Entering Round 4, it was widely considered by many within AFL circles that the winner of Saturday night’s clash between GWS and Hawthorn would earn early flag favouritism alongside the all-important four points; something the latter team walked away with after an extremely impressive performance.
Played in front of 14,021 brave, predominately Tasmanian fans, the Hawks (10.16.76) were able to trump the Giants (9.10.64) and secure their fourth successive win and an outright position on top of the ladder.
Forced to overcome gale-force winds, the absence of multiple walk-up starters and a 35-point quarter time deficit, the twelve-point victory well and truly confirmed the Hawks’ premiership credentials while also acting as an early warning sign to the rest of the competition. The furious comeback that was built upon intense pressure, precise kicking and an unwavering belief was very much a collective effort with complete buy-in from every player wearing the brown and gold.
However, a couple of inspiring individual performances are worth specific mention, as the likes of Will Day, Nick Watson, Jack Gunston, Cam Mackenzie, Lloyd Meek and Blake Hardwick were particularly influential on the result.
Tim
3. Cam Mackenzie
Frenchie had an absolute breakout game on Saturday evening. Had the 30 disposals at 77% disposal efficiency, eight score involvements and five tackles, to go along with five clearances in a night that showed he will be a star of the competition in the not too distant future.
2. Nick Watson
The Wizard continues to wow all in his second season of AFL. His burst out of congestion was phenomenal and his want for a contest is unreal to watch. He had 21 touches, an equal team high nine score involvements as well as kicking a sensational goal.
- Finn Maginness
Maginness had 25 touches on the night, with three tackles and a goal assist, but his job in the second half to quell the run and carry of Finn Callaghan was first class and allowed the team to hold the Giants comfortably at bay.
Chris
3. Cam Mackenzie
When you are already satisfied with his progress and consistency he’s found a way to raise the bar even higher! Playing with plethora of confidence, the sky’s the limit for this kid as he’s undoubtedly just cemented himself in the team as a permanent fixture.
2. Nick Watson
Another youngster oozing with confidence, playing to his strengths with dynamic bursts of speed and cutting up the opposition. The Wizard is producing numbers comparable to the top small forwards in the comp in just his second season – scary times ahead!
1. Blake Hardwick
Dimma quietly goes about his business rarely getting the recognition he deserves. His play complements an already dangerous forwardline perfectly, as his genuine impact in the air and on the ground is compounded by a natural instinct to find the goals, together creating major problems for the opposition.
Bec
3. Cam Mackenzie
Continues to build on his already solid skill-set as a midfielder. Stepping up in James Worpel’s absence and Jai Newcombe’s tag, Mackenzie demonstrated his composure and class on what was a windy and wild Saturday night. 30 disposals, five clearances and eight score involvements, he played a significant role in the Hawks win.
2. Nick Watson
His intensity and impact gets better every week, as he works hard up the ground and takes on the competition fearlessly. Watson’s confidence in his tackles and around the goals was also fantastic to watch, with his big tackle on Sam Taylor and goal after a strong one-on-one mark really lifted the side after a difficult first quarter.
1. Will Day
Even though it wasn’t his biggest game, his class continues to be the standard setter for the club. While the wind spoiled three attempts at goal, his lone goal from 60m was easily one of the best of the round, if not the year. 24 disposals, five clearances, and most importantly, ten score involvements. Expect more Brownlow votes to add to a suspected strong tally through the first four matches.
Ollie
3. Cam Mackenzie
A career-best game for the 21-year old, who’s quickly growing into a key cog of our already formidable midfield. Playing roughly 75 of a possible 120 minutes of game-time, Mackenzie’s statline that read 30 disposals (ten contested), eight score-involvements and five tackles was extremely impressive, but probably didn’t do his true impact on the victory justice. In the pivotal middle chunk of the match that saw the Hawks’ turn a 35-point deficit into a 20-point lead, it was Mackenzie, who racked up 22 disposals and had a hand in five scores across the two quarters, leading the charge in yet another display of how much he has developed over the preseason.
2. Nick Watson
Described by Sam Mitchell post-game as “probably his best game for the club”, Nick Watson’s performance against GWS has yet again elevated his limitless ceiling as a player. Still only 20 and matched up against experienced defenders including Harry Himmelberg, Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield, the “Wizard” finished with a career-high 21 disposals, nine score-involvements and one pivotal goal, whilst also offering his trademark pressure and infectious energy in spades. Playing a more fluid, free-roaming role, which illustrated his ability to inflict maximum damage in the midfield as well as the attacking 50, Watson’s influence on the win was undeniable.
- Josh Weddle
After a lean start to the season that saw him averaging only 9.3 disposals in a predominately defensive lockdown role covering the absence of Jack Scrimshaw, Josh Weddle was back to his best. Using his athletic gifts to impact all across the park, Weddle finished with 20 disposals (90% efficiency), nine marks (five being from opposition kicks) and a set-shot goal that kickstarted Hawthorn’s second-half comeback. The return of the ‘Weddle-waddle’ was also a welcome sight, as multiple line-breaking runs characterised a performance full of the many attributes the young star brings to the table when on song.
Round 3 MVP Votes
Cam Mackenzie – 12 votes
Nick Watson – 8 votes
Finn Magginess – 1 vote
Blake Hardwick – 1 vote
Will Day – 1 vote
Josh Weddle – 1 vote
