Underdone Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli will step out against Geelong tomorrow. Source: News Limited
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson admits Cyril Rioli and Brian Lake's preparation leading into tomorrow's blockbuster against Geelong at the MCG is not ideal.
He said both sides had taken a little bit of a punt on selections, pointing out that Geelong had named Trent West.
"It's not always ideal going into round one and we'll just see how we go,'' Clarkson said before today's 30-minute training session at Waverley Park.
And he confirmed that 19 year-old Jed Anderson, whose wife is due to give birth in the next few days, will make his debut after being traded by Greater Western Sydney for Stephen Gilham.
"It's pretty exciting for Jed,'' Clarkson said.
"It's been a great effort for a lad to get drafted and then force his way into a side that played off in a grand final.''
Rioli (ankle) and Lake (calf) have not played since Hawthorn's opening NAB Cup game.
Lake, recruited from the Western Bulldogs, will be assigned key Cat Tom Hawkins as the Hawks attempt to break a nine-game losing sequence against Geelong.
Clarkson said the Bulldog veteran had been recruited specifically to play on bigger players.
"Hopefully he will acquit himself well,'' he said.
"Hawkins has turned into an outstanding player in the competition and whoever plays on him, no matter what stage of the game it is or what stage of the season, it is a formidable task, so we'll see how we go.''
Clarkson said Rioli and Lake were "okay'' going into clash, despite their lack of game time
"It's not ideal going into round one without the same game time as some of the other players. They are quality players and both of them are All Australian players.
"Sometimes first up they can play really well too, and sometimes it's the second and third game that you're worried about.''
Clarkson said that after a long pre-season, Geelong and Hawthorn had to wait until the last game of the opening round.
"There is so much excitement and anticipation around the first round of the season,'' he said.
"It's the latest game of the round and we can't wait to get out there and perform.''
Clarkson said he was again expecting a great contest from Geelong.
"We have always had great games against Geelong and we just haven't been able to get over the post in the pressure of last minutes of games so we need to get better at that,'' he said.
Clarkson was reluctant to make any comment about the controversial sliding rule.
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