Hurting Eagles aim for special AFL win against Hawks
“But we’re all in it together. We’re trying to get better as a whole team.
“And the more that we play like (we did against Essendon), we’re going to be competitive and we’re going to be in games.
“It’s going to be pretty special when we do get to experience that feeling and get our first win as a team.”
Graham praised the efforts of McQualter, who worked as an assistant at Richmond during the club’s flag years of 2017, 2019 and 2020.
“I think the boys are really backing him in and he’s so passionate about his job,” Graham said.
“He’d be doing it tough at the moment as well. But he’s got so much care for this group, and he wants to see the results.”
A major focus in Sunday’s match will be on the performance of West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen.
It’s been a tough few seasons for the Eagles.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Allen, a restricted free agent, apologised to Eagles fans earlier this season when it was revealed he had met Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell to discuss his future.
The 26-year-old was rested against the Bombers last week but comes back to face Mitchell’s side, along with Tom Cole and Noah Long.
Star midfielder Tim Kelly goes out with a toe injury, while key defender Harry Edwards was dropped.
Hawthorn, who have slipped to 4-2 after losses to Port Adelaide and Geelong, will be without the suspended Conor Nash, Luke Breust (managed) and Changkuoth Jiath (omitted).
Jack Ginnivan, who kicked four goals from 22 disposals for Box Hill in the VFL last week, is among the inclusions.
