Duffield wary of the unknown
Paul Duffield says the absence of danger duo Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston will make league leaders Hawthorn even more unpredictable going into this weekend's clash at Patersons Stadium.
Roughead this morning accepted a one-match suspension for tripping to join an injured Gunston (knee) on the sidelines.
It means the Hawks will be without two of their three leading goal kickers this year for Sunday's match between last year's grand finalists.
The Dockers have lost the past six meetings between the clubs, including last year’s season decider.
And Duffield said Hawthorn’s unpredictability up forward without Roughead and Gunston would make the challenge of breaking the drought no less formidable.
“It’s not really any easier at all because now we don’t really know who might come in and play that (role),” he said.
“Hawthorn have proven all year that they’ve got fantastic depth and players who can come in and still play a fantastic role for the side.
“They can still find a way to win and that’s why they’re such a great side.”
Duffield said fellow defender Luke McPharlin should be back for finals despite the veteran having to miss several weeks with a calf injury.
He said the team should be pleased with the pressure applied in the final quarter at Simonds Stadium last Saturday night as they mounted a late charge against Geelong only to fall two points short.
“We changed a few things,” Duffield said.
“It was a really positive way. We obviously had to throw the kitchen sink at them to get back in the contest.
“It showed a lot of fight from the guys and a lot of resilience to obviously get the margin back that close.
“They’re a great side and full credit to them. But we never gave up and I think that’s something this group is well known for.”
