According to News Limited the Hawks have the manpower to lead themselves to this year’s premiership, although there’s one dark obstacle that hovers over them.

Whilst Hawthorn’s solid list of names continue to drive the team to the top of every contest, Geelong still remains to be their one hindrance.

“Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust, Paul Puopolo, Jack Gunston, Cyril Rioli and Jordan Lewis represent the attacking pack that could propel the Hawks to this year's premiership. But the only problem is a glaring problem. There's one defence they simply can't break,” said News Limited.

“You guessed it - Geelong. The side that has owned the Hawks for the past five years is this year making the brown and gold threat look more like Clark Kent than Superman.”

The Hawks intensity is not only illustrated through their long list of elite players, it’s also in their statistics that they pump out during every game.  

“After 19 rounds, they average 7.3 points a game more than their rivals and back this up by ranking fifth in points-against,” News Limited said.

“They average 9.6 more inside 50s, ranked second. Once inside 50m they goal 30.8 per cent of the time, ranked No.1, while averaging 15.1 marks inside 50m per game, also No.1.”

The Hawks have won every game this year except the two they lost against the Cats. Despite their dominance in significant areas of the game, including inside-50s for both Round 1 and 15 this year, the Cats were able to withstand the heat and keep their rule over the Hawks.

To the Hawks disgust the Cats defensive pressure and high intensity over the ball continues to cripple them.

“The Hawks haven't generated as many turnovers forward of centre as Geelong and Sydney, but they make up for this by punishing the opposition 40.5 per cent of the time.”

This year the Cats have led the way in tackles and marks, with 61 to 53 tackles and 97 to 82 marks in Round 1, along with 77 to 64 tackles and 104 to 75 marks in Round 15.

With the end of the season approaching fast, the Cats will have to maintain their confidence if they are to contest against the Hawks in the finals, as statistically they have proven to be the most formidable side in the competition.