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The last time Hawthorn played in the finals, James Worble was 19, Alistair Clarkson was coach and Sam Mitchell was helping plan the West Coast championship in 2018.
Six years later, Clarkson's Kangaroos are the only team standing between current Hawks coach Mitchell and midfield general Worbell from securing a place in the top eight – which could make for a very special season.
Hawks' James Worbell celebrates scoring a goal.credit: AFL photos via Getty Images
“It's really good,” Worble told the Australian Press Association ahead of Saturday's match at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston. “I've been here for seven years now and in my first year I played two finals, but I probably didn't appreciate it.”
“So hopefully this year we can start winning and win some finals and see what we can do.
“The excitement, our running profile and our athletic profile should be our strengths.
“We still have some experience, we have some players from the Premier League. We just have to play our game and hopefully we can do it.”
With Will Day (dislocated collarbone) out for at least another week, it will fall to Worble – who made 29 disposals and kicked two goals against Richmond – and Jay Newcombe to lead the midfield.
“He's one of our best players, so we'll miss him, but we have to bring in another soldier,” said the 25-year-old Worbell.
“He's a difficult player to replace, and I don't think we can replace him. But we have players like Cam McKenzie – he's a capable player. The more time he gets in the team the better.”
“I have some good leaders around me. To be honest, I don't have to do much. We're all pretty balanced in that area.
“All I have to do is do my part and finish my job first, and then the rest will take care of itself.”
Finn Magennis replaces Day, while Jack Scrimshaw has been named despite suffering a dislocated finger against Richmond.
The final is now in Hawthorn's hands – with a win all but guaranteeing a place in the top eight.
“It's a great feeling,” Newcomb said. “But we still have to be tough.”
“North Melbourne also play very good football.
“So it's not going to be easy to win. We just have to make sure we keep working hard and keep winning.
“They play in Tasmania as much as we do, so they love it there.
“They have some quality players, they are a good team, and we have to play our best football.”
The match has been brought forward from 4.40pm AEST to 12.30pm to reduce the need for floodlights amid a pay dispute between electrical workers and TasNetworks.
There is electricity in the stadium and the network is secure but in case of a power outage, the staff do not intend to intervene.
Retired former Hawks player Liam Shiels will play his final game for the Kangaroos.
Will Phillips, Toby Pink and Blake Drewey have been recalled from North, along with Charlie Kumpyn (concussion), Miller Bergman (concussion) and Eddie Ford (opted out).
Australian People's Party
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