In a matchup that was always going to prove tricky, the Hawks tried valiantly, but ultimately went down to an impressive Gold Coast outfit by eight points.
Played in balmy conditions that would only be found in the Northern Territory, the Hawks fought till the very end and were able to claw their way back from a 32-point deficit, however a combination of the heat and the blistering ball-movement of Damien Hardwick’s Suns proved too much to overcome.
Without key members of their senior side, including Lloyd Meek, Jack Gunston and Jarman Impey, the Hawks would have lost no admirers, as the likes of Jai Newcombe, Nick Watson, Jack Ginnivan and Karl Amon almost fuelled what would have been a famous victory.
However despite the loss, the Hawks remain in prime position to make a strong fist of season 2025, as their #4 ranking on the ladder and the return of reinforcements pending, means this loss is likely to be just a minor speed-bump.
But with that said, a tough next four rounds that sees them matched against Brisbane, Collingwood, the Bulldogs and Adelaide will be a perfect opportunity to firm their status amongst the competition’s best.
Chris
3. Jai Newcombe
You couldn’t ask more from the Prince in what was a real ‘all round’ performance. He had 29 disposals (ten contested), a whopping 24 pressure acts, including eight tackles and a goal to put a cherry on top.
2. Karl Amon
This guy is a rock! Ultra reliable week in week out, but this week lifts the roof off with 30 disposals at 80% disposal efficiency, eleven rebound 50’s, six intercept possessions, six score involvements and 884m gained!
1. Jack Scrimshaw
While he didn’t rack up massive stats (sixteen disposals) not too shabby still, his performance at the start of the game when the Hawks were under fire has to be recognised. I felt he directly or indirectly stopped multiple goals and effectively kept us in the game to allow the come back that ultimately fell short.
Matt
3. Jai Newcombe
Newk dug deep in the second quarter, with eleven disposals (despite going at 36% efficiency), adding four clearances, four contested possessions and a goal at a time in the match the Hawks needed leaders to stand up.
He set the tone across the match with his 29 disposals, 24 pressure acts, 10 contested possessions, seven score involvements and eight tackles to take out my player of the match. Talking Hawks love sponsoring Duke.
2. Nick Watson
Talk about first half heart and soul. When there was not a lot going the Hawks way, the Wiz gave the team the spark to ignite and lift the team in the first half to give hope going into half time. Watson delivered some magic up north, doing his role applying pressure, speed and getting the crowd going.
Watson’s eight touches in the first half resulted in three of the Hawk’s seven goals, and while he finished with twelve touches, his ten pressure acts, four tackles, three inside-50s and five score involvements, his spark was memorable and gave Hawthorn a chance.
- Karl Amon
With honourable mentions to Scrimshaw, Moore, Weddle and Mackenzie, Amon shone in Sir Doug Nicholls round, giving run, rebound and polish. Karl’s performance delivered a phenomenal 884 meters gained from 30 possessions at 80% efficiency, 11 R50s and four inside-50s whilst including three score launches across his six score involvements.
I liked his seven contested possessions (3.7 average for the season), eight pressure acts and five tackles showing Amon’s attacking mindset in a match featuring some feisty moments.
Ollie
3. Jai Newcombe
In a match where the Hawks midfielders were well and truly beaten, Newcombe could leave holding his head high. In a game that perfectly summed up his career to date, the star midfielder attacked the contest from the opening bounce, and ultimately finished the match with a well-rounded 29 disposal, eight tackle effort.
His third quarter goal that gave the Hawks the lead entering the final term, alongside his seven score-involvements also highlight just how far Newcombe’s impact going forward has come.
2. Karl Amon
After a relatively quiet return from a concussion last week, Amon resumed what has been a scintillating 2025 season so far. Operating at an 80% clip across his 30 disposals (20 kicks), Amon was obviously the most damaging player wearing a brown and gold guernsey.
As he has done so well across the year, the 29 year-old split his time between defense and attack, highlighted by his momentous second quarter goal and six intercept possessions.
Amon’s ability to take territory via his disposal was also on full display as he gained over 800 metres in a performance that would have been highlighted much more if the Hawks were able to leave victorious.
1. Jack Ginnivan
His brief stint in the seconds seems to have worked wonders for Ginnivan, who was one of Hawthorn’s best across all four quarters. In a display of his improved fitness and ability to remain consistent across the length of the match, he finished with 22 disposals, two goals and 609 metres gained.
Ginnivan also entered the offensive 50 on eight separate occasions, providing the perfect link between the midfield and attack.
Total Votes
Jai Newcombe – 9 votes
Karl Amon – 5 votes
Nick Watson – 2 votes
Jack Ginnivan – 1 vote
