Hawks ruck Meek ready to step up and tame Tigers
Anna Harrington |
Lloyd Meek’s next three opponents are three of the AFL’s most challenging ruckmen for different reasons: Toby Nankervis, Max Gawn and Jarrod Witts.
But that’s just how the Hawthorn big man likes it.
Fresh off monstering West Coast, Meek will go toe-to-toe with Richmond skipper Nankervis, one of the league’s most physical ruckmen, in the Hawks’ centenary game at the MCG on Sunday.
Melbourne’s brilliant captain Gawn and towering Gold Coast veteran Witts follow.
“That’s what you love. Every week in the AFL, you’re versing another good opponent. So it’s gonna be a good battle,” Meek told AAP.
“I’ve versed ‘Nank’ a couple of times now and he always just gives his heart and soul. He’s underrated in the competition, in my opinion and he’s a good opponent.
“So I’m gonna have to be on my A-game and bring my weapons and do what I do well and, hopefully on our midfield can take it up to theirs.”
It’s just another pinch-me moment for Meek, who played 15 games in five years at Fremantle before crossing to Hawthorn at the end of 2022.
Wearing the No.17 made famous by AFL great Michael Tuck, Meek established himself as the Hawks’ first-choice ruckman in 2023 and hasn’t looked back.
“It is exciting. If I look at myself five years ago, this is the position I dreamed to be in,” he said.
“You kind of lose that a little bit sometimes with the pressures of the wins and the losses and the battles every week.
“But you have to take a bit of the moment and after a good win’s a good time to do that, to reflect and be happy with where you are.
“In this game, you have to be ruthless on yourself and keep driving yourself to get better. So I’ll keep doing that.
“Nankervis and Richmond’s the next battle – they’ve got some really good young players that are establishing themselves in the competition.”
Hawthorn had a red-hot start to the season but suffered back-to-back losses to Port Adelaide and Geelong before responding against West Coast.
“It’s funny, that, the footy world – I think we were all the talk about premiership contenders, 4-0 and then you lose two and suddenly it’s dire and the media are into you, and you’re throwing everything out of the cot,” Meek said with a laugh.
“But inside the four walls, we know what we need to work on, and we’ve got some things that we’re going to keep chipping away at.”
The Hawks are without concussed pair Jack Scrimshaw and Karl Amon, plus Cam Mackenzie (broken hand).
Luke Breust, Changkuoth Jiath and Finn Maginness have been recalled.
Richmond regain Noah Balta, who missed their last match due to his curfew and replaces Campbell Gray (omitted).
AAP
