Hawthorn’s determination to spread the scoring load this season has become crucial in their AFL finals campaign.

Coleman Medallist Jarryd Roughead, Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli – three of the Hawks’ elite players – kicked a collective 1.3 in the five-point preliminary final win over Geelong.

Hawthorn were also without Rioli and Franklin for the qualifying final, where they buried defending premiers Sydney in the second half and won by 54 points.

Ruck-forward David Hale took three big marks and kicked two goals last Friday night, while Jack Gunston starred with four goals against the Cats.

The variety of scoring options will be tested again in Saturday’s grand final against the frenetic Fremantle team defence.

“That’s something we’ve probably added to our game this year,” Hale said.

“The flexibility of being able to play blokes in different positions has held up well.

“If one bloke’s getting shut down, or two or three, we still have different avenues we think we can open up.

“You probably can’t cover six of the blokes on the day, so there’s one or two we think can get off the leash.”

Another issue for Hawthorn will be scoring accuracy.

It was crucial in last year’s upset grand final loss to Sydney and they were wasteful again against the Cats, especially in the last term.

Small forward Luke Breust, who sprayed 1.3, was the glaring culprit.

“Blokes probably get frustrated, because you do all the good work to get the ball in there,” Hale said.

“Blokes probably miss goals that others think are kickable.

“It comes down to individuals – if you start feeling the pressure, it’s probably not a good thing.

“You have to clear your mind and get the job done.”

Hale has an swollen “egg” on his cheek after a head clash in the preliminary final, but he says it is a bruise and adds he is not in doubt for the grand final.

He has developed a good ruck combination this season with Max Bailey and Roughead.

Now they come up against giant Dockers ruckman Aaron Sandilands and his sidekick Zac Clarke.

Noting Sandilands’ size, Hale said he might follow the example of Hawks ruck coach Damian Monkhorst.

“I probably need Monky’s trick, to eat a few burgers to put a bit of weight on,” he said.

Hale joined the Hawks in late 2010 after eight seasons at North Melbourne and the 29-year-old has relished his second home.

“I was in a bit of a rut and footy was a bit of a drain,” he said.

“The Hawthorn chance came up, it was a fresh start.

“But also I’ve had a couple of kids as well, which changes your focus.

“Footy doesn’t become as serious.”