Player Ratings: Hawks vs GWS
Loves a review after a win
Just the one player not earning themselves a pass against the Giants with three grabbing a score of nine or above (come on now Scrooge Weiss).
Find out who they were and let us know what you would have done differently!
Lachie Bramble – N/A
As with Jai last week, Lachie gets the benefit of our “no rating for your second outing” policy. Was basically unsighted in the first half and seemed destined for the chopping block when he dropped a sitter on the wing, picked up the ball and kicked it on the head of a teammate which was easily spoiled by the GWS defender. Did get better and hit up Moore for the sealer – will be better for the run.
Luke Breust – 5/10
One of Punky’s least effective games for the year, he was another that was basically unsighted in the opening half of the game. A classic roving snapped goal at the start of the third term was important, and did manage to get himself in the frame when Timmy took Mark of the Century.
Shaun Burgoyne – 7/10
Played the final quarter of the game after being subbed in at three quarter time for Chad Wingard, and what a quarter of footy he played. Burger turned back the clock with nine possessions, 100% disposal efficiency, and his trademark time and space we know and love. Was brilliant being in the crowd when he touched it the first time to applause and jubilation. The cheering continued every time he got near it. A taster for Saturday night.
Jonathon Ceglar - 7/10
After his comprehensive beating at the hands of Sam Draper last week, Cegs was back playing a key role in the team’s win against the Giants. 15 touches, seven marks and 29 hitouts had him placed as the dominant ruckman on the field – albeit in reality he was playing against youngsters Matt Flynn and Kieran Briggs. Will be a tougher task next week against Port’s Scott Lycett, but based on this game he should keep Ned Reeves out of the team for at least another week.
Will Day – 9.5/10
Where to start? How about the private messages going back through one fan’s WhatsApp chats:
‘What is he?’
‘OMG – how good’
‘What an elite talent’
The list goes on. Took up part of Jarman Impey’s role off a half back flank, and was somehow given the time, and authority to run amok on the MCG. Day was calm, composed, measured and executed each play to perfection. Ended the day with 29 touches and seven marks going at 82% efficiency. Registered an incredible 634 metres gained, six inside-50s, seven score involvements and a game-high 10 intercepts. An absolute shining light, future multiple Crimmins Medallist, and a pleasure to have the chance to watch him play in the brown and gold.
Sam Frost 7/10
Part of the defensive partnering with Kyle Hartigan that limited Jeremy Finlayson and Harry Himmelberg to just one goal for the game. Frosty was on again today, and helped lead the defensive unit once more. Does a lot of the heavy lifting allowing the likes of Scrimma, CJ and Day to run free off half back.
Denver Grainger-Barras 7/10
How could someone’s debut be classified as brilliant when they only had seven touches, we hear you ask? Well, DGB’s hard running, courage and skill were all on display and he was a welcome addition to our already solid defensive unit. Took a couple of intercept marks early and an absolute screamer that was incorrectly disallowed for an infringement. Had a couple of shaky kicks, but his effort and attack on the contest was there for all to see – so much so that he ended up concussed in the final term and had to sit most of it out on the bench.
Kyle Hartigan – 7.5/10
The good Kyle Hartigan presented himself at the MCG on Sunday, playing his role to perfection. Worked beautifully in tandem with Sam Frost – the pair limiting key opposition duo Jeremy Finlayson and Harry Himmelberg to just one goal between them. Hartigan managed 13 pressure acts, seven intercepts, and was the huge body that just seemed impenetrable down back.
Blake Hardwick – 7/10
His stats column reads a bit light with 12 disposals and four marks UNTIL you place it next to that of his main opponent for the day Toby Greene who managed 16 touches and two marks (for a two-goal return). Went at his usual high efficiency rate with the ball (91%) and did a great shut down role on one of the best small forwards in the comp.
Daniel Howe – 8.5/10
Keep writing the same words every week – another fantastic game from Howe contributing to a wonderful season that he is putting together. Worked hard to be the third highest ball winner on the ground, and gathered 15 touches in the first half where he seemed to be deployed as a free roamer across half back and the wing. In the past few weeks he has had similar stats before going quiet in the second half. Against the Giants he picked up another 16 touches, had 422 metres gained and was involved in eight scoring opportunities. Really solidifying his spot in the team as a handy utility.
Changkuoth Jiath – 7/10
How many times can we discuss just how far CJ has come in such a short period of time. Again looked composed while running and carrying out of the defence, and definitely has a big presence whenever he gets near the ball. Had eight marks – the most he has had since round four, and enjoyed the space as we employed tight zones and transfers of play from the backline.
Jacob Koschitzke – 4/10
Pains us to say it, but Kosi was not up to the task today. When your key forward only touches it six times, takes two marks and fails to kick a goal, he just hasn’t had the impact required. Only one of his six possessions were effective, and scored two behinds on the day. Took a huge contested grab before failing to convert, and suddenly there is plenty of doubt creeping in when he lines up for the big sticks.
Ben McEvoy – 8/10
A towering performance by our leader and clearly showed just how valuable he can be up forward. Uncharacteristically missed a couple of shots at goal he would usually nail – including after the three-quarter time siren - but can be forgiven. Eight marks, eight score involvements and our highest contested possession winner on the ground. He showed he is a pivotal part of our attacking structure moving forward.
Tom Mitchell – 8/10
Okay, there were some uncontested marks. And there were a couple of one-twos that really made it look like he had backed himself to get 35 possessions or more. But the reality is that Titch was everywhere and this was highlighted by the fact he had eight score involvements to go with his 10 defensive half pressure acts. Overused the handball at times – a clear product of his willingness to bring others into the play - but it was a solid performance from our number one ball winner.
Dylan Moore – 9/10
What an outstanding performance from Moore – with his four goals handing him the mantle as best small forward on the day. It’s a pretty big compliment with the likes of Toby Green and Luke Breust on the field, but the goals and 20 disposals had a huge bearing on proceedings.
Pick of the goals was at the nine-minute mark of the final term – streaming towards 50 and with options everywhere, Moore backed himself in with the long-range shot to drill it perfectly. He would have been crucified if he had missed but such is the nature that in this instance, he gets extra credit for backing himself in and converting. Played the high half-forward slash forward pocket role to perfection, and has guaranteed his spot in the team for the rest of the season.
Jai Newcombe – 6.5/10
A very quiet first quarter before working himself into the game in the second term where he produced five touches, three marks and three tackles. But it was his set-shot goal from 50 metres out at the start of the last that will long be remembered – his debut AFL goal that saw every Hawk on the ground get around him to celebrate.
Tim O’Brien – 7.5/10
For weeks and weeks we have said that we would dearly love to continue supporting Timmy, but have struggled to justify it. Well, today friends, is the day we lay the praise thick and fast. For there is a new Alex Jesaulenko Medal winner in town as the “almost” became the “actually happened” – Timmy dragged in what is sure to be Mark of the Year. Five marks and two goals was a fair day out at the office for TOB, and should keep even the harshest naysayers off his back for a week or two.
Jaeger O’Meara – 6.5/10
Finishing the day with 23 touches, six clearances and eight score involvements, Jaeger had an okay day at the office without being exceptional. Kicked the final goal of the afternoon in the last minute to seal the game.
Tom Phillips – 5.5/10
Another so-so performance from Flip whose spot in the team must be coming into question. Just the 12 disposals for the game which is nowhere near the numbers he’d expect, but he did manage to chip in with a goal. Will be feeling the pressure.
Jack Scrimshaw – 9/10
Making a solid play at the Peter Crimmins Medal after another rock-solid performance down back. Finished the day with 28 touches, six marks and a whole host of intercepts, spoils and key defensive acts. Have heard it before will hear it again – Scrimma is in fact Grant Birchall reincarnated, and has the poise, skill and leadership to match. Bonding beautifully with the others in the defensive unit.
Liam Shiels – 7/10
Industrious again from Pup, working hard to be in the game consistently throughout. Finished with a bag of touches, six tackles and nine inside-50s – another classic Liam Shiels performance.
Chad Wingard – 5/10
Feel really sorry for Chad who had limited impact on the game through to three quarter time. Hasn’t been getting as much time through the middle as he was earlier in the year, and that has led to a smaller possession count in recent matches. Snapped a great set-shot goal in the third – identical to the one he missed in the opening term against Essendon - before succumbing to a hamstring injury at three quarter time. Likely to be ruled out of Burger’s 400th against Port Adelaide. Tragic.
James Worpel – 7/10
One of Jimmy’s better games for the season, and showed we definitely missed him last week in Tasmania. Had team-high stats in key departments with 11 contested possessions seven clearances and 27 pressure acts. Kicked a fantastic goal through traffic and was definitely good to see him back out on the park.
