Talking Hawks MVP: Round 18

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In what was unofficially an ‘eight point game’ due to its ramifications on both sides finals’ hopes, Saturday night’s clash between Fremantle and Hawthorn was a heavily contested match.

However, much to the dismay of Hawthorn players, coaches and fans alike, they were unable to halt the late momentum of the Dockers who left Optus Stadium with a 13-point victory. 

Played at a breakneck intensity with pressure ratings through the roof from both sides, the Hawks led the contest at each of the major breaks, however a four-goal-to-zero from the home side was too much to overcome.

Currently placed at 6th but with a difficult draw to round out the season, Sam Mitchell’s side suddenly has quite a shift to put in just to make finals, however with the pending returns of Mitch Lewis, Jack Scrimshaw and Will Day, all hope isn’t lost. 

Lloyd Meek was a standout against his former side. Photo by Janelle St Pierre via AFL Photos

Tim

3. Lloyd Meek
 
He worked tirelessly throughout the game, battling against Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson and giving our midfield plenty of opportunities as he attended a whopping 103 ruck contests. He crashed and bashed into the opposition at every chance, ending the game with 11 touches, 13 tackles, 23 pressure acts and 48 hitouts.
 
2. Calsher Dear
 
Came back into the side and was a real positive in our forward line. Attacked every contest with vigour, ending the night with nine touches, five score involvements, a goal assist and three goals for the evening. Will be better for the run.
 
1. Harry Morrison
 
Morrison had another very good game, playing that wing role well and not being afraid of doing the tough stuff in a physical contest. Harry ended the game with 18 touches at 89% disposal efficiency, eight tackles, six intercept possessions and two score involvements in another well rounded performance.

Ollie

3. Calsher Dear

In just his second game for season 2025, Calsher Dear illustrated his continued development against Fremantle. The 19 year-old made the most of some scrappy entry’s, finishing with a trio of goals, along with nine disposals, five score-involvements and one direct goal assist. He was also noticeably more aggressive than previous performances, making a point of asserting his physicality across all four quarters.

2. Lloyd Meek

For the third week in a row, Lloyd Meek went head-to-head against some of the better ruck-men in the competition, facing the double-headed monster of Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson. Meek finished with a dominant 48-hitouts to accompany his eleven touches (9 of which were contested), but arguably the most impressive part of his performance was the pressure he applied. Meek finished with a career-high 13 tackles and 23 pressure acts, both absolutely elite numbers for a big man that reflect his status within the competition.

1. Karl Amon

As is becoming the norm for Amon, the defender led Hawthorn in both disposals (30) and metres gained (693) as he continued on his stellar 2025 season. Arguably the frontrunner for the Peter Crimmins Medal so far this season, Amon was once again lethal with his disposal, setting up many forward forrays, whilst his ability to rebound from 50 was also a feature, finishing with eight.

Karl Amon using his #1 weapon. Photo by Daniel Carson via AFL Photos

Matt

3. Lloyd Meek
 
With a workhorse-like effort against his old club, Meek proved his growth, taking on Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy to deliver 16 hit-outs to advantage from his 48 hit-outs (his ruck opponents delivered just eight from 56). Add four clearances, nine contested possessions, and a monstrous 13 tackles to 23 pressure acts, and you’ll see why Lloyd got my nod for the three votes.
 
2. Jack Ginnivan

Worked his way nicely into the game after a slower first quarter. Ginni’s efforts and touch were significant across the game, bringing a calm at times to what was a pressure-filled contest. His running and poise helped deliver four inside 50s, six score involvements, and a significantly higher number of possessions than his season average of 18, finishing with 27 disposals while kicking 1.1. A meaningful contribution on a day the Hawks’ midfield had a decent arm wrestle.
 
1. Karl Amon
 
On a day where pressure was king, taking ground was going to be paramount. On that front, Karl Amon was involved in eight rebound 50s and delivered five inside 50s for four score involvements and three score launches, as part of his 30 possessions and 693 metres gained. Amon’s handy seven intercept possessions were complemented by seven contested possessions, it wasn’t just quick balls to him on the outside, and he had six one percenters in his meaningful performance.
The Hawks huddle before the beginning of the match. Photo by Daniel Carson via AFL Photos

Vote Tally

Lloyd Meek – 8 votes

Calsher Dear – 4 votes

Jack Ginnivan – 2 votes

Karl Amon – 2 votes

Harry Morrison – 1 vote

 

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