The mighty Hawks played the Tigers at the home of football, the magnificent MCG, in front of 92,000 plus fans.
It was Dusty Martins 300th game for Richmond, with him kicking the first goal of the match, it was always going to be hard to shut the home crowd down with their favourite son looking to grab the game by the scruff of the neck. But that’s where it ended, Hawthorn were able to settle and take a small lead into the quarter time break.
The crowd size will serve as a valuable learning for our young group, playing in front of over 92,000 roaring fans. Once into the second term the Hawks got going and kicked 7 unanswered goals raining on Martin’s parade.
The Hawks were dominant out of centre stoppages with the Hawks winning the count 14-7, allowing us to move the ball at speed to inside the forward 50 and prevent the Tigers from getting numbers back to clog up it’s defensive 50.
Hawthorn’s efficiency by foot gave us control and generated many opportunities forward, while in the defensive half the brown and gold ran impressively to support their defence.
The Hawks finished the game 14.13 (97) to 6.13 (49) and move the ledger to 7 and 7.
Could finals football be a possibility? You betcha we’re a shot.
Tim’s Votes
3 – James Sicily
The skipper was an absolute rock down back, with his ten intercept possessions.
His ball use was phenomenal, with some absolutely exquisite kicking that opened up the field for the team to attack. Getting back to his AA best.
2 – Jack Scrimshaw
Was absolutely enormous in the first half, repelling everything the Tigers threw his way.
Growing in confidence as an athletic CHB, with his seven intercept possessions, three score involvements and another game where he turned heads with his application and determination.
1 – Mabior Chol
Playing against an old side is never an easy task but Mabior put his best foot forward again.
His run down tackle and goal in the third quarter was enormous.
Ended the game with four goals one from seven touches, with two tackles and seven score involvements. Great stuff again from Marbs!
Lauren’s Votes
3 – James Sicily
Pretty easy 3 votes in the end, Sicily loves playing Richmond and he proved that again.
28 kicks from his 33 disposals and going at 82%, it will always be hard to beat the Hawks when the opposition allows him to do that.
2 – Jai Newcombe
Lifted in the second half and was crucial in our attacking game.
Being able to turn his 26 disposals into 11 score involvements. Slotting a goal himself as well.
Always the contested beast, with the 12 on the Saturday afternoon.
1 – Mabior Chol
When a few others struggled in front of goal, Chol turned it on against his old side, slotting the four.
Isn’t just a tall that can take a mark, was also able to put immense pressure on the opposition in our forward half. He’s proven the non believers wrong.
Matt’s Votes
3 – James Sicily
The captain arose in what was a big occasion for the opponents to stamp himself on the game to help deliver a meaningful victory for the Hawks.
Sicily boasted a ridiculous 881 metres gained from his 33 disposals at 81% disposal efficiency.
Empowered by his fellow defenders who all played their roles incredibly well, Sicily had 12 rebound 50s, he was superb in the air with 15 marks, 10 intercept possessions and had five tackles.
2 – Jai Newcombe
With team highs in contested possessions (12), score involvements (11), i50s (five) and centre clearances (four) Jai came to play.
Newk enjoyed a goal and had 21 pressure acts to help set the tone with fellow midfielders Day and Worpel who willed themselves on the contest all day.
1 – Mabior Chol
Chol enjoyed the occasion against his old team and didn’t mind celebrating in front of the Tiger army with an efficient 4.1 in front of the sticks from his five shots at goal.
Mabior’s chasing has become what Hawks fans have now grown to expect, and he provided nine pressure acts alongside a little pinch hitting in the ruck.
Chris’ Votes
3 – James Sicily
Slowly worked his way into the game, each quarter increasing his productivity (five, eight, nine and eleven possessions) 15 marks is outstanding, 10 intercept possessions, but it was how he used the ball that impressed so much, not to mention the 881m gained!
Great game skipper.
2 – Jai Newcombe
The workhorse getting the job done where it matters most with 12 contested possessions from his 26 disposals.
Topping off his day with a Leigh Matthews’ style crumb and a left foot snap, it was beautiful to watch!
1 – Massimo D’Ambrosio
I’m so impressed with the consistency he has produced this year, makes the right decisions and creates opportunities offensively.
If he keeps it up, they might have to rename the MCG wing after him!
Round 14 MVP Votes
James Sicily – 12 Votes
Jai Newcombe – 6 Votes
Mabior Chol – 3 Votes
Jack Scrimshaw – 2 Votes
Massimo D’Ambrossio – 1 Vote
Watch Lauren and Matt’s post game livestream chat with fans
