A lacklustre performance at the 'G sees the Hawks 0-2 for the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, 2025.
The Hawks looked to bounce back from their disappointing yet optimistic loss against the Suns, taking on the reigning premiers at the MCG for a twilight match on Saturday night.
The competition looked tight early, with both sides struggling to hit the scoreboard over the first quarter.
However it was Brisbane’s ascendancy in the midfield and mobility in the forward line that saw them blaze away to a 23-point lead by the main break.
Despite lifting somewhat early in the second half, Hawthorn were unable to quash Brisbane’s momentum, particularly around the goals.
HAWTHORN 3.1 5.4 7.8 8.12 (60)
BRISBANE 2.3 9.3 11.5 14.9 (93)
Matt Y
3 – Connor Macdonald
Connor kicked three crucial goals in the first half to keep the Hawks in the contest. His 20 possessions were important as he looked dangerous up forward.
The 22-year-old also took 10 marks, had two clearances and 323m gained. He was also effective with two clearances to go with his seven score involvements.
2 – Josh Weddle
Weddle was consistent and his versatility as a utility was again on display, effectively thrown into different positions, including the ruck and swapping with Hardwick up forward when the veteran went back to shore up the defence. He showed glimpses of brilliance at times but just lacked the polish to finish off.
His hard running and ability to take the game on was impressive, but at times, particularly late in the third quarter when the Hawks were mounting a comeback, left the coach frustrated when the 21-year-old took a contested mark over the pack, sprinted down the wing, took three bounces and his kick fell just short, landing in the goal square for Brisbane defender Jack Payne to mark it at ease.
1 – Harry Morrison
Coach Sam Mitchell was full of praise post-game for the number one who amassed 28 disposals, took eight marks and had 209 metres gained. On a day when nine of his teammates failed to lay a single tackle on their opponents, Morrison was a shining light with two tackles.
“I said to him after the game, I think it’s the best game he’s played since I’ve started coaching. He played at a level that was above everyone else.
“We’re looking for players who can drag people along with them and really stand up and I thought Harry was the one guy, those watching live would have noticed he was the guy who genuinely tried to drag some guys to the level he was playing at,” Mitchell said.
Lauren
3 – Karl Amon
Another top performance from Amon who would likely be leading the Peter Crimmins Medal. He was team leader for a number of stats and was one of the few Hawks that would have been pleased with his performance. Many of our successful attacking attempts went through him. Amon has put together a stellar season so far.
2 – Connor MacDonald
Bounce back game from CMac. He was our only forward who looked dangerous, kicking 3 goals. MacDonald was able to find the ball 20 times and helped out the midfield at stoppages with 2 clearances to go with his 7 score involvements. He took 10 marks and he was able to work up the ground solidly to return to some nice form.
1 – Harry Morrison
Praised in the press conference by Mitchell, Morrison was notably strong on the wing. 28 disposals at a respectable 82%, he found a way to get the ball when not many others could. Doubt we see him dropped any time soon.
Ollie
3 – Karl Amon
Leading the Hawks in disposals (29), metres gained (768) and score-involvements (seven), Amon continued his stellar 2025 season against the Lions.
In a match where majority of the Hawks players struggled to execute with their skills, Amon’s polish and class shone through. He was ultimately one of the few Hawks who could hold their head high on an otherwise dirty day.
2 – Connor MacDonald
Great to see ‘Croc’ regain some form and confidence after a lean month that saw some call for him to be dropped.
Three goals, ten marks and 20 disposals highlighted MacDonald’s performance that saw the half-forward act as the perfect link between the midfield and forward line. Hopefully the forward can use this momentum to fuel a strong second half to his season.
1 – Harry Morrison
Often the whipping boy when the team is struggling, there is no way Morrison could be blamed for their underwhelming play on Saturday. Racking up a career best 28 disposals, Morrison was one of few Hawks that maintained their performance for four quarters, with his often overlooked consistency and reliability on full display.
Bec
3 – Connor Macdonald
A much needed form boost from Cmac, who has struggled since injuring his ankle early in the season. Kicked three goals, one behind from 20 disposals, and was the most active and efficient forward on the day. Hopefully signs of improvement and better games ahead.
2 – Josh Weddle
The Weds continues to be, quite possibly, the Hawks most consistent player. His role as utility is growing ever more important as he is relied on to move all over the ground, and he was everywhere. 23 disposals, seven hit outs, seven intercept possessions, five i50s, five score involvements, and a goal, you can feel his influence in defence, the ruck, and the forward line.
1 – Harry Morrison
Solid game from the workhorse, in fact, by all accounts from the coach and others, one of his best. 28 disposals, the fourth highest in the game, with eight marks and two tackles to boot (which in this case makes him one of the few managed to lay a tackle), he continues to toil and play his role however he can.
Tally
Connor Macdonald – 10
Karl Amon – 6
Josh Weddle – 4
Harry Morrison – 4
