Hawthorn faces Brisbane in AFL preliminary final test for Sam Mitchell
Coach Sam Mitchell leads Hawthorn into Saturday's AFL preliminary final against Brisbane after shock wins over Fremantle and in earlier finals.
Hawthorn faces its biggest test yet when it takes on Brisbane in Saturday's AFL preliminary final. Coach Sam Mitchell has turned the Hawks from rebuilding in 2022 into finals contenders.
The side now has experience from back-to-back finals runs. Brisbane beat Adelaide heavily in its semi-final.
Mitchell must stop Brisbane's small forwards, Will Ashcroft in the midfield, and Harris Andrews in defence. The Lions have won 21 of their last 23 games when pressure reaches 180 in the first 15 minutes.
Hawthorn's only loss in eight games came against Brisbane by 67 points in round 22.
- 67 points to Brisbane in round 22
- Hawthorn's only recent loss
- 2022
- Rebuild start year
Why it mattersIf Mitchell can orchestrate a win, Hawthorn's rapid rebuild becomes one of modern football's fastest turnarounds and puts them as flag favourites.
AustraliaAn Australian coaching story: Hawthorn's rise under Sam Mitchell from rebuild to grand final contention is one of the year's biggest sporting narratives.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 d ago
