Stats Aren't Everything
Beaten up around clearances. Overpowered in the ruck. Punished physically. All characteristics of a performance that, logically, should have ended in defeat.
However, the efficiency of the Hawks’ performance on Friday night against Essendon cancelled out all other aspects of a match that was far closer than a 17.9 (111) to 12.13 (85) scoreline showed, and ultimately powered Sam Mitchell’s men to a second consecutive victory and an ideal start to their 2025 campaign.
In front of the largest ever home-and-away crowd between the two clubs (80,735), the Hawks’ were able to withstand each of Essendon’s surges, with timely goals, desperate defensive efforts and the occasional convenient slip from many Bombers players ultimately allowing the victors to lead at each break on the way to a 26-point win.
Though Sam Mitchell’s acknowledgement that there is still “a fair bit of work to do” in terms of the Hawks’ play, fans would be encouraged by their teams ability to withstand opposition momentum and subsequently squeeze victories out of games they don’t have the right to win. This was made all the more impressive by their ability to once again cover for injuries, as Jack Scrimshaw’s absence due to some friendly-fire with Josh Battle that resulted in a concussion for the defender, was well covered by sub Sam Frost, alongside the rest of the defensive unit.
Strong performances were littered across each line, as Dylan Moore’s sense of occasion, the pin-point disposal of Karl Amon and manic pressure and energy of Nick Watson were all notable, whilst being additionally supported by the play of Tom Barrass, James Sicily, Conor Nash, Jai Newcombe and Connor MacDonald.
Tim
- Dylan Moore
Our vice captain was absolutely massive on Friday night under the bright MCG lights, helping to turn the tide of momentum whenever the Bombers got a sniff. Moorey had 21 disposals, six marks, five score involvements and more importantly three goals as he helped keep us in front to secure a great win.
- Karl Amon
Karl has been absolutely phenomenal to start off the 2025 season. He had 28 touches on Friday evening and was absolutely lethal with some of his ball delivery. His ability to pierce opposition structures is magnificent, allowing him to have a hand in seven score involvements and two direct goal assists.
- Conor Nash
The Meath Menace wanted to get the four points in his 100th game for the club and did everything he could to make sure we got over the line. He had 22 touches, a team high ten tackles and continued to throw his body at the contest all night. His quick hands out of congestion allowed us to get the ball on the outside and moving forward.
Ollie
3. Dylan Moore
Though his 18-disposal, two goal performance against Sydney in Round 0 was nothing to scoff at, Dylan Moore’s play on Friday night against the Bombers was an early reminder of his place amongst the games best small forwards. Through a combination of lethal foot skills, profound football IQ and an ability to run any opponent into the ground, Moore’s play was pivotal in ensuring the Hawks notched their second win of the season. Splitting his time between the forward line and the midfield (including three appearances at the centre-bounce) his ability to rack up 21 meaningful possessions and boot three crucial goals ultimately placed his performance above several other individual contributions.
2. Karl Amon
In a match that was dominated by Essendon in many of the major statistical categories, it was Hawthorn’s superiority by foot, particularly out of the back-half, that proved to be the difference. And it would be safe to say that Karl Amon was the primary facilitator of this, as his lethal left boot carved the Bombers up time and time again. Topping the stat-sheet in multiple categories, including kicks (21), marks (ten) and metres gained (643), Amon was able to orchestrate multiple forward forrays, as his ability to slice through the opposition zone with precision (operated at 93% disposal efficiency) proved lethal. Recognised by both fans and coaches alike (he is currently second throughout the league in Coaches Votes), Amon’s form has been brilliant, and, just like his team, seems likely to propel him towards a stellar 2025 season.
1. Jai Newcombe
The year-on-year progression of Jai Newcombe, widely renowned as one of the hardest workers at the club, has become almost as bankable as taxes, and his play in Round 1 seems like yet another indicator of his continued development. Though he still reminded onlookers of his ability in the clinches (twelve contested possessions), it was Newcombe’s willingness to take ground and smartly move the ball forward that was noticeable. Racking up more kicks (20) than he had disposals in Round 0, ‘Newk’ was able to send the ball inside-50 on eight different occasions and be directly involved in scores six times. These two stats, along with his ever-increasing positioning deep inside attack, nod to a desire to become a more offensive, lethal player that would well-and-truly elevate him into the elite category of the AFL.
Lauren
3. Dylan Moore
What a start to the year from Moorey! After a quiet finals series in 2024, the All-Australian forward has bounced back. Three goals and 21 disposals is a pretty handy stat line for the lively half forward. Whenever he gets around the contest he often has a direct impact, impressive for a player who hasn’t trained as a pure mid throughout his career.
2. Karl Amon
The Dons had no answer for Amon’s work off half back. He was involved in the majority of our scoring chains and his ability to hit a target was a standout. Going at an elite 93% with his 28 disposals. He knows his role inside and out, and his ability to be in the right spot at the right time is unmatched.
1. Connor Macdonald
Another one of our smalls who rebounded from a quiet game the previous week. Getting involved in crucial moments with 23 touches and a goal. Was additionally potent when attacking, as he racked up seven score involvements and used his disposal efficiently.
Matt Younan
- Dylan Moore
After being almost delisted at the end of the 2020 season, the small forward has continued to demonstrate why he is so vital to Hawthorn’s success. Moore’s 21 disposals, three goals and five score involvements was just another example of his consistency and was crucial to Hawthorn staying in front every time the Bombers challenged on Friday night.
2. Karl Amon
Amon has continued to show off his pace after putting in a solid block of training and running over the pre-season. Once again, on Friday night, the 29-year-old showcased his class and consistency with his precise kicking pinpointing targets. Against Essendon, he was prolific, as he used his pace and smarts to amass 28 disposals, ten marks and two goal assists, alongside 643 metres gained that, teamed with his precise foot skills, arguably proved key to Hawthorn’s victory.
- Conor Nash
Apologies to Jai Newcombe (25 disposals, seven clearances, eight inside 50s), Josh Ward who stepped up in James Worpel’s absence, showing he can fill the void, with 22 possessions, five marks and gained 536 metres and Nick Watson who scored three goals, but in his 100th game, the Irishman was pivotal to Hawthorn’s victory. His 22 possessions, precise kicking, three clearances and impressive team high 10 tackles laid on the opposition ensured the Hawks came home with the 26-point win.
Round 1 MVP Votes
Dylan Moore – 12 votes
Karl Amon – 8 votes
Conor Nash – 2 votes
Jai Newcombe – 1 vote
Connor MacDonald – 1 vote
