Hawthorn are leaving nothing to chance in their preparation for an all-out assault on September, with the club implementing tailored mental training to cope with Fremantle’s famous ‘Wharfie Time’ if they face the Dockers in Perth.
A month out from finals, Sam Mitchell’s side are already undergoing psychological preparation in readiness for September, led by the club’s psychologist.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Hawks prepare for wharfie time in finals push
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One major focus has been preparing for the intimidating atmosphere at Optus Stadium, after senior Hawks admitted they were overwhelmed by the Dockers’ home crowd earlier this year.
The Hawks led that Round 9 match by 19 points in the final term, but couldn’t hold on as the Dockers ran riot in ‘Wharfie Time’.
With the match in the balance in the closing stages, the bells rang, the crowd went wild and Freo kicked the final five goals to steal a stunning victory.
“It can get intimidating, and I think when things are so loud, it’s kind of hard to concentrate and focus on the game and what’s at stake,” Hawthorn midfielder Massimo D’Ambrosio said.
“So yeah, we do little quirky things to kind of adjust and prepare us for what’s to come, and we’re really looking forward to the back end of the year.”
The Hawks know a trip west could be in their future, with the club taking the mental preparation seriously.
“There has been some things thrown in the works that were like, oh, what’s going on here? But yeah, no, I think it’s all, in hindsight, it’s all really good for us to kind of prepare,” D’Ambrosio added.
First, the Hawks must secure the double chance, with Dingley’s wind preparing them for Saturday’s clash in Launceston against North Melbourne.
Missing on Zach Merrett this season has proven a blessing in disguise for the young Hawks midfielders, who are flourishing en route to the top four.
“We’ve obviously got Jai Newcombe, Will Day, who are just superstars, but then myself and (Josh) Wardy, it’s been great to sort of spend more time in there together and sort of try and help take a bit of the load off what they do,” Cam Mackenzie said.
D’Ambrosio added: “A lot of the senior players have put onus on us to kind of step up with them and take a bit of the load off them.”
