Australian Football League R5 Hawthorn Vs North Melbourne 4/25 0340EST

The Hawks have had a tough run to begin the 2010 season as they have lost to the Bulldogs, Geelong and Collingwood in recent weeks - if ever there was sense of urgency to start winning games, then this is it. Returning for this match are Lance Franklin and Brad Sewell, which gives Alastair Clarkson's side a significant boost, however Franklin's form has deserted him of late and he will need to step up a gear. He played a superb game this time last year against the Kangaroos and will he need to replicate this. Brent Harvey is starting to show some form for North Melbourne, while Ryan Bastinac is enjoying a flawless debut season so far. But the positives are few and far between down at Arden St.

Leading by example is Brad Sewell, whose hardness and athleticism throughout the midfield not only inspire his team mates but the Hawks line-up seems so much more formidable with him in there. Often criticised for his performance not matching his talent, Daniel Wells showed glimpses last week in the 40-point loss to the Sydney Swans but he needs discover that elusive beast called consistency if he is to reach his peak as a footballer.

Who stops Lance Franklin? North Melbourne has shown to have trouble this season matching up on key forwards and Buddy’s traditional North Melbourne opponent Josh Gibson is now a (sidelined) Hawk and North Melbourne needs to find the right match to curtail Franklin’s speed and strength. Scott Thompson may be the man for the job. Can North Melbourne exploit the ruck situation? This is one area where the Kangaroos are far superior to the Hawks. Hamish McIntosh, Todd Goldstein and, if necessary, David Hale will be far too much for Brent Renouf to handle on his own. The Hawks on-ballers will have no choice but to hover around the blue socks at the ruck contests.

In conclusion neither side has done much to give the tipsters any faith but the Hawks get a pardon because of a tough three weeks. They will want this more and the returning Sewell and Franklin also add weight to their argument. Therefore I'm wagering 2 units on Hawthorn -19.5 (+102) at Pinnacle.





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