Hawks eye return to form on Anzac Day
Published on 22 April 2021
Hawthorn will be hoping to cash in on its impressive home form at University of Tasmania Stadium this Sunday as it looks for its second win of the 2021 AFL season.
The Hawks were outplayed by the resurgent Demons last week, losing by 50 points.
This weekend's Anzac Day clash in Launceston against Adelaide is a must-win for coach Alistair Clarkson and his charges, who will look to climb off second-last spot on the AFL ladder after a slow start to the season.
Following a disappointing 2020, the Crows have found form in the early part of this season, winning three of its first four matches of the year before losing to Fremantle last weekend by two goals at home.
On the line this weekend is more than just four premiership points for the Hawks, who are making their return to Tasmania after a full season in absentia due to COVID travel restrictions
The Alec Campbell Cup will be presented to this weekend's victors - which is named in honour of the final surviving Gallipoli veteran who was born and raised in Launceston.
Alec passed away in 2002, aged 103.
He joined the 15th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force at the age of just 16, earning the nickname ‘The Kid’ during his training in Hobart. He landed in ANZAC Cove in Gallipoli in August 2015, where he risked his life carrying ammunition, stores and water to the trenches.
This Sunday's game will be the first time the Hawks have contested an ANZAC Day clash in Tasmania since 2010.
Both teams will honour ANZAC Day traditions with a rendition of the Last Post to be played, followed by a minute silence to remember the courage and sacrifice made by the Australian and New Zealand armed forces.
The Hawks currently hold the Alec Campbell Cup, having last won it in 2019, defeating Carlton by five points.
It has been a milestone week for the Hawks after surpassing 70,000 members during the week.
CEO Justin Reeves told the Hawthorn website that the club is humbled by their supporters’ loyalty and commitment to the brown and gold.
“To have over 70,000 proud, passionate members already a part of the family in 2021 is truly remarkable,” Reeves said.
“We’re now in the beginning of a really exciting phase for the Hawks, with the emergence of so many young talents who will hopefully be a part of our next premiership tilt."
Line-ups are expected to be announced Thursday evening, with Jack Gunston, Jonathon Ceglar, Denver Grainger-Barras, Will Day, James Sicily and Seamus Mitchell all on the injured list.
Gunston has been back training but is not expected to be available until round seven.
The match on Sunday will kick off at 12.30pm.
Tickets are selling fast with a limit of just 75 per cent seated capacity available. You can purchase tickets on the Ticketmaster website.
There will be no gate sales and patrons attending will need to scan in with the 'Check in Tas' app, which is available on the Apple Store or on Google Play.