After back-to-back losses against Geelong and Port Adelaide and a subsequent slide down the ladder, a matchup against the struggling West Coast Eagles proved to be just what the doctor ordered.
An inaccurate first term that saw the Hawks enter quarter time with a 2.8 conversion rate to their name, the players kicked into gear, piling on seven second half goals to lead by 35 at the major break. And despite the occasional lapse in momentum, this trend continued for the rest of the game and ultimately saw the Hawks leave Marvel Stadium with a 50 point victory.
Despite a total of 16 behinds leaving many fans wondering ‘what could have been’ in terms of a valuable increase in percentage, the win provided the invaluable four points, and will no doubt serve as a great confidence booster as the Hawks head into the winter months.
Though Sunday afternoon’s match may have lacked the stakes of recent high-octane matches Hawthorn have been involved in, the performance was a great reminder of how offensively potent and flexible Sam Mitchell’s side can be. Highlighted by strong showings from the likes of Lloyd Meek, Jack Gunston and Josh Battle, fans will be hoping that the win proves to be a circuit-breaker that reestablishes the form that saw them perched atop the AFL ladder through the first handful of matches.
Chris
3. Lloyd Meek
It’s easy to become complacent and slack off when you are on top of your opponent, but Meeky stamped his authority on the game with solid four quarter performance as the highest rated player on the ground with 21 hit outs to advantage from a whopping 58 in total in probably his most dominant display to date.
2. Josh Battle
JB has found his feet in his new colours and he was absolutely in his comfort zone against the Eagles. His performance looked effortless as he accumulated a game 29 disposals with ease. I was most impressed with his 7 score involvements showing he’s not only a defensive beast but also an important cog in rebounding from D50 launching scoring attacks, scoring from turn overs.
1. Jack Ginnivan
One vote could have gone to half the team but I loved Ginni’s game after a slow start to the year, he accumulated 17 disposals, two goals, nine score involvements and laid seven tackles (three in F50). While he loaded the stat sheet it’s the selfless acts he does on the ground that doesn’t show on the stat sheet is why he got my vote.
Ollie
3. Lloyd Meek
Matched up against the relatively inexperienced Matt Flynn, Lloyd Meek was able to cash in and produce arguably a career-best performance. Meek was not only dominant around the ground, racking up 19 disposals and eleven score-involvements, but was completely undeniable in the ruck. The 27 year-old was able to win a whopping 60% of his ruck contests on his way to a club record 58 hit-outs – previously held by stalwart and former captain Ben McEvoy.
2. Mabior Chol
After a relatively lean start to the season that saw some even call for him to be dropped to the VFL, Mabior Chol has strung together back-to-back performances that exhibit his supreme talent. In what could have been an even stronger showing if his goal kicking radar was dialed in, Chol booted 3.2 alongside 17 disposals and nine marks in a game that perfectly displayed his blend of athleticism, physicality and mobility. Despite struggling with the pressure of being the primary target at times this season, the mercurial big man is averaging a career-best 1.9 goals/game and has obviously regained some confidence in his extreme abilities.
1. Jack Gunston
Despite being delighted by his brilliance for over a decade, it would be safe to assume that even the most ambitious Hawks fan wouldn’t have expected Jack Gunston to be equal fifth in the Coleman Medal seven matches into 2025. Through a combination of football IQ, dead-eye conversion and significantly improved mobility off the back of a strong pre-season, Gunston has resumed his status as the Hawks’ most consistent forward threat. Despite beginning the year outside of the team before progressing to the sub role, his 14 disposal, six mark, four goal outing against West Coast follows the trajectory of his 2025 season to date; a trend that is incredibly pointing towards almost a career-best season at the age of 33.
Bec
3. Lloyd Meek
Completely dominant against the Eagles’ Matt Flynn, breaking the all time number of hit outs for a Hawthorn player; a record previously held by former captain, Ben McEvoy. Finished the night with 58 hit outs, four clearances, 204 metres gained and 11 score involvements. If he had kicked that goal in the first quarter it would have been icing on the cake. Happy Meek Monday.
2. Jai Newcombe
It’s a surprise he didn’t end up with more disposals – it felt like he was everywhere this game. 20 disposals, eight tackles, 13 contested possessions, seven clearances and a goal, doesn’t quite paint the picture of his performance. He was quick and aggressive, and added a bit of flare to every little thing he did. I’m being a bit stiff on Worpel, who was very impressive (18 contested possessions, 24 disposals, nine clearances), but it was Newcombe that caught my eye the most.
1. Josh Battle
Put in the hard yards on Sunday night, earning the spot of top disposal getter for the night with 29. Adding to his stat sheet were 14 marks, 420 metres gained, and seven rebounding fifties. Starting to look at home in Brown and Gold, I’m loving what he brings to our defence. Also took a ping at goals, and while he was unsuccessful, I’m hopeful he’ll play some minutes up forward soon.
Tim
3. Lloyd Meek
He absolutely monstered Matt Flynn from the Eagles and did a tremendous job of giving our midfielders first crack at the ball. His record 58 hitouts, to go along with 4 clearances and 11 score involvements from 19 disposals was a superb day out for big Meeky.
2. Mabior Chol
Big Mabs has really defied expectations as our lone key forward to date in 2025. His 9 marks around the ground were superb, including his two massive hangers. He slotted three goals which was a wonderful reward for effort.
1.Jack Gunston
Gunners has done a tremendous job for the Hawks, playing a negating role on some of the best defenders in the competition. On Sunday night, he was given the task on Jeremy McGovern and he performed incredibly. Had 14 disposals, with 12 score involvements, to go along with his 4 goals and it is fair to say that Gunners has re-wound the clock and showing how valuable he will be to the forward line this year.
Lauren
3. Lloyd Meek
In my view, was easily the best player on the ground. Monstered Matt Flynn in the ruck battle and looked to have a strong connection with a new midfield mix. Moved well around the ground and rarely let his opposition beat him. Meek was strong in the contest, being able to use his size to get handballs out of congestion.
2. Josh Battle
Game high disposal leader with 29. Battle was able to spark a lot of our attack from the backline with seven score involvements playing out of our defensive 50. Extremely strong defensively, being able to take advantage of a weaker forward line to have one of his standout performances in the brown and gold.
- Mabior Chol
Looked dangerous all game, taking nine marks around the ground including five inside 50. Laid some great tackles and put pressure on the Eagles back six. Back to back hauls of three goals is sure to do his confidence a world of good.
Total Votes
Lloyd Meek – 15
Josh Battle – 5
Mabior Chol – 5
Jack Gunston – 2
Jai Newcombe – 2
Jack Ginnivan – 1
