Talking Hawks MVP Round 21

Share This Post

Last quarter capitulation strikes once again.

All the way up until quarter four of Sunday afternoon’s match, Sam Mitchell’s men continued their rich vein of form and once again, looked simply too energetic and dynamic for their opposition.

But a final quarter submission resulting in a two-point loss that shared painful similarities with Round 10’s match-up against Port Adelaide harshly reminded Hawks’ fans of the pitfalls of youth and inexperience that have otherwise thrilled the AFL world.

Numerous factors can be held accountable for the Hawks’ late collapse, including an inability to combat the commanding aerial-presence of Jesse Hogan and struggles stifling Lachie Whitfield’s dashing run.

Once again, analysis of the game was best provided by our ever-reasonable coach, who’s acknowledgement of an underlying struggle to “play at the highest possible level for four quarters” again nods to the tangible link between experience and consistency.

And, despite 2024 being categorised by considerable growth in every aspect, this connection is something a team that entered the season as the second youngest in the competition is still trying to master.

Tim

3. Jai Newcombe

With Will Day being followed everywhere he went by Toby Bedford, Hawthorn needed someone to stand up in the midfield to lead the way.

Newk most certainly did that.

30 touches, 11 clearances and six tackles helped the team almost hold on against the Giants.

2. Massimo D’Ambrosio

Massimo continues to go from strength to strength in the brown and gold. Had 22 disposals yesterday at an unbelievable efficiency of 96%, six score involvements and two goals himself for a very handy Sunday afternoon return.

1. Dylan Moore

Our spiritual leader had another fantastic day where he showed how important he is to our developing team. Moorey had 19 touches, five tackles, eight score involvements and kicked one goal in another wholehearted performance.

Lauren

3. Jai Newcombe

Newcombe stood up and threatened to tear this game apart but unfortunately, his efforts weren’t enough to get us over the line.

Newk was doing everything with an enormous 19 contested possessions and 11 clearances, as well as laying six strong tackles as he compensated for the poor performances of others in the midfield.

Unfortunately he, like the rest of the team, couldn’t impact when the game was on the line.

2. Massimo D’Ambrosio

Proving once again that he was one of the best recruits of the off-season, a nice two goal haul from him alongside six score involvements.

That’s on top of a clinical performance by foot in which he went at nearly 96% from his 22 disposals.

1. Karl Amon

638 meters gained from 30 disposals (at 90%) as well as seven rebound-50s points to Amon’s influence coming off the half-back line.

I thought when we looked our best on Sunday, he was heavily involved, but unfortunately, his efforts to help settle the side in the last quarter fell short.

Chris

3. Jai Newcombe

The opposition clamped down on Will Day and Newk naturally assumed the lead midfield role this week.

Equal team-high disposals (30), equal team-high tackles (six) and game-high clearances (11) proves how pivotal his role is for the Hawks to be really competitive, albeit in an unfortunate loss.

2. Massimo D’Ambrosio

After a quieter game last week, Massimo bounced back to his best with 22 disposals at a staggering 96% efficiency alongside a couple of important goals. A handy 14 pressure acts and four rebound 50’s to round out a really solid performance

1. Lloyd Meek

The big man played his role today with 42 hitouts (14 to advantage) and had significant influence early in the game.

Whilst Meek’s shots on goal weren’t accurate, I couldn’t hold that against him as his 16 disposals included six score involvements.

Matt

3. Jai Newcombe

Newk flexed for our midfield on a day where the on-ball brigade didn’t have the answers they normally do to overcome the opposition. He fought gallantly and stood tall with his clearance work, tallying 11 (the next closest being three) along with 22 pressure acts.

Jai also had equal team highs in disposals (30 alongside Amon), inside 50s (six tied with Sicily) and tackles (six tied with Hardwick).

It was a clear 3 MVP votes for me.

2. Massimo D’Ambrosio

Massimo continued his electrifying season after last week’s quieter-than-usual performance with a solid afternoon playing the ever-important wing role to help set up our attacking thrusts.

Mass chimed in with 22 disposals and two handy goals and gave us the beaming D’Ambrosio smile we have quickly grown to love as Hawks supporters after his second goal.

1. Dylan Moore

Moorey’s efforts stood out across the day, as 22 pressure acts and five tackles highlighted his attempts to help lift the Hawks.

With an equal game-high eight score involvements, 19 disposals, one goal and two points, it was not quite the 20 and two goals that we have become accustomed to, but it was awfully close.