into the museum.

"Because there will be no reason for me to exist," he said. "The only thing that keeps me getting up each morning is the extraordinary attention I get from the Kennett Curse and if that was to disappear I should perhaps go into the Hawthorn museum, get into my jacket and I'll allow myself to become a permanent exhibit."

While Kennett is blamed for providing the Cats with some exceptional motivation, rugged Cat Paul Chapman didn't need any words to stir his emotions after the Grand Final loss.

"We've said to ourselves that we don't, if we can, ever let Hawthorn beat us again because we still hurt from that," Chapman revealed on the eve of their Easter blockbuster against Hawthorn in 2011.

"It's obviously in the back of our heads, but there's nothing we can do about it now.

"All you can do is show that you're still hurting and do the best you can when you play them next. For me, that's something that motivates me against them."

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Footy a jump up for tyro Blicavs

The development of the 198cm Mark Blicavs has stunned everyone at Simonds Stadium given he's played only a handful of games since under-14s Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ANDREW Guthrie had played and watched enough footy to know a player when he saw one and the extremely athletic 10-year-old was a serious one.

It was more than a decade ago, when Guthrie coached the Taylors Lakes under-10s, and Mark Blicavs was one of the best juniors he had seen.

Guthrie, who played a handful of games in the 1980s with Essendon and Fitzroy and whose son Cameron now plays with Geelong, recalls Blicavs as a "kid with a fantastic skill set".

"Of course he was a sensational athlete with a big leap, but he could also seriously play football," Guthrie said.

"Mark had played basketball with Cam and football with my eldest son Ben, plus we were friends with his parents, Andy and Karen, and while I knew he wanted to pursue his athletic passion, I always kept the football side in mind."

Guthrie dredged up that memory in February 2011, when the Cats organised a lunch for the parents of new boys who were selected in the NAB Cup side to play North Melbourne at Geelong.

Guthrie told Cats' recruiting manager Stephen Wells that Blicavs may be a player worth watching. Wells liked what he saw, offering Blicavs a rookie contract in November 2011, and presenting Blicavs with a dilemma: drop a promising athletics career as a 1500m and steeplechase runner or give AFL footy a crack.

With the London Olympics last year, Blicavs chose to continue his athletics dream. That he ultimately didn't make the Olympic team was more a reflection of his age, 21, than his ability, according to his running coach Gregor Gorjrzewski.

"The London Olympics were always too early for Mark ... runners do not peak until 25 to 27. I remember him coming to me and saying, 'Gregor, I have the sad news for you', and he told me about Geelong and Aussie Rules.

"I say, 'You do what your passion tells you. Follow your dream, Mark'.

"As coach I was sad to lose such good prospect because he is very talented.

"It sad that the athletics, there is not good financial support. All of sudden Mark gets an offer to be paid to play sport. So good on him. I will be watching more Aussie rules than I used to."

So will Blicavs' parents, who have excelled in basketball. His father Andy was a 1976 Montreal Olympian and his mother Karen was part of the Opals' 1983 world championship team in Brazil.

They have three children, with eldest son Chris, 24, playing basketball with the Ballarat Miners in the SEABL and daughter Sara, 20, playing for the Geelong Supercats in the SEABL.

Karen Blicavs said the dynamics had changed with a budding AFL footballer in a "house of hoops".

"We didn't expect it but neither did Mark. It is very exciting although you have to be realistic, and Mark knows if he gets a game it's because of injuries to other players," she said.

"I actually think he needs a year of developing in the VFL. He might make it, he might not, but I can tell you he has the right mindset for it and will give the AFL everything he has got.

"Because he hasn't played a lot you could argue he hasn't picked up bad habits, and he is very appreciative of what he is getting after coming from a sport with such little financial help in athletics."

Karen remembers her son playing football in his early teens, maybe under-14s, when he declared one day the game wasn't for him.

He had been caught in that twilight zone when some teenagers develop muscles overnight and others remain boys.

But then he started to grow. Listed at 78kg on Geelong's 2012 list, he has jumped to 96kg. Couple that with his 198cm frame and a prodigious leap and you can see what all the excitement is about.

As Guthrie noted, it may not be in the ruck that Blicavs makes his name.

"He would be a fairly difficult match-up on a wing," Guthrie said. "But before that I just want to see how a 202cm ruckman keeps up with him."

AFL PLAYERS FROM HIGH LEVELS IN OTHER SPORTS

Tom Williams (rugby union for Queensland in U18s)

Karmichael Hunt (11 rugby league Tests for Australia)

Mike Pyke (rugby union World Cup for Canada)

George Horlin-Smith (Australian U16 cricket captain)

Zac Smith (Queensland in outdoor and indoor soccer)

Scott Pendlebury (AIS basketball scholarship)

Dustin Fletcher (three Victorian junior tennis doubles titles)

George Burbury (Gold in the 2010 national U19 rowing championships

Shannon Hurn (South Australia Cricket rookie contract)

Simon Black (WA State junior athletic champion over 800m)

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New Hawk's monster debut

Brian Lake doesn't have to worry about Lance Franklin being behind him anymore. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN recruit Brian Lake will have no time to ease into his new role with the Hawks.

The former Western Bulldog fullback was recruited to play on monster forwards, and his first assignment is Geelong's Tom Hawkins at the MCG today.

Hawk coach Alastair Clarkson admitted Lake and Cyril Rioli's preparation leading into today's blockbuster had not been ideal.

He said both sides had taken a bit of a punt on selections, pointing out Geelong had named ruckman Trent West, who had minor knee surgery in January.

"It's not always ideal going into Round 1, and we'll just see how we go," Clarkson said before yesterday's 30-minute training session at Waverley Park.

And he confirmed 19-year-old Northern Territory recruit Jed Anderson, whose wife is due to give birth in the next few days, will make his debut after being on-traded by Greater Western Sydney for Stephen Gilham.

"It's been a great effort for a lad to get drafted and then force his way into a side that played off in a grand final," Clarkson said.

Rioli (ankle) and Lake (calf) have not played since Hawthorn's opening NAB Cup game five weeks ago.

Lake will play a crucial role on Hawkins, as the Hawks try to break a nine-game losing streak against Geelong.

Clarkson said the former Bulldog veteran had been recruited specifically to play on bigger footballers.

"Hopefully he will acquit himself well," he said.

"Hawkins has turned into an outstanding player in the competition and, whoever plays on him, no matter what stage of the game it is or what stage of the season, it is a formidable task, so we'll see how we go."

He said Rioli and Lake were "OK" going into the clash, despite their lack of game time.
 

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