A much needed win sees the Hawks 9-5 and their position on the ladder safe (for now) before the mid season bye.
It was a chilly Friday night down in Launceston, as the sixth placed Hawthorn Hawks met third placed Adelaide Crows for the first ever prime time game at UTAS Stadium.
An unimpressive first half from the Hawks had many preparing for a cold, disappointing night, as they trailed the Crows by 15 after being kept goalless in the first quarter.
It was a scrappy, low scoring affair, with both sides applying ample pressure but failing to convert in front of the big sticks. The Crows looked to have the ascendency, however, kicking 4.7 by the main break, 3.1 coming from turnovers.
It took until the fifth minute of the second quarter for Hawthorn to land their first for the match, coming off the boot of veteran Jack Gunston via a neat set shot. He would later go on to add the Hawks second for the game fifteen minutes later.
Come half time, Hawthorn’s pressure gauge was low, sitting at 186 (barely above average for an AFL side). However, changes were made over the main break that saw Hawthorn bounce back with vigour.
A dashing bit of play out of the middle saw Connor MacDonald snap a quick goal within the first 18 seconds of the third. Across the ground, the Hawks upped the ante, laying 17 more tackles than the Crows for the quarter, keeping the visitors goalless, and improving their pressure factor to an intense 196.
Come the fourth quarter, the margin had shrunk to just four points, and the heat was on. Following a slew of behinds from both sides (seven in a row in fact), it was once again MacDonald that broke things open, with a goal around the 18 minute mark snatching Hawthorn the lead for the first time in the match.
A quick reply from Izak Rankine briefly returned the lead to the Crows, however a crumbing goal from Jai Newcombe, who had been thoroughly tagged by Sam Berry all night, and an important spoil from Mabior Chol sealed the deal for the Hawks.
They closed the night out 6.11 (47) to Adelaide’s 5.14 (44), notching their eighth win in a row at UTAS and third against the Matthew Nicks’ side.
Sam Mitchell’s side made a valiant comeback to solidify two back-to-back wins, keeping the Hawks safe in fifth place until they return from their bye.
Votes
Ollie
3 – Dylan Moore
After setting such lofty standards with an All-Australian season last year, Moore’s start to 2025 had been somewhat disappointing in comparison. However his past two weeks, playing as stand-in skipper, has seen the star forward re-discover his stellar form.
Finding himself around the contest perhaps more than fans have become accustomed to, Moore led from the front with a gritty 23 disposal, 13 tackle game that ignited his side, particularly in Q4.
2 – Jarman Impey
In a relatively scrappy match that lacked much free-flowing movement, Jarman Impey proved to be a point of difference. The defender finished with 28 disposals, ten marks and 756 metres gained in a performance that reminded fans how important he is to the side – a fact strengthened by their drop in form in his absence for the birth of his son.
1 – Jack Gunston
Given his form throughout 2025, ending the match with two goals, three behinds and twelve touches would be considered fairly quiet. However the veteran’s impact across the whole match simply couldn’t be measured.
His pair of first-half goals (that were the only two the Hawks could register) kept the Hawks within striking distance, whilst his direct assist of Jai Newcombe’s match-winner will feature on highlight reels all year.
Chris
3 – Jarman Impey
Wowee! What a game this guy played! Jars was rock solid at critical moments throughout the night. Leading disposal winner for the game at 79% in tricky conditions was absolutely brilliant.
2 – Dylan Moore
Backing up from a solid performance last week, Moorey lead by example again. Playing some midfield minutes to help with the absence of Worpel, Dylan accumulated a career high 13 tackles and a team high 21 pressure acts to help drag the Hawks over the line.
1 – Blake Hardwick
The ever reliable defender doing what he does best. Like Impey, I thought Hardwicks game down back was super important with his influence of the outcome of the game absolutely crucial.
Bec
3 – Jarman Impey
Backed up a great performance last week with another, possibly even better showing. Finishing with 28 disposals, his run and carry (combined with Weddle’s) was crucial for the Hawks’ turnaround. He also added ten marks, four tackles, and a game high 756 metres gained. Alongside ten intercept possessions, Impey was on fire down in chilly Tassie.
2 – Lloyd Meek
The overall effort Meek put in this Friday was brilliant. O’Brien was all over him like a rash, and yet, he dug deep with 40 hits outs (just three shy of league-leader O’Brien), seven clearances (the most of any Hawk), and 15 disposals. Gosh, it’s a shame his goal kicking weren’t more accurate because once again, had he hit the scoreboard, it would have been icing on the cake.
1 – Blake Hardwick
Y’all probably thought I’d give another vote to Weddle this week, didn’t you? I was certainly tempted, and he is probably stiff not to get one. But I think the general down in defence deserves a nod.
The stat sheet doesn’t do justice to the work he did down back. Hardwick was right where he needed to be on every occasion and played an important role in defence. Eight intercept possessions from 17 disposals, it’s hard to believe he only registered two tackles, given the amount of pressure he applied.
Tally
Jarman Impey – 8
Dylan Moore – 5
Blake Hardwick – 2
Lloyd Meek – 2
Jack Gunston – 1
