Thursday’s twilight match, which resulted in an eleven-point loss to the Bulldogs didn’t quite live up to fan expectations. However, it wasn’t without some bright spots.
A lack of pressure from the Hawks made the first half look particularly disappointing. However a spirited second half fightback, led by performances from James Worpel (28 disposals, ten clearances), Massimo D’Ambrosio (29 disposals, one goal) and recruit Josh Battle (27 disposals, eleven intercepts), should certainly give fans some reassurance success is on the horizon this season.
Many veteran Hawks, such as Sam Frost and even captain James Sicily, looked a step behind for much of the match, failing to play to their usual standards. In his second hit out since injury, Frost seemed overwhelmed keeping tabs on Aaron Naughton, who kicked 3.2 for the game, while Sicily’s disposals and decision making left some scratching their heads.
However it could be said this pedestrian play can be attributed to the casual nature that characterises Hawthorn’s approach to preseason games, who are now 1-10 in AFL practice matches since 2018.
Trailing by ten points and five scoring shots at the break, coach Sam Mitchell demanded more effort in his fiery half-time address. And, in an encouraging display of the squad’s receptiveness, the Hawks upped the ante.
Hawthorn’s midfield, who had been dominated early (37-11 inside 50’s to the Dogs favour at half-time) were synonymous of this flicked switch. James Worpel, Will Day, Jai Newcombe and Dylan Moore stepped up in the second half, applying the pressure and the improving ball movement in the middle. This effort was reflected in the full-time stats, most notably as they erased the deficit in inside 50’s and recorded +10 in clearances.
Hawthorn briefly snatched the lead early in the fourth thanks to an outstanding pirouetting snap goal from D’Ambrosio and some wizardry from Nick Watson who kicked two goals in the space of one minute.
The Wizard, who like some of the other small forwards, had a difficult time getting into the match, managed to make his presence felt late. Alongside two quick goals, his pressure, including one strong tackle and a courageous spoil, both against key forward Jordan Croft, highlighted the mercurial forwards ability to make an impact in different ways.
The connection between Tom Barrass and Josh Battle in the backline looked promising, as the two combined for 17 intercept possessions and six contested marks. Early in the match, the two were pivotal in thwarting a flurry of the Bulldogs’ offensive attacks, with Battle’s intercepting and ball use complimenting the timely spoiling and strength in the contest offered by Barrass.
And despite the latter giving some a scare as he left the ground with a bloody head in the first quarter (a nod to his courage above anything), the veteran defender, like the rest of the team, played out the rest of the game without further incidents.
Although the Hawks new tall defenders certainly helped keep Western Bulldogs key forwards under pressure and the margin at bay, space was left open for the likes of small forward Lachlan McNeil (four goals) to impact the scoreboard; something perhaps exacerbated by the absence of Jarman Impey, Changkouth Jiath and Blake Hardwick.
Other bright spots include two goals from Connor MacDonald who, despite a laconic start, really showed some spark in the third quarter, and the overall effort of Finn Maginness throughout the match. Sporting his dad’s number 20, Maginness worked hard up and down the ground, including some time forward where he notched one goal and one goal assist, displaying his effectiveness in a more offensive role.
Ruckman Lloyd Meek also appeared to be in good touch, with 35 hit outs against former All-Australian Tim English, while Max Ramsden had six taps to complement the four disposals and two tackles he accumulated in only 25% game time.
Meanwhile, Will McCabe, another late addition to the game, showed he should be on track for a debut game this season, impressing with his leaping ability and leading patterns.
Despite the late dominance demonstrated across the stat sheet, Hawthorn lost in what was an ultimately frustrating result given the game was played at UTAS Stadium, which has been a fortress for the Hawks in recent years.
However, given that the side escaped unscathed and produced passages of some breathtaking football, optimism surrounding a relatively healthy and formidable Hawks squad should be upheld heading into Round 0.
co-written by Ollie Tisbury and Rebecca Connell
