Despite not being without its challenges, which included injuries to key playmakers and particularly greasy conditions, Hawthorn were able to overcome a brave Carlton outfit on the way to their third victory from as many games; a win/loss ratio that has them firmly placed at the top of the ladder to start season 2025.
Played at the MCG in front of 62,735 vocal fans on a dewy Thursday night, the Hawks trailed their opponent at the main break for the first time in 2025, but a dominant second half where they outscored the Blues 7 goals to 2 ultimately delivered victory.
Perhaps aided by briefly having a 19th man on the field during the first half, it was the victors ability to overwhelm Carlton with their fitness and pressure as the match wore on, whilst the additional influence of inspirational individual acts from the likes of Nick Watson, Mabior Chol and Jai Newcombe certainly aided the team’s ability to overcome Carlton’s reluctance to concede defeat.
In what was their first home-and-away match played on a Thursday since 2017, the Hawks continued to prove they deserve their place as the “prime-time darlings” – a fact summarised well by the coach who stated post-match how “it’s been a pretty solid start to the season for us: Friday, Friday, Thursday. All big games, lots of eyes.”
And, as is becoming the theme for Sam Mitchell’s men early in the season, it was through a fairly even contribution across the field that helped secure the win, as the depth of a team that has stars all across the park continues to be made obvious.
Tim
3. Jai Newcombe
Jai had a fantastic Thursday night for the Hawks with his work in both attack and defence making a big difference in helping the team get the win. He had 32 touches, nine clearances, nine score involvements and 11 tackles in a monstrous effort.
2. Josh Battle
Battle was given the match up on Blues star key forward Charlie Curnow and gave him a bath, keeping the tall to just five touches. Battle was enormous in defence, not allowing the Blue to attack the contest and winning multiple important one on one contests that helped the team get the four points.
- Karl Amon
Has had a fantastic start to the season in his half back role and continued this with his wonderful performance. While he was great in attack, his defence really stood out with his six tackles on the evening. He had a goal saving effort late in the third quarter on Blues forward Brodie Kemp that stopped a certain goal and allowed the Hawks to hold a five point advantage at the break.
Ollie
3. Jai Newcombe
Was clearly the best and most consistent player on the ground in a performance that is up there for one of the best of his career to date. Perfectly combined skill and composure with grit and intensity on his way to team-high’s in disposals (32), kicks (16), handballs (16), tackles (11), clearances (9), score-involvements (9) and contested possessions (20). Though his ability has long been recognised amongst the brown and gold faithful, games like this rightfully prove his status at the top of the AFL pyramid.
2. Josh Battle
In a match where he was tasked with handling two-time Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow, Josh Battle showed why he was so sought after in the offseason. Perfectly blending defense and attack, Battle held the Blues key-forward goalless whilst accumulating 21 disposals at 86% efficiency alongside nine intercepts. Though he’s already been a strong contributor in his time at the Hawks, Thursday night’s performance was clearly his strongest performance to date.
1. Nick Watson
Unlike last week against Essendon where Hawthorn’s small forwards ran amok and combined for nine goals, Sam Mitchell’s mosquito fleet was relatively well-held – outside of Nick Watson. “The Wizard”, who is already putting together an explosive second season, finished the match with 16 disposals, each more damaging than the next, seven score-involvements and two goals from four scoring shots. As is becoming customary for the star small forward, Watson also provided fans with the most memorable moment of the game; a running 45m finish late in the match to place the match beyond doubt.
Bec
3. Jai Newcombe
Out performed everyone, even last year’s Brownlow medalist in Pat Cripps, with a game high 32 disposals, 11 tackles, nine clearances (an important stat given the Hawks dominance in clearances has dropped off lately). Big game from Jai, slowly building towards a big season and a greater leadership role in the absence of Worpel.
2. Josh Battle
His presence, alongside Barrass, has improved our defence substantially. 21 disposals, a game high nine intercept possessions, and four inside 50’s and score involvements, excellent output from the new recruit. Loving watching him play and seeing what he brings to this evolving side.
1. Mabior Chol
Three goals from four attempts, Mabior played like Carlton had slighted him. His hands improved and was able to take some great marks. Bit of vindication that having another tall, this time in Jack Gunston, helped him play his game, (something I’ve argued offline), but nonetheless the credit belongs to Chol for playing a great game.
Lauren
3. Jai Newcombe
What more can you say about Nuke, 32 disposals and 11 tackles – and was easily the best player on the ground on Thursday night. Tallying nine score involvements, his burst and ability to break tackles was a highlight of his game. He also worked hard defensively and racked up an impressive 30 pressure acts, many coming in the back half as he got back to support the defense.
2. Josh Battle
His best game for the club so far, a brick wall down back. Nine intercept possessions, coming at crucial points when the game was still on the line. Not only stood out with his defensive efforts but he was also able to effectively spark chains of attack with three score launches. A well rounded game from our new recruit.
- Mabior Chol
The most dominant and potent forward on the day. Chol was finally able to put a full game together, looking dangerous with and without ball. With the help of Hardwick and Gunston, he was able to evade the tough matchup with Weitering and took advantage of playing on a weaker defender, taking three marks inside 50 and slotting three goals.
Round 2 MVP Votes
Jai Newcombe – 12 votes
Josh Battle – 8 votes
Mabior Chol – 2 votes
Karl Amon – 1 vote
Nick Watson – 1 vote
