An Early Statement
On Friday night, the Hawks payed a visit to the hostile turf of the SCG, the home ground of perennial contenders Sydney Swans, in what promised to be a worthy (albeit unplanned) start to the 2025 AFL season.
Played in front of 40,310 supporters, many of which were travelling Hawks fans based on the reception to each of their 14 goals, the match was a see-sawing affair that eventually saw the visitors leave with a 20 point victory.
After a close first term where each team traded curious jabs, the Hawks were able to kick twice as many goals as the Swans, setting up a nice half-time buffer. And, despite a spirited fightback from the home side that would have had fans of the brown and gold racked with nerves heading into the final term, Hawthorn were able to hold on, as the team’s positional flexibility, particularly concerning the use of James Sicily, proved to be the difference.
Fueled by a best-on-ground performance by star midfielder Will Day, along with stellar games by players like Lloyd Meek, Karl Amon and James Sicily, the win, was a brilliant start to the season, and one made even more impressive by the Hawks ability to adapt to the torrential rain that arrived halfway through the match.
The only thing that marred a night that finished with a scoreline of 11.10 (76) to 14.12 (96), was the unfortunate injury to midfield bull James Worpel, who’s ankle injury sustained in an awkward tackling motion looks set to have him sidelined till at least Gather Round on April 13.
Tim
3. Will Day
‘Daysy’ was absolutely phenomenal on Friday evening in another big step towards cementing himself as an A-grader. His first half was truly tremendous, winning clearances for fun, slicing the Swans defence apart and kicking three crucial goals.
- James Sicily
The skipper was the match winner in the last quarter, pushing forward after being tagged by Will Hayward. His final quarter saw him have four disposals, for three score involvements and the match sealing goal. What a luxury it is to be able to put his magnet all over the park.
- Conor Nash
When James Worpel was subbed off at half-time and Will Day was tagged, we needed someone to help arrest the momentum and get the game back on our terms. Enter Conor Nash. His third quarter was massive, and as the rain started to fall, Nashy just got better, throwing his weight around and ripping into the Swans midfield relentlessly.
Lauren
3. Will Day Will Day had an immense first half that set the tone for the rest of the game. He was absolutely everywhere, (including deep in attack, where he nailed three goals) so much so that the Swans had to send someone to shut him down. In the offseason, he confirmed my suspicions about a willingness to improve his scoreboard impact. Despite being a good field kick, he struggled kicking accurately at goal in the past, but slotting those set shots shows that’s been improved as well. While James Jordan and cramping got the best of him in Q3, he fought back in the last, getting involved in the contest when we needed it after Worpel went down.
2. Lloyd Meek What a display from Meeky, one who is not taking a backstep after a career best year in 2024. Sure Grundy was probably still carrying an injury, but a good ruck takes advantage of that – and he sure did. The midfield dominated and he was a big part of it, giving first service to the players. He was also able to offer an aerial presence around the ground, which is something I want to see more from him as the year goes on. Two great shots on goal as well, not bad for a ruckman.
1. James Sicily Another player that had to be clamped by Sydney. His ability to take a strong mark and settle the troops is key to our defence. He is at his best when he’s brigading down back. I don’t love the argument that Sicily should be forward all year, because of how influential he can be behind the ball. However, I do like when we catch the opposition off guard and throw him forward in a close game. Perfect way to evade the tag in this scenario and he was able to make a huge impact by kicking the sealer. |
Ollie
3. Will Day
Despite the extremely small sample-size, Will Day’s Brownlow Medal odds, which are currently sitting at $10, could be an extreme value play if his showing in Round 0 is anything to go by.
Though a stifling second-half tagging role by James Jordon somewhat stalled his momentum, Day’s 26 disposal, nine clearance and three goal performance was arguably the strongest, and most dynamic of his five year career.
As expected, the star midfielder spent considerable time forward, where his ability to capitalise on half-opportunities, impact in the air and on the ground and convert from the set-shot were all on display.
Widely considered the heir to James Sicily’s role as captain, Day’s leadership and determination was also on full-display against Sydney, as his ability energise his teammates through his actions and even best Isaac Heeney in multiple contested scenarios was a considerable nod to his maturity as a player over the offseason.
2. Karl Amon
In a match that was significantly swung by sudden heavy rain and subsequently greasy conditions, Karl Amon’s class, composure and creativity shone.
Despite having put together a strong performance come three-quarter-time, that most notably featured an early snapping contender for goal of the year, it was his final quarter heroics that were arguably as important as any individual production throughout the match.
His ten final quarter kicks, three inside-50’s and 300 metres gained were vital in thwarting Sydney’s vein attempts at snatching victory, and a testament to the dedication to improvement that has been core to Amon’s offseason.
1. James Sicily
It’s safe to say that Friday night’s final quarter had significant elements of deja vu for Hawks fans, as just like he did multiple times throughout last season, Sam Mitchell’s decision to swing captain James Sicily forward ultimately proved the difference between victory and defeat.
Already having put together a true ‘captain’s performance’ up-until the point, which included multiple intercept marks, aggressive set-up kicks through the corridor and a number of desperate defensive efforts, Sicily saved his most impact for the final term.
Though his final term statistics (four disposals, one goal, two marks) may look humble on paper, Sicily’s ability to have a direct hand in two of Hawthorn’s three goals in the quarter (handing Maginness a goal on a silver platter then kicking the sealer himself) proved to be the single most significant factor in fueling the Hawks to an early season victory.
Bec
3. Will Day
It’s a no brainer for me. It’s not just the stat sheet. He looked more composed and hungry than ever. His kicks are more powerful and penetrating than they have been in the past. You can see the work he has put into recovery over the summer; his fitness appears to be next level. He’s here. He’s there. He’s every bloody where, Will Day!
2. Lloyd Meek
You cannot underestimate the importance of a solid, dependable ruckman and Meek definitely showed both of those attributes.
While he didn’t dominate in the hit-outs, he out performed his opponent in clearances and tackles, while also kicking two goals. His size and work rate helped in both the middle and the forward line.
1. Conor Nash
The Irishman can tend to be overlooked amongst the already stacked midfield but his pressure in the midfield in Worpel’s absence was important in maintaining Hawthorn’s dominance against the Swans.
His game seemed to jump to another level once the rain started to fall. A real workhorse.
Matt Younan
3. Will Day
Having returned from his season-ending collarbone injury last season and undergoing surgery in the off-season, Will Day’s impact was immediate. He looked more composed and hungrier than ever.
While he had a slightly quieter third quarter when the Swans put a hard tag on him, he bounced back in the final quarter and his three goals, 26 disposals, four marks, six tackles and nine clearances were vital in the win over Sydney in slippery conditions at the SCG.
Hawthorn fans will be hoping he can remain injury free this season.
2. Lloyd Meek
Meek went head-to-head with Brodie Grundy in the ruck battle and completely nullified the impact of the former All-Australian ruckman, limiting him to just one clearance, while also having 30 hitouts and an impact on the scoreboard, kicking two goals.
His dominance and work rate helped the midfielders get first use of the footy and impact the forward line.
Round 0 MVP Votes
Will Day – 15 votes
Lloyd Meek – 6 votes
James Sicily – 4 votes
Karl Amon – 3 votes
Conor Nash – 2 votes
