The Hawthorn Hawks course-corrected in round 13, dominating the Western Bulldogs on their home turf.
Following three consecutive losses and increasing concern around their form, Sam Mitchell’s squad found some spark on Thursday night, notching an important win as the midseason bye looms close.
It was Hawthorn’s most complete performance in over a month, having won all four quarters of the match, thanks to a vastly improved application of pressure and efficiency in the forward line.
Once Jack Ginnivan kicked the opener, his 100th AFL goal, in the first minute, the Hawks never looked back. Four more players would join the goal scorer list, giving Hawthorn a 24 point lead at the first break.
Lloyd Meek won the ruck battle over former All Australian Tim English, and while the Hawk’s didn’t win the clearance game, they made up for it by dominating the inside 50s and possession game, comprehensively out marking and out tackling the Dogs.
Hawthorn’s tackling had been an issue in the past month, having dropped from the third ranked side in the competition for the metric to tenth. With that in mind, Hawthorn clearly sought to correct this downturn, laying 82 for the night, plus eight tackles from the past two weeks combined.
Despite playing without their captain, James Sicily (injured), and giving three players (Sam Butler, Max Ramsden, and Seamus Mitchell) their first taste of AFL for the season, the Hawks looked to be back in decent form, finishing the night with a 22-point win and adding some security to their spot in the eight for the time being.
Matt Y
3 – Mabior Chol
With four crucial goals, the former Tiger and Gold Coast Sun forward played arguably the best game of his career and his finest in the brown and gold. Often maligned, Chol stood tall in a low scoring affair. In a match decided by just 22 points, Chol was super impressive and his contribution of four goals proved the difference, underlining how instrumental he was in Hawthorn taking home the four points.
One standout highlight came late in the second quarter. With less than five minutes before half-time, Chol found himself in a one-on-one contest in Hawthorn’s attacking 50m, after a long kick out of defence from Jai Newcombe.
Not only did Chol outrun his opponent, Ryan Gardner, to ensure he got the ball, he then picked the ball cleanly and, instead of blazing away under pressure, had the composure to spot a running Jack Gunston. His unselfish handball to his more experienced teammate set up a crucial goal, highlighting both his awareness and his team-first attitude.
2 – Jai Newcombe
I could have easily given the ‘Newk’ three votes for his stellar performance was worthy of the highest praise. Not only did the 2024 Peter Crimmins medallist lay six tackles and have 10 clearances, he amassed 27 possessions, was involved in 10 score involvements and scored a goal. Against the star studded midfield of Marcus Bontempelli and co, Newcombe was influential as he also had 599 metres gained.
1 – Josh Ward
With 28 touches, four clearances, seven inside 50s and five tackles, Ward was busy. He was a constant presence around the contest. He combined toughness with composure, standing up when it mattered. While some may have doubted his place in the side earlier in the season, through his consistent performances, the 21-year-old has proven his doubters wrong and demonstrated he definitely belongs in this Hawthorn side.
Lauren
3 – Mabior Chol
Hard to go past Cholly for the 3 votes this week, not only impacting the scoreboard but was a strong presence inside our forward 50. Slotted the 4 goals straight and also shared the love with 2 direct goal assists. 16 pressure acts, shows his intent to hunt the footy, hard to call him laconic, as some do, after that performance!
2- Lloyd Meek
I thought Meek’s battle with English was a critical part of matching it with the Dog’s proficient midfield. Clearly, won the ruck battle with 48 hit outs, 15 of those being to advantage. But, also put in the work around the ground, taking marks at crucial times, including 3 intercept marks and 4 contested marks. Meek had 12 contested possessions from his 15 disposals to go along with his 5 clearances, arguably his best game for the year.
1- Jai Newcombe
It’s never easy going up against the Dog’s midfield, but Nuke seems to relish these challenges. He backed up his strong finals performance against them with a goal, 27 disposals and a huge 10 clearances. His disposal was damaging with almost 600 metres gained and led all comers with his 10 score involvements. When Nuke is one of the best midfielders on the ground it often means the Hawks are going very well.
Ollie
3- Jai Newcombe
On first glance, Newcombe’s 27 disposal, ten clearance, and one goal performance was stellar, but perhaps not worthy of best-on-ground status. However a deeper dive helps to uncover just how impactful the midfielder was. Whilst providing his usual contested grit and intensity, Newcombe was particularly damaging on the outside against the Dogs, gaining 600 metres with his disposal and having a hand in ten scores. Without the illustrious Will Day for at least the next month, the ability for ‘Newk’ to have an impact in many different ways, like he did against the Dogs, continues to be pivotal.
2- Mabior Chol
Over his first 1.5 seasons as a member of the Hawks, Mabior Chol has put together multiple strong performances (as well as a few lacklustre showings), however last night’s game against the Dogs arguably tops them all. In a relatively low scoring affair, Chol was easily the dominant offensive figure as he finished with four goals and direct assists on an additional two. Perfectly displaying both his strong aerial ability and work at ground level that belies his height, the 28 year-old was ultimately the difference between winning and losing for an undermanned Hawks side.
1- Josh Ward
After achieving a career best 26 disposals last week against Collingwood, Josh Ward wasted no time in surpassing that number in a game that clearly illustrated why he was taken with pick #7 in the 2021 National Draft. Balancing his 79% gametime between the inside and outside, Ward finished the match with 28 disposals, seven inside-50’s and five tackles, all whilst operating at a polished 75% disposal efficiency. Based on this outing, as well as his performance in last year’s Qualifying Final, it would be safe to assume that the Bulldogs are Ward’s favourite team to match up against.
Bec
3 – Mabior Chol
What an excellent game from one of the sides’ consistent punching bags. Put his body on the line and left nothing on the field on Thursday night. Having Ramsden in the forward line helped him play his style of second forward, enabling him to find space and float into marking contests.
A game high four goals, with two goal assists and two tackles from eleven disposals, he helped set the game alight for the Hawks. Hopefully he keeps with form up. I love hearing “You are Chol” sung from the grandstands.
2 – Jai Newcombe
Alongside Conor Nash (who gets a shout out for his seven tackles and goal), Jai played an important role in nullifying the Bulldogs most valuable players in Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards.
With Worpel sidelined mid game, he stepped up and fulfilled his leadership role. Despite playing a more defensive role, the Duke finished the night with 27 disposals, 10 clearances, six tackles, one goal, and ten score involvements. Adding to that, Newcombe was the leader in Hawthorn’s metre gained stat with 599.
1 – Josh Weddle
Just edges Nash out from getting a point this week. Weddle is a barometer and a standard setter for the Hawthorn Football Club. His opening quarter was outstanding, standing tall in defence and kicking a sensational goal, helping the Hawks get the hot start they desperately need. 18 disposals, four tackles, eight intercept possessions, 537 metres gained, and three score involvements, his consistency, having played 55 games straight since debuting, is remarkable.
Tally
Mabior Chol – 11
Jai Newcombe – 8
Josh Ward – 2
Lloyd Meek – 2
Josh Weddle – 1
