Teamwork continues to fuel the pursuit of finals.
Regarded as one of those sneaky-dangerous “banana peel” games given the recent strong form and home ground advantage the Adelaide Crows held coming into Round 20, the result ultimately proved yet again the merit behind Hawthorn’s charge to finals.
Outside of a close first quarter that ended with the Crows leading 36-30, the young and energetic Hawks dominated all facets of the game.
This was particularly highlighted by their ability to hold Adelaide to a single goal whilst kicking eight themselves across quarters two and three.
Speaking post-game, it was the evenness and maturity of the showing that impressed coach Sam Mitchell the most.
In a performance that produced eight multiple goal-scorers and 12 players over 15 disposals the “collective impact” that continues to increase the odds of what once seemed an improbable finals equation was illustrated.
Summarised best by the coach post-match, the formula is simple; “if we win all our games we’ve got left, we’ll make it.”
Tim
3. Connor MacDonald
Croc brought his own ball to Adelaide Oval on the weekend. Kicked two goals to go with his 28 disposals and a mammoth 14 score involvements.
His work rate was first class and his disposal is getting better every week.
2. Will Day
When the game was on the line in the first half, Will Day was everywhere.
Centre clearances, relieving marks down back and a steadying goal. Arguably in better form than last year when he won the PCM.
1. Mabior Chol
This man continues to bring joy to fans with every touch of the ball he has. Ends up with two goals, 17 touches, eight score involvements and two goal assists, plus numerous clever tap ons that defy his 200 cm stature.
The Chols Royce was brilliant once again!
Matt
Another massive team performance made this victory so much sweeter. I’m curious to see how the Talking Hawks team’s season tally for MVP stacks up against the Peter Crimmins Medal votes…
3. Connor MacDonald
Complete with his own built in celebration kit, C-Mac came to play and put the team’s celebrations on the map for all to see with his 14 score involvements.
Enjoyed two goals along with a huge 21 pressure acts (equal second for the team) while racking up 28 disposals.
2. Will Day
I think Daysy enjoys playing in front of his family back in Adelaide. He came as a man intent on hunting the ball and any opponent who had the pill.
Day’s influence was on display, earmarked by team highs with 12 contested possessions and seven inside 50s. He added 15 pressures acts, seven tackles, a goal and his 20 disposals resulted in 461 meters gained.
1. Jack Scrimshaw
Scrimma worked in with his fellow defenders beautifully despite a first quarter where the Crows hit the scoreboard.
With 18 disposals and seven intercept possessions Scrimshaw is a much needed tall providing us strong defence with Sicily still a little hampered in the aerial contest department.
Daz
3. Connor MacDonald
CMac’s season has been similar to Daz’s opinion around his rat tail; wasn’t the greatest fan early but getting around it late.
His last two weeks have been enormous but his stats this week read brilliantly; 28 disposals, 14 score involvements, 21 pressure acts and 366 metres gained.
His work rate was unbelievable as well; with 38% of his touches being in the back half.
Unreal.
2. Jai Newcombe
I love the 20 & 2 club. Welcome Jai.
22 disposals, two goals at 82% disposal efficiency, 21 score involvements, seven score involvements, six clearances (five centre clearances from 23 CBA’s) and four inside 50’s.
Gave away four free kicks but three were from tackles; they’re forgivable.
1. Jack Scrimshaw
18 disposals and nine marks doesn’t scream “give me votes Daz” but my god, Scrim was unreal.
However, Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe on a clear day were a formidable target who had just the four scoring shots, plus his composure with ball in hand was unreal.
The “Hollywood Hawks” can play a Kamikaze-style of game so they need composure out of the back half and he provided it in spades; especially delivering the ball into the corridor.
11 kicks and seven handballs at 92%; my goodness!
Lauren
3. Connor MacDonald
A huge game from CMac, one that he has been building to over the last month or so.
Everytime he was around the ball, something exciting would happen for the Hawks, highlighted by 14 score involvements. We seem to have one small forward get off the chain each week, and this week it was Connor!
2. Will Day
Was crucial at keeping us in the game in the first half when Adelaide were pushing. Made sure the Crows regretted not picking him up in his draft year.
Ultra tough competitor that ran both ways. Was thrown back in the first quarter as well in an attempt to slow the run Adelaide. It showed how trusted he is by the coaches.
20 major disposals, didn’t waste a possession.
1. Jarman Impey
This game highlighted the importance of Impey’s role in this side, he balances when to defend and when to attack perfectly. When the side put the foot down in the third quarter, Jars was a major spark.
His run off half back and his intercepting has been a key component of his game. Adelaide had no answers for him.
Plus a great goal and elite celebration to top it all off.
Chris
3. Connor MacDonald
An extraordinary game by this young gun to back up from his four goal performance last week!
C Mac has been verging on having a break out game and this was it, a game high 14 score involvements (next best eight) from his 28 disposals, two goals of his own and four tackles to round off a comprehensive performance.
2. Will Day
Been a huge season for Daisy and this game was no exception. He had the 20 disposals (felt like more) seven tackles and kicked a goal.
Will had a quiet second half, but for me what he did in the first half with the game in the balance deserves the praise and my votes.
1. Jarman Impey
Talking about performing when the game was on the line, this man deserves a shout out too!
I’m loving the way Jars plays his footy finding the balance between defending and attacking. Finished the game with 20 disposals (501m gained), seven intercept possessions and a well deserved goal.
Liam
3. Connor MacDonald
A lot of contenders for votes but there was only one for the three in my view.
His 14 score involvements is the headline but he had a team high 28 disposals, four marks, four tackles, four inside 50s, three goal assists, two clearances, two goals, and 366 metres gained in a dominant display across half forward.
To put his 14 score involvements into perspective, Jack Ginnivan had a very strong six score involvements, which was the difference between MacDonald and anyone else.
2. Jarman Impey
Made the Crows pay dearly for selecting a tall forward line which was never going to pressure or keep up with a quick ball carrier.
Six inside 50s off half back is a standout number but his 20 disposals at 80%, eight marks, seven intercepts, two rebounds, two spoils, and 501 metres gained.
Snuck forward for a lovely running goal as well to round out an excellent display.
1. Will Day
Spent a lot of the last quarter on the bench but the game was over by then.
Narrowly edging out a number of his fellow midfielders (among others) for the one vote, he recorded 20 disposals at 80%, 12 contested possessions, seven tackles, seven inside 50s (game high), four intercepts, four score involvements, and 461 metres gained.
The classy but combative midfielder is someone we are running out of superlatives for and whilst the numbers were lower than other weeks, the impact was not.
Round 20 MVP Votes
Connor MacDonald – 18 votes
Will Day – 9 votes
Jarman Impey – 4 votes
Jack Scrimshaw – 2 votes
Jai Newcombe – 2 votes
Mabior Chol – 1 vote
