A fitting end to a big game, the Hawks celebrated their centennial match with a 65-point victory over the young Richmond Tigers.
It was a perfect Sunday afternoon for footy as AFL legends and fans alike congregated to the MCG to celebrate the Hawthorn Football Club’s 100th anniversary.
Club legend Shane Crawford MC’d as icons of the club hoisted past premiership clubs at the center of the ground, ramping up the 62’000 strong crowd.
At the bounce of the pill, it was a scrappy game of football, with both sides languishing missed opportunities at goal. Veteran and premiership great, Luke Breust, slotted the first of the game, in what seemed an apt way to get the Hawks centennial game underway.
Following some spicy altercations in the second, Hawthorn began doing damage on the scoreboard, kicking 4.3 for the quarter and leading the Tigers by 35 come half time.
The Hawks continued their ascendancy after the main break, kicking 4.3 in the third and 5.2 in the fourth, finishing the night 16.13.109 to Richmond’s 6.8.44.
The blowout victory sees Hawthorn finish Round Six with six wins, two losses and a third place position on the ladder with a percentage of 125.6.
MVP Votes
Lauren
3 – Josh Battle
A brilliant game from Battle that highlighted not only his defensive abilities but showed off his capacity to attack. Dashed away from opposition players when running out of the defensive 50 with four bounces and got involved seven times in our scoring chains. He was also able to add twelve marks (four intercepts), showing exactly why Sam Mitchell wanted him at this club.
2 – Massimo D’Ambrosio
Best game all year from Massimo. He was finally able to get his game going on the wing. 30 disposals and two goals from him. Covered the ground well, and linked up nicely between the midfield and defence. Just shy of 800m gained to go along with his game high eleven score-involvements.
1 – Tom Barrass
Easily best on ground after the first half, but just faded out of the game late as Richmond’s entries dwindled.
However, based on how pivotal he was early alone earned him a vote from me. When Richmond was still in the contest, he was pulling down huge intercept marks, and was like a brick wall down back. I was impressed by his goal saving effort, running back to spoil the ball through the goals, just one of his eight one-percenters on the day.
Ollie
3. Josh Battle
In exciting signs for Hawks fans, and scary signs for the rest of the competition, it’s obvious that Josh Battle has found his sweet spot in Hawthorn’s back six. After a strong 29 disposal showing against West Coast last week, Battle went one better in Hawthorn’s Centenary Match, proving to be an impassable roadblock for the Tigers on his way to a game (and career) high of 33 disposals. Accompanied by twelve marks, ten intercept possessions and a disposal efficiency of 93%, the former Saint’s performance proved exactly why he was so sought after last offseason.
2. Massimo D’Ambrosio
After a somewhat lean few weeks that led fans to question whether he may be nursing an injury, Massimo D’Ambrosio reminded the competition of the talent that saw him recognised in the All-Australian squad of 44 just last season. Made possible by his aerobic tank that is trumped by very few across the competition, D’Ambrosio finished the match with an undeniable 30 disposals, eleven score involvements and two goals, all whilst gaining 796 combined metres through his disposals. His last term, in which he racked up ten touches and kicked two goals was a clear example of his exemplary fitness.
1. Changkouth Jiath
Only a week after he was demoted to the VFL in an attempt to rediscover his electric and exciting game style, Jiath put together his best performance since 2022, if not his career. Consistently sweeping up loose balls and racking up intercepts for fun, Jiath finished the match with 32 disposals, seven score-involvements and seven marks, all whilst operating at a smooth 81% disposal efficiency. Though the likes of Jack Scrimshaw and Karl Amon loom as potential additions over the next few weeks, CJ’s performance against the Tigers ensures his spot in the back six is more than secure.
Bec
- Josh Battle
Outstanding in defence, many a Saint’s fan probably watched wondering why they ever let him leave. Was a little quiet in the first quarter but was dominant late, particularly when combining with fellow Josh – Josh Weddle. The lead disposal getter with 33, Battle wasn’t just a wall in defence. He was seen on the wing, preventing Richmond’s rebounds from our forward line. Furthermore, he had 10 Intercept Possessions, 12 marks, 500+ meters gained, and seven score involvements. Fantastic game.
2. Massimo D’Ambrosio
Found some form in this game after a few quiet weeks on the wing. 30 disposals, 726 metres gained, two goal assists, two goals, and two clearances to boot, he was very involved across the ground and even put his body on the line in a marking contest late in the game. It was reminiscent of how he played last year and a delight to watch.
1. Tom Barrass
Barrass was pivotal down back early in the game. The stat sheet doesn’t do his game any justice after having a major influence in keeping Richmond goalless in the first quarter.
14 disposals with eight one percenters, seven intercept possessions, three contested marks, Barrass gave a rare display of dash, evading the young Richmond forwards and assisting in a clean rebound fifty early on, setting to tone for how the backline would play through out the match
Final Tally
Josh Battle – 9
Massimo D’Ambrosio – 6
Tom Barrass – 2
Changkouth Jiath – 1
