Written by Rhys Knight
On a night where the occasion outweighed the result, the Hawks still walked away on the wrong side of the ledger but after a disastrous first half, the Hawks fought their way back and fell away in the last five minutes. Running into a top four team was always a daunting task but here is the player by player review.
Tom Mitchell
Fans are split on whether his knock on Connor Rozee was the return of some unsociability or was just plain silly but 29 disposals (13 contested), eight clearances, six inside 50’s, six tackles and 79% efficiency, almost got him best on ground.
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James Worpel
Since his return from suspension, the Worpedo has played angry which has been a return to his 2019 mentality. He had 23 disposals (12 contested), a team high nine clearances, eight tackles, three inside 50’s and three score involvements. Add in an elite finish as well and the Worpedo earns our best on ground.
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Ben McEvoy
Played mostly forward but still had 13 hit-outs in the ruck and took four marks (two contested) but what was most impressive was his eight tackles which ranked equal first at the Hawks. The skipper is having an underrated season and although it wasn’t his best performance, wasn’t disgraced at all.
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Sam Frost
Had a moment or two with sixteen touches (eight contested) and three rebounds but nine clangers and five free kicks against are not great numbers by any stretch and Charlie Dixon combined with Todd Marshall for half a dozen goals so not the best night for the key backs.
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Shaun Burgoyne
What a man and what an occasion this was, to celebrate an amazing 400 games of Silk. With four rebound 50’s, three marks and three score involvements but the 45% efficiency was concerning. If only he kicked that late goal though. If only.
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Jaeger O’Meara
Was a bull around the contest but with Newcombe, Mitchell, Worpel and Shiels all in the guts around him, he almost took a back seat. Could’ve been a huge night but couldn’t convert (1.3) his chances. Had nine contested possessions, five clearances, four tackles and four score involvements.
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Conor Nash
After a really strong VFL performance, Nash returned to the side but struggled. Eight disposals wasn’t the output required from the returning Irishman but four clearances was somewhat encouraging. Is hard to see him retaining his spot.
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Jack Scrimshaw
Wasn’t as prolific as previous weeks but five marks (including an elite intercept in the centre square) were handy. Only 15 disposals for Jack and 93% efficiency is elite but Hawks fans probably wanted a little more out of him. Was not the worst but when he can consistently get plenty of ball, he will be a top rebounding defender, not just for the Hawks, but in the league.
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Blake Hardwick
Dimma had a quiet one last week but bounced back beautifully, even if it was under duress, given the 41 clearances the Hawks conceded and 54 inside 50’s. 22 disposals and nine rebounds were a good return and add in leading the Hawks with 521 metres gained and it was a quality performance from a future leader.
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Lachie Bramble
Can someone say breakout? After showing a lot of composure in his first fortnight of senior footy, Bramble went to another level on Saturday night with 16 disposals, seven marks and 312 metres gained. Did second guess himself a couple of times but fans should love what he’s brought.
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Dan Howe
Wasn’t the same quality of performance like his last couple of games but did his role. One of the Hawks’ goals of the year was kicked by Howie from the Lockett End. He had 16 disposals (seven contested), four marks, three inside 50’s and score involvements.
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Jonathan Ceglar
After an elite return against Sydney three weeks ago, Cegs has been up and down but was really good on the weekend. Got around the ground for 19 disposals (eight contested), five marks (two contested), 19 hitouts, three inside 50’s and 73% efficiency. Was far from the Hawks worst.
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Tom Phillips
The former Pie has had his up and down moments this year and he gave us some of his best and worst moments on Saturday night. He found space from the stoppage in elite ways, used the ball poorly at times and had a few broken tackles but set up defensively really well. Eight contested possessions and four inside 50’s are handy numbers but he was hard to read.
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Luke Breust
Was the only multiple goal kicker for the Hawks with an awesome set shot and a trademark snap read Punky’s night. He had six contested possessions and four score involvements on the night but his defensive pressure was lacking.
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Tim O’Brien
After taking MOTY last week, TOB had a dozen touches, took five marks, laid four tackles (very good for a big bloke), got on the end of a good goal chain and had five contested possessions. Did go at 50% efficiency and with a small Fremantle backline coming, Mitch Lewis and Emerson Jeka could be considered for his spot.
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Liam Shiels
38% disposal efficiency reads really poorly for Pup but his endeavour and tenacity were on show. Only had the 18 touches but five tackles ranked top five on the night but he’s certainly had better nights.
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Kyle Hartigan
Got monstered on a few occasions by Charlie Dixon and even Mitch Georgiades so it’s hard to be overly flattering but he had four rebounds and went at 72% efficiency.
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Changkuoth Jiath
Had some really good moments and continuously beat multiple opponents in the air. CJ added another dimension to his game but still went on some trademark runs. Went at 80% efficiency and never gave up throughout the night.
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Damon Greaves
Saw some signs that are a bit concerning, seeing him panic under duress rang some alarm bells. Got to decent enough positions for 18 touches but his impact on the game was quite limited. Only averaged five and a half metres gained per disposal but had seven kicks.
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Jacob Koschitzke
Kosi took five marks and competed as amazingly as he has all year. We’ve said it before and we will say it again; he’s one full pre-season from ripping the competition apart. All five of his marks were contested which is elite and could’ve had two or three goals but he will get there.
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Dylan Moore
Had a quiet game and was his first one for a few weeks but is still an integral part of this Hawks outfit. Ten touches (six contested) and three tackles was his output but we are backing him in to respond next week.
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Jai Newcombe
Kane Farrell became the first player to get ‘Nuked’ when he got injured but Jai’s seven tackles ranked third for the Hawks on Saturday night. Of his 11 disposals, five were contested but he rushed some disposal. Had a couple of clearances also and should hold his spot.
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