As many games against the defensive-minded Saints tend to go, Hawthorn’s Round 17 clash wasn’t the flashiest of affairs, but ultimately resulted in a 20 point victory – bringing the Hawks win total to eleven for the season and ensuring they remain within reach of the top four.
Despite leading at each interval, a few nervous moments would have been shared amongst Hawks fan’s, however clutch goals from Dylan Moore, Massimo D’Ambrosio and Jack Gunston ensured that the Saint’s efforts to snatch an unlikely victory were in vain.
In what was a relatively balanced performance with key contributions from a number of players, the likes of Lloyd Meek, Jarman Impey, Josh Battle, Jai Newcombe and Tom Barrass were particularly impressive.
Ollie
3. Lloyd Meek
Matched up against two of the premier ruckmen in as many weeks, Lloyd Meek continued on what is the most unlikely of tracks to the top of the rucking tree. Placed head-to-head against Rowan Marshall, Meek produced arguably a career-best game (feel like I’ve said this multiple times this season!), finishing with 20 disposals, ten score involvements, six tackles and a club record 59 hitouts. Has got to be in the conversation for All-Australian ruckman alongside the likes of Xerri, Gawn and Cameron this season.
2. Josh Battle
Josh Battle was always primed to have a big performance against his former side, and, despite the boos from the St Kilda fans, he did exactly that. In a showing that justified the Saints’ desperate attempts to retain him, Battle perfectly combined defence and attack on his way to a smooth 23 disposal, seven mark performance. Alongside his willingness to intercept and distribute the ball flawlessly out of defence (highlighted by a 91% disposal efficiency), Battle illustrated his lockdown ability, holding the forward combination of Mitch Owens and Cooper Sharman to a singular goal each.
1. Jai Newcombe
At half-time, concerns around Jai Newcombe’s impact, or lack thereof, were rife throughout the Hawthorn faithful, as the star midfielder’s modest seven disposals reflected a decent tagging job by Hugo Garcia up until that point. However as the top rung of players do, ‘Nuke’ lifted in the second half; registering 15 of his 22 disposals and four of his seven clearances whilst also displaying on multiple occasions just how lethal his efficiency by foot has become.
Bec
3. Lloyd Meek
A record breaking 59 hitouts is hard to look past. Meeky was awarded the Silk-Miller medal for his efforts, with five clearances, ten score involvements from 20 disposals. He continues to build on his consistent form and stands tall in the midfield.
2. Jai Newcombe
Duke notched the second-highest disposal count for the Hawks, all while carrying a tag. Registering 22 disposals, three marks (two of which were particularly impressive), five intercept possessions and seven clearances and tackles, he also managed a goal, a goal assist and five score involvements. Love what he is bringing to the side, rising above the challenges set upon him by the competition.
1 . Josh Battle
Battle did well against his old side, copping slack from Saints supporters and players alike. He finished the night with 23 disposals, seven marks, and an equal game high nine intercept possessions (alongside Tom Barrass).
Lauren
3. Lloyd Meek
Breaking his own record for hitouts from earlier in the season, Meek dominated in the ruck and was awarded the best on ground medal for the Hawks in the Blue Ribbon Cup. 14 contested possessions from his 20 disposals, he won the hard ball and was heavily involved in the contest with five clearances. With a massive 15 hitouts to advantage, he linked up with the midfield and was also able to register ten score involvements. Meeky is putting together a strong season with stats that rival the top rucks in the competition.
2. Josh Battle
Up against his old side, Battle embraced the challenge and put together one of his best games in Hawk’s colours. Our leading disposal getter on the day (23), he went at over 90% disposal efficiency. While he accumulated off the backline, his defensive efforts couldn’t go unheralded, registering nine intercept possessions and two strong intercept marks. Credit to Battle for not letting the boos get to him.
1. Jarman Impey
Impey is coming into a great patch of form. His run off the half backline was crucial in the absence of Josh Weddle. 22 disposals and eight rebound-50s – he was an energy lifter in what was an average spectacle at Marvel Stadium. Another player who was defensively sound, taking three intercept marks and laying four tackles.
Total Votes
Lloyd Meek – 9 votes
Josh Battle – 5 votes
Jai Newcombe – 3 votes
Jarman Impey – 1 vote
