1. The auditors confirmed our underlying suspicion as to the operation of the business – Whilst not operating whilst insolvent, the audit provided by the Lions confirmed that the business whilst “profitable” isn’t functioning at a level that provides the maximum return on the investment. The inability of our midfield to match the spread from the contest by the Lions’ midfield brought home the fact that we lack a midfielder with dash from the contest to either provide an exit from the contest or to run down an opponent from the contest.
2. Good teams don’t get beaten by what they know – Having used Gunston as a guardian on Andrews previously, they did not allow this to happen again this time. Equally, we knew that Zorko coming off half back will provide them with drive going forward, yet our half forwards didn’t appear to be up to the task of quelling his run and carry. He nearly gained 1km repeat of last week.
3. Lack of connection between the midfield and forward line – There were certainly some poor kicks to open players within the forward 50, but at the same time, there were many times when the forwards didn’t come towards the ball carrier on the lead providing them with an option rather than inviting a long bomb entry. Kicking a high entry to Watson, one or two out, isn’t a sustainable method of operation with as experienced defensive unit as the Lions have in their side. Reflect on some of the entries the Lions had inside 50 to the ones we attempted. Late in the 3rd quarter, Worpel didn’t have a option come to him forcing him to take a long shot and similarly, the options provided to Weddle when he had two strong entries into the forward 50 (Gunston did slip over on one, but we need to provide more than one option).
4. Players didn’t go into their shells after making an error – Even in a game where not much went right, there were numerous examples where a player made an error usually a turnover, where they then worked their backside off in the next contest to regain or neutralize the next possession. This should be seen as a growth learning – a couple of seasons ago, the same players would have doubted themselves. Mackenzie being run down after confusing pace with ambition in the first quarter, then intercepting a marking contest.
5. Loopy handballs to an outside runner leads to confusion – Whilst not quite hospital handballs, when you have an overlap scenario, to handball in an high arc, just provides a greater opportunity for the opposition to come forward and pressure the receiver. Always keep in mind that once the ball is in the air, then the receiver has to keep their eye on the ball, thus lose sight of what the opposition is doing in response, so whilst they may not be tackled, they may then run into a compromised position when they had thought they were “free”.
6. Watson from 45+m out having a set shot is not a good option. On the run, he is marginally better, but with the momentum for the moment, he needs to be aware of his limitations.
Observations:
• Another week where we didn’t get good looks at the goals which made the scoring opportunities not only difficult, but even more important with how few clean scoring chances we generated.
• Some elements of either poor decisions or self-interest came into play in the last quarter – Jiath taking a mark on F50 didn’t give Scrimshaw a handball running onto his left and then took the shot from 50 without success; he took a tight shot from the boundary later in the quarter as did Weddle when centring the ball would have been the better option.
• Mackenzie doesn’t appear to have returned from his injury with all guns firing as to whether this indicates his injury is still an issue e.g. wearing a glove, although the pre-game social media had him gloveless or a broader issue – see below on DE.
• There is no real right/wrong answer, but the week off to Meek and Gunston didn’t appear to have an immediate benefit to their form whilst Nash looked rusty from his lengthy break.
• As per last week, this being a 3 point game, Morrison was one player whose credit bank was enhanced i.e. previously hadn’t been deemed to be capable at the level. Along with this, the back 6 as a unit held up quite well when you consider how dominant the Lions were in the midfield, this is not to say that individually, they didn’t always stand up to the heat.
• Barrass’s intercept marking does provide a skill set that we have been lacking over the past few seasons.
• Albeit marginal and arguably against the run of play, we did “win” the first quarter.
• TOG % - Bottom 5 (leaving out subs): Ward 65% Morrison 72% Worpel 75% Chol & Ginnivan 76% D’Ambrosio & Jiath 77%. (Sicily highest on the ground at 96%.)
Jiath 50% (67), D’Ambrosio 50% (63), Gunston 50% (63), Chol 50% (67), Macdonald 40% (60), Watson 33% (25), Worpel 31% (57). (Note: Mackenzie 0% (80) based on 1 kick – a floater that was intercepted.)
• A broader observation – in the two games where we have been outplayed for significant periods of games, we have not allowed them to become 10 goals losses which occurred last year. A point that did draw Sam’s ire last year against Gold Coast.
Even with Nash back, Ward was given the first rotation this week, however given the way the centre clearances played out, we reverted to the regulars of the Big 4. Interesting that Mackenzie (2/7) in a half, just shaded Ward (2/1/2/3) for CBAs across the match. With our lack of pace, Moore only had 1 CBA in each quarter. Many have asked for Weddle to be used in CBAs and this happened very late in the 4th quarter.
Issue for the week:
As per last week, the current run of games may well become a defining period for selection with players returning from various forms of absence. With Impey a given, there are others whose form warrants attention – Bailey Macdonald didn’t much wrong in the games he played and having played a sub, may have needed to play a full game for match fitness as much as anything else. As to whether Dear did enough at BH this week will be a watch. He did look sore at training early last week. The pace that Butler has brought to the BH midfield may well bring him into discussions this week, however the Pies’ midfield structure is different to the Lions.
This game highlighted a lot of what we've seen since the bye:
1. Inexcusable clangers that have a double effect of costing us a scoring opportunity and giving the opposition a scoring opportunity. This was a feature of rounds 1-7 in 2024 and has been a feature of our play since the bye. The repeated bloopers just make it impossible to get any momentum in our game. Missing very gettable shots at goal (Worpel and Gunston) also hurt.
2. The inability to win clearance, yet rarely do we see significant change to the mix or the method. McDonald never gets a run on ball, nor does Weddle or Watson. The rinse and repeat of Newcombe / Worpel with one of Nash, Ward, Mackenzie isn't getting it done and surely there needs to be some change. It also means that we never see Jai forward which is disappointing as he's a dangerous forward option.
3. One dimensional kick ins that are either short to the left or long to the left. Obviously, opposition sides are denying us the fast break to the right side but we need more than the two existing options.
4. Meeky is a great competitor and gets hands to the ruck contest more than the opposition ruck, but he doesn't mark the ball around the ground - never gives us that contested mark at half back/wing to relieve pressure or a saving mark in defence.
5. Once again, our captain spent too much time complaining to the umpires and setting a terrible example, which no doubt is a factor in a younger player such as Ginnivan doing the same thing and giving away a 50 metre penalty. It's poor leadership.
6. Had Hardwick been playing in defence, it's most unlikely that Cameron doesn't kick those 3 goals before half time. I'm not sure what other HI people think, but we look better with Hardwick behind the ball and playing on the opposition's best small forward and only being swung forward when we need a change up. If he doesn't play on Elliot this week, who does?
7. Mackenzie needs a run in the twos to regain some confidence. Outside of the GWS game, he's been just ok and his possession numbers are not at the level required, notwithstanding his somewhat lesser game time.
8. There are players consistently performing above VFL standard for Box Hill and there needs to be consideration given to rewarding that form. Watching Butler on the weekend, he was very impressive, as was Bailey McDonald, Bodie Ryan (who has made great strides over the past month), Serong, Seamus, Henry and Ramsden.
9. Interestingly, we again had more marks inside 50, which is encouraging. In the loss last week, there were several bad errors in our defensive 50 that cost us goals, this week it was massive bloopers with ball in hand and against Geelong we just didn't take our opportunities. Eliminate the costly errors, reduce the bloopers and take our chances and we are doing enough to be right in the game against any opponent.
10. Players trying for long goals - yes Nashy got one through, but Watson continually tries it usually without success, as do others, for a very low success rate.
11. Agree with Andrew's point below, too often we didn't have an option or options ahead of the ball carrier when transitioning from defence, which was a feature of the early rounds in 2024. We need to hold a better forward structure.
12. Slow starts again. While we managed to regain the lead in Q1, we still did so from a two goal to nil deficit early.
I think people are used to what has worked, but this selection structure may have only get us so far. Sometimes you need to break the mould to see if your performance can be improved overall. I'm a believer in Hardwick's forward craft. Just as people have claimed that if Hardwick had played on Cameron in the 2nd quarter, he wouldn't have kicked those goals. Equally, it could be claimed that if Hardwick was forward in the 3rd quarter when we did have some dominance in the flow of the game & won the quarter marginally, he would have given us a better avenue to score.
Neither position is a testable theory.
As for Elliot, I'd suggest Battle would be as good a match up for him, particularly with Impey back in the team.
Actually, Battle is an excellent match up for Elliot, Barass on Mihocek and Sicily can play on Membrey. I take your point re Hardwick, however feel that him being forward has had a negative effect on Impey's influence this season as Jarman's been required to play a more defensive role. With CJ playing as a permanent defender this season, we do seem to have a surplus of defenders, which means a position elsewhere has to be found for those defenders.
In Hardwick, I trust. I don’t see CJ as a pressure defender or a player that oppo coaches put time into. I see him more as a Winger to transition the ball from defence to offence. Has the ability to put speed on the game but must constantly hit targets. (Wasn’t that part of the HOK phenomenon)? If he can jag a goal even better. Hardwick does it all, applies pressure, intercepts, blocks space, tackles, hits up targets and a good shot at goal. He would be very difficult to play on regardless of the end. I wish we had 2 Hardwicks (one at each end). He’s wasted in the forward line if the ball is constantly in defence. Sadly we have a dysfunctional forward line due to injury and Hardwick offers something. Might explain why everyone seems to want to kick a goal now, NO TRUST in what lies ahead?
I’d actually have Scrimshaw on Membrey as he can attract the ball like Ah Chee (& is quite an accurate kick) which would make Sicily more accountable.
If Hill plays, then there could be a stronger argument for Hardwick, his initial speed off the mark will be an issue for any of our defenders.
Full agreement on surplus of half back flankers hence Serong getting time on the wing at BH. For me, Jiath hasn’t glued down his magnet as yet.
Agree on Impey’s changed role, but again with Amon & Weddle playing behind the ball; how many burst runners do you want/need? The backline can be easily caught offside on turnover if they’re all charging forward. I think this has been a significant part of the adjustment in the game plan this year.
It's very frustrating to watch players take possession of the ball around the centre of the ground and all of the forwards who have sucked up the ground run back towards goal, it does not give the player with ball many options to kick to, you have to be extremely precise. Too short the opposition gets it, too wide, the opposition can spoil, too long and it has too much hang time and can be spoiled. If a player leads at the on coming player there is more room for error with only a kick over the top not giving the leading player some sort of chance. Gunstan, Chol and Watson have all shown form on the lead. rant over.
this is spot on, we’re barely ever hitting up at the kicker - it’s something Hardwick does really well when he plays forward, but we probably need him more down back
Great summation of the game and totally agree that we are still a work in progress despite acheiving so much in 2024. It will be an interesting selection dissection later in the week.
Whilst I am one of Frenchies fans out there we go by past Sammy actions then its off to Box Hill when you are subbed out close to Half time, eg Henry Hustwaite.
That then beggars the question who comes in and then its Sam Butler or Calsher Dear. But I eagerly await the selection and the game against the Pies.
I am not doom and gloom on our hawks like some are and think we are still on the right path to being a very good side. In the past two games I have thought they were winnable, however, we seemed to shoot ourselves in the foot losing the winnable game. Good sides will punish errors and we have paid dearly.
For me I would rather be learning from errors now than in September so onwards and upwards Hawkers.
Great summary, realistic summary, non sugar coated summary.
Instead of Sam saying each week that we are a work in progress, I’d rather hear about “the progress” With the addition of TB & JB, I thought a free wielding Sic would create great opportunity and take the pressure off him. Will Day is undeniably a loss in leadership & skill, and not having Calsher hurts….. but how is it, that so many have failed to repeat last years’ heights. Where is HOK Ball, I miss it, I love it and I want it back. I am hating HORI Ball.
- Can't see how CJ gets a game. Mitchell pls if there is a spot.
- Sicily is terrible. Has "Barrass’s intercept marking" taken away his one-wood? And his kicking?
- Ditto Moore. Many make excuses but he is clearly not the elite small forward we thought last year. Not even pretty good.
So effectively our two best players from the back end of last year are nowhere.
Our high end picks (top 20) are occasional contributors at best. Love Weddle and Watson but they need to step up and impact more consistently. At this stage for all their intrinsic 'qualities' McKenzie and Ward are all potential and no performance.
Not many high end draft pick mids recover from this sort of start. The good ones act early and consistently per Juniors (of course low end picks etc often Peake much later - i.e they are developing later and so do not stand out as much as juniors). Ward has had enough time - he's ordinary. McKenzie running out of time.
I think we are 50/50 not to make finals and if we do will go out in the elims. Unless some of these guys find form AND Mitch Lewis comes back and can clunk a few up front.
When Sam took over, this was the year we were pencilling in as the year we should be aiming to make finals. The way we are playing, that looks like right about where we are at. In hindsight, it looks like we over-achieved last year and we just aren't quite ready to take the next step to be a genuine top 4 team this year. I still think there's a chance things can click though once we get Calsh back, if we fix the midfield, etc but we just haven't been able to find the momentum we had last year
The reality this year is that we have only 2/3 players who have improved and some very important players down on last years form.We have really missed Will Day and Calsher Dear.Our future is still bright even after this tough loss.
Given the Lions were coming off a draw to North, a loss to the Demons, and an indifferent start to the season, there was a real opportunity to keep the foot on their throat from the first bounce. Unfortunately, we couldn't conjure just one fast start and Brisbane were two goals up before we knew it confidence restored
What was learnt:
1. The auditors confirmed our underlying suspicion as to the operation of the business – Whilst not operating whilst insolvent, the audit provided by the Lions confirmed that the business whilst “profitable” isn’t functioning at a level that provides the maximum return on the investment. The inability of our midfield to match the spread from the contest by the Lions’ midfield brought home the fact that we lack a midfielder with dash from the contest to either provide an exit from the contest or to run down an opponent from the contest.
2. Good teams don’t get beaten by what they know – Having used Gunston as a guardian on Andrews previously, they did not allow this to happen again this time. Equally, we knew that Zorko coming off half back will provide them with drive going forward, yet our half forwards didn’t appear to be up to the task of quelling his run and carry. He nearly gained 1km repeat of last week.
3. Lack of connection between the midfield and forward line – There were certainly some poor kicks to open players within the forward 50, but at the same time, there were many times when the forwards didn’t come towards the ball carrier on the lead providing them with an option rather than inviting a long bomb entry. Kicking a high entry to Watson, one or two out, isn’t a sustainable method of operation with as experienced defensive unit as the Lions have in their side. Reflect on some of the entries the Lions had inside 50 to the ones we attempted. Late in the 3rd quarter, Worpel didn’t have a option come to him forcing him to take a long shot and similarly, the options provided to Weddle when he had two strong entries into the forward 50 (Gunston did slip over on one, but we need to provide more than one option).
4. Players didn’t go into their shells after making an error – Even in a game where not much went right, there were numerous examples where a player made an error usually a turnover, where they then worked their backside off in the next contest to regain or neutralize the next possession. This should be seen as a growth learning – a couple of seasons ago, the same players would have doubted themselves. Mackenzie being run down after confusing pace with ambition in the first quarter, then intercepting a marking contest.
5. Loopy handballs to an outside runner leads to confusion – Whilst not quite hospital handballs, when you have an overlap scenario, to handball in an high arc, just provides a greater opportunity for the opposition to come forward and pressure the receiver. Always keep in mind that once the ball is in the air, then the receiver has to keep their eye on the ball, thus lose sight of what the opposition is doing in response, so whilst they may not be tackled, they may then run into a compromised position when they had thought they were “free”.
6. Watson from 45+m out having a set shot is not a good option. On the run, he is marginally better, but with the momentum for the moment, he needs to be aware of his limitations.
Observations:
• Another week where we didn’t get good looks at the goals which made the scoring opportunities not only difficult, but even more important with how few clean scoring chances we generated.
• Some elements of either poor decisions or self-interest came into play in the last quarter – Jiath taking a mark on F50 didn’t give Scrimshaw a handball running onto his left and then took the shot from 50 without success; he took a tight shot from the boundary later in the quarter as did Weddle when centring the ball would have been the better option.
• Mackenzie doesn’t appear to have returned from his injury with all guns firing as to whether this indicates his injury is still an issue e.g. wearing a glove, although the pre-game social media had him gloveless or a broader issue – see below on DE.
• There is no real right/wrong answer, but the week off to Meek and Gunston didn’t appear to have an immediate benefit to their form whilst Nash looked rusty from his lengthy break.
• As per last week, this being a 3 point game, Morrison was one player whose credit bank was enhanced i.e. previously hadn’t been deemed to be capable at the level. Along with this, the back 6 as a unit held up quite well when you consider how dominant the Lions were in the midfield, this is not to say that individually, they didn’t always stand up to the heat.
• Barrass’s intercept marking does provide a skill set that we have been lacking over the past few seasons.
• Albeit marginal and arguably against the run of play, we did “win” the first quarter.
• TOG % - Bottom 5 (leaving out subs): Ward 65% Morrison 72% Worpel 75% Chol & Ginnivan 76% D’Ambrosio & Jiath 77%. (Sicily highest on the ground at 96%.)
• Kicking efficiency (DE): Sicily 100% (100), Moore 100% (100), Meek 100% (67), Battle 93% (96), Ward 88% (80) Scrimshaw 80% (83) Hardwick 80% (75).
Jiath 50% (67), D’Ambrosio 50% (63), Gunston 50% (63), Chol 50% (67), Macdonald 40% (60), Watson 33% (25), Worpel 31% (57). (Note: Mackenzie 0% (80) based on 1 kick – a floater that was intercepted.)
• A broader observation – in the two games where we have been outplayed for significant periods of games, we have not allowed them to become 10 goals losses which occurred last year. A point that did draw Sam’s ire last year against Gold Coast.
Starting 4: (CBA/CC)
1st Qrt: Newcombe (20/0) Worpel (19/1) Ward (8/1)
2nd Qrt: Newcombe Worpel Nash (17/0)
3rd Qrt: Newcombe Worpel Nash
4th Qrt: Newcombe Worpel Nash
Meek 21/1 Mackenzie 9/1 Chol 5/1 Moore 4/0 Weddle 1/0 D’Ambrosio 0/1
Even with Nash back, Ward was given the first rotation this week, however given the way the centre clearances played out, we reverted to the regulars of the Big 4. Interesting that Mackenzie (2/7) in a half, just shaded Ward (2/1/2/3) for CBAs across the match. With our lack of pace, Moore only had 1 CBA in each quarter. Many have asked for Weddle to be used in CBAs and this happened very late in the 4th quarter.
Issue for the week:
As per last week, the current run of games may well become a defining period for selection with players returning from various forms of absence. With Impey a given, there are others whose form warrants attention – Bailey Macdonald didn’t much wrong in the games he played and having played a sub, may have needed to play a full game for match fitness as much as anything else. As to whether Dear did enough at BH this week will be a watch. He did look sore at training early last week. The pace that Butler has brought to the BH midfield may well bring him into discussions this week, however the Pies’ midfield structure is different to the Lions.
This game highlighted a lot of what we've seen since the bye:
1. Inexcusable clangers that have a double effect of costing us a scoring opportunity and giving the opposition a scoring opportunity. This was a feature of rounds 1-7 in 2024 and has been a feature of our play since the bye. The repeated bloopers just make it impossible to get any momentum in our game. Missing very gettable shots at goal (Worpel and Gunston) also hurt.
2. The inability to win clearance, yet rarely do we see significant change to the mix or the method. McDonald never gets a run on ball, nor does Weddle or Watson. The rinse and repeat of Newcombe / Worpel with one of Nash, Ward, Mackenzie isn't getting it done and surely there needs to be some change. It also means that we never see Jai forward which is disappointing as he's a dangerous forward option.
3. One dimensional kick ins that are either short to the left or long to the left. Obviously, opposition sides are denying us the fast break to the right side but we need more than the two existing options.
4. Meeky is a great competitor and gets hands to the ruck contest more than the opposition ruck, but he doesn't mark the ball around the ground - never gives us that contested mark at half back/wing to relieve pressure or a saving mark in defence.
5. Once again, our captain spent too much time complaining to the umpires and setting a terrible example, which no doubt is a factor in a younger player such as Ginnivan doing the same thing and giving away a 50 metre penalty. It's poor leadership.
6. Had Hardwick been playing in defence, it's most unlikely that Cameron doesn't kick those 3 goals before half time. I'm not sure what other HI people think, but we look better with Hardwick behind the ball and playing on the opposition's best small forward and only being swung forward when we need a change up. If he doesn't play on Elliot this week, who does?
7. Mackenzie needs a run in the twos to regain some confidence. Outside of the GWS game, he's been just ok and his possession numbers are not at the level required, notwithstanding his somewhat lesser game time.
8. There are players consistently performing above VFL standard for Box Hill and there needs to be consideration given to rewarding that form. Watching Butler on the weekend, he was very impressive, as was Bailey McDonald, Bodie Ryan (who has made great strides over the past month), Serong, Seamus, Henry and Ramsden.
9. Interestingly, we again had more marks inside 50, which is encouraging. In the loss last week, there were several bad errors in our defensive 50 that cost us goals, this week it was massive bloopers with ball in hand and against Geelong we just didn't take our opportunities. Eliminate the costly errors, reduce the bloopers and take our chances and we are doing enough to be right in the game against any opponent.
10. Players trying for long goals - yes Nashy got one through, but Watson continually tries it usually without success, as do others, for a very low success rate.
11. Agree with Andrew's point below, too often we didn't have an option or options ahead of the ball carrier when transitioning from defence, which was a feature of the early rounds in 2024. We need to hold a better forward structure.
12. Slow starts again. While we managed to regain the lead in Q1, we still did so from a two goal to nil deficit early.
Hi Stuart
On point 6 - Hardwick forward vs. back.
I think people are used to what has worked, but this selection structure may have only get us so far. Sometimes you need to break the mould to see if your performance can be improved overall. I'm a believer in Hardwick's forward craft. Just as people have claimed that if Hardwick had played on Cameron in the 2nd quarter, he wouldn't have kicked those goals. Equally, it could be claimed that if Hardwick was forward in the 3rd quarter when we did have some dominance in the flow of the game & won the quarter marginally, he would have given us a better avenue to score.
Neither position is a testable theory.
As for Elliot, I'd suggest Battle would be as good a match up for him, particularly with Impey back in the team.
Actually, Battle is an excellent match up for Elliot, Barass on Mihocek and Sicily can play on Membrey. I take your point re Hardwick, however feel that him being forward has had a negative effect on Impey's influence this season as Jarman's been required to play a more defensive role. With CJ playing as a permanent defender this season, we do seem to have a surplus of defenders, which means a position elsewhere has to be found for those defenders.
In Hardwick, I trust. I don’t see CJ as a pressure defender or a player that oppo coaches put time into. I see him more as a Winger to transition the ball from defence to offence. Has the ability to put speed on the game but must constantly hit targets. (Wasn’t that part of the HOK phenomenon)? If he can jag a goal even better. Hardwick does it all, applies pressure, intercepts, blocks space, tackles, hits up targets and a good shot at goal. He would be very difficult to play on regardless of the end. I wish we had 2 Hardwicks (one at each end). He’s wasted in the forward line if the ball is constantly in defence. Sadly we have a dysfunctional forward line due to injury and Hardwick offers something. Might explain why everyone seems to want to kick a goal now, NO TRUST in what lies ahead?
I’d actually have Scrimshaw on Membrey as he can attract the ball like Ah Chee (& is quite an accurate kick) which would make Sicily more accountable.
If Hill plays, then there could be a stronger argument for Hardwick, his initial speed off the mark will be an issue for any of our defenders.
Full agreement on surplus of half back flankers hence Serong getting time on the wing at BH. For me, Jiath hasn’t glued down his magnet as yet.
Agree on Impey’s changed role, but again with Amon & Weddle playing behind the ball; how many burst runners do you want/need? The backline can be easily caught offside on turnover if they’re all charging forward. I think this has been a significant part of the adjustment in the game plan this year.
It's very frustrating to watch players take possession of the ball around the centre of the ground and all of the forwards who have sucked up the ground run back towards goal, it does not give the player with ball many options to kick to, you have to be extremely precise. Too short the opposition gets it, too wide, the opposition can spoil, too long and it has too much hang time and can be spoiled. If a player leads at the on coming player there is more room for error with only a kick over the top not giving the leading player some sort of chance. Gunstan, Chol and Watson have all shown form on the lead. rant over.
this is spot on, we’re barely ever hitting up at the kicker - it’s something Hardwick does really well when he plays forward, but we probably need him more down back
Great summation of the game and totally agree that we are still a work in progress despite acheiving so much in 2024. It will be an interesting selection dissection later in the week.
Whilst I am one of Frenchies fans out there we go by past Sammy actions then its off to Box Hill when you are subbed out close to Half time, eg Henry Hustwaite.
That then beggars the question who comes in and then its Sam Butler or Calsher Dear. But I eagerly await the selection and the game against the Pies.
I am not doom and gloom on our hawks like some are and think we are still on the right path to being a very good side. In the past two games I have thought they were winnable, however, we seemed to shoot ourselves in the foot losing the winnable game. Good sides will punish errors and we have paid dearly.
For me I would rather be learning from errors now than in September so onwards and upwards Hawkers.
Great summary, realistic summary, non sugar coated summary.
Instead of Sam saying each week that we are a work in progress, I’d rather hear about “the progress” With the addition of TB & JB, I thought a free wielding Sic would create great opportunity and take the pressure off him. Will Day is undeniably a loss in leadership & skill, and not having Calsher hurts….. but how is it, that so many have failed to repeat last years’ heights. Where is HOK Ball, I miss it, I love it and I want it back. I am hating HORI Ball.
Bit late but.....
- Can't see how CJ gets a game. Mitchell pls if there is a spot.
- Sicily is terrible. Has "Barrass’s intercept marking" taken away his one-wood? And his kicking?
- Ditto Moore. Many make excuses but he is clearly not the elite small forward we thought last year. Not even pretty good.
So effectively our two best players from the back end of last year are nowhere.
Our high end picks (top 20) are occasional contributors at best. Love Weddle and Watson but they need to step up and impact more consistently. At this stage for all their intrinsic 'qualities' McKenzie and Ward are all potential and no performance.
Not many high end draft pick mids recover from this sort of start. The good ones act early and consistently per Juniors (of course low end picks etc often Peake much later - i.e they are developing later and so do not stand out as much as juniors). Ward has had enough time - he's ordinary. McKenzie running out of time.
I think we are 50/50 not to make finals and if we do will go out in the elims. Unless some of these guys find form AND Mitch Lewis comes back and can clunk a few up front.
Special request: Brad to be part of this week’s mid week pod 🙋🏻♀️
Coaches' votes
5. Neale McCluggage*
4. Zorko Ah Chee*
3. Payne Answerth
2. Ah Chee Neale
1. McCluggage Morrison
*Interchangeable (listed on count back rules.)
Lowest total votes for Hawthorn players this year.
5 week rolling ladder
Rd For Agst %
5 91 81 111.82%
6 87 83 105.05%
7 90 81 111.11%
8 96 78 123.14%
9 99 76 129.66%
10 100 73 137.09%
11 96 74 129.38%
On the season:
Overall quarters won: 28 - equal 2nd
1st qtr.: 7 Eq. 5th
2nd qtr.: 7 Eq. 2nd
3rd qtr.: 8 Eq. 2nd
4th qtr.: 6 Eq. 6th
When Sam took over, this was the year we were pencilling in as the year we should be aiming to make finals. The way we are playing, that looks like right about where we are at. In hindsight, it looks like we over-achieved last year and we just aren't quite ready to take the next step to be a genuine top 4 team this year. I still think there's a chance things can click though once we get Calsh back, if we fix the midfield, etc but we just haven't been able to find the momentum we had last year
The reality this year is that we have only 2/3 players who have improved and some very important players down on last years form.We have really missed Will Day and Calsher Dear.Our future is still bright even after this tough loss.
Given the Lions were coming off a draw to North, a loss to the Demons, and an indifferent start to the season, there was a real opportunity to keep the foot on their throat from the first bounce. Unfortunately, we couldn't conjure just one fast start and Brisbane were two goals up before we knew it confidence restored