It mightn't have been the blow out win many of us wanted, but the Hawks got the job done on the Thursday night against the Blues.
Hawthorn were outstanding in the first quarter at the MCG, kicking six majors while keeping Carlton to one goal.
By the main break, Hawthorn had nine goal scorers: Jack Ginnivan, who kicked things off within the first two minutes, Mitch Lewis who kicked his first of the season shortly after, Connor Macdonald, Josh Ward, Jack Gunston, Calsher Dear, Nick Watson and Harry Morrison all contributed to the growing lead.
At the main break, the lead was thirty. And that’s about as high as it would be for the remainder of the game. Hawthorn continued a relatively dominate display of force over the languishing Blues up until the last quarter, where they appeared to pump the breaks.
Eyebrows where raised when stalwart midfielder, Jai Newcombe was subbed off in the third, sparking concerns. However, it was later confirmed by Sam Mitchell to be purely for managements sake, with Newcombe experiencing some calf soreness in the lead up to the game.
Lewis would kick the Hawks final major for the game, early in the final quarter, while Carlton managed to pinch two goals in amongst some inaccurate pings at goal from both sides. At the final siren, the score was 13.7.85 to 9.7.61, giving Hawthorn their thirteenth win of the season.
Will Day had a solid return to footy, notching 15 disposals, three clearances from 69% time on, while James Sicily appeared to recapture his form, with a game high 14 intercept possessions.
Votes
Lauren
3 – James Sicily
The captain was back to his best, intercepts galore and disposing of the ball at 88% efficiency from his 25 touches. A strong performance where it looked like his body was ready to go. Could be a crucial time to have Sic back in form.
2 – Calsher Dear
His leap was a standout in Thursday’s match. A constant aerial threat, Dear was able to clunk marks and bring the ball to ground when required. Slotting the two goals, he was a key part of the forward line looking cohesive and dangerous against the Blues.
1 – Tom Barrass
Putting together a decent season is TB. Doing exactly what we need him to do in that full back role with 6 intercept marks and 9 one percenters. I was particularly impressed by his ball use, having 13 disposals at 100% efficiency. Not many big men can kick as well as Barrass can, he’s added to the list of clean ball users we have in defense.
Ollie
3 – Tom Barrass
A glance at Barrass’ raw disposals don’t do what was easily his best performance in a strong first year to date an inch of justice. The full-back had 13 disposals (at 100% disposal efficiency), seven marks (six of which were intercepts) and nine one-percenters all whilst keeping former Coleman Medallist Harry McKay to a single goal.
2- Calsher Dear
After an impressive last two matches where he kicked a combined five goals in less-than-ideal conditions for a forward, Dear broke the game apart against Carlton. Headlined by an aerial masterclass that included a potential Mark of the Year contender, the 19 year-old kicked 2.2 whilst adding eleven touches, five marks and four tackles. In a forward line that has just been significantly strengthened by his addition and Mitch Lewis’ return from injury, Dear looms as an attacking wildcard.
1- James Sicily
What a return to form from the captain. After a lean majority of the season where his confidence was clearly down, Sicily was back to his absolute best with 25 disposals (14 intercepts) and eleven marks (seven intercept marks) whilst operating at 88% disposal efficiency. Like mentioned on the broadcast, the addition of an on-song James Sicily alongside Calsher Dear, Mitch Lewis and Will Day could help correct a somewhat faltering campaign.
Bec
3 – Calsher Dear
In only his third game of the season, Dear reminded the footy world just why Hawks fans have been itching to see him back. While he didn’t smash records on the stat sheet, his ability to find space, mark overhead, and compete up the ground is impeccable.
This is a truly talented footballer, taking the best marks of the game and making a significant impact on the scoreboard. The combination of Dear, Mitchell, Gunston, and Watson looked locked in and lethal early in the game, but Dear gets the chocolates here.
2 -Tom Barass
Tom was a standout in defence this week. Operating at 100% DE, with three R50s, nine one percenters, one score involvement, from seven marks, 13 disposals. He used his size to his advantage, outmuscling Harry McKay and other Carlton forwards with relative ease, and his footy smarts to get himself in the right place at the right time for clean intercept marks.
1- James Sicily
Vast improvements were seen here compared to the rest of his season. He appeared confident and commanding down back, while displaying the type of form we have become accustomed to in the past.
With a game high 14 intercept disposals (+6 on the next highest IP), eleven marks, three score involvements, plus a goal assist from 25 disposals, it’s welcoming to see Sicily rediscover form at a critical time in the season.
Tally
Calsher Dear 7
Tom Barrass 6
James Sicily 5
