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A good time to get the rattlers and bring some smiles back to the faces of the players, coaches and the faithful!
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ROUND 6: NORTH MELBOURNE 10.8 (68), HAWTHORN 17.11 (113)
📝 Main recap:
Death, taxes and finishing above North Melbourne.
A North Melbourne supporter sitting behind one of your Insiders said the following out loud when the Roos kicked a goal to reduce the margin from six goals down to five on Sunday:
“I tell you what - I would rather be 30 points down right now than be 30 points up and worried about being able to hold on.”
And therein lies the difference. While we don’t want to focus too much on the Roos who were god awful - it was plain to see the differences in the mentality, the game-plan, the togetherness and the direction that each of the clubs are heading in.
And that is why the win yesterday was one to savour as we continuously re-align expectations on our young team.
Sure it was 17th versus 18th and hardly a must-watch for the footy neutral.
But for us rusted on brown and gold fans the win was critical. Critical for our belief. Critical for the confirmation of our pathway. And critical for that reminder of just how happy watching the footy can make us.
There were smiles all round and rightfully so as we comprehensively routed the Roos to register our first win of the season. And while we could go through a list of players who shone, we would rather point to a well-rounded, even contribution from the entire playing group on the day.
We sit through six rounds of the season this year at 1-5… the same record we had last year at this time having had arguably a tougher draw and a significantly higher injury list to manage.
The pressure valve has been released and now we move on to the Swans (MCG), Dogs (Marvel) and Saints (UTAS) in the next three weeks with some key players to come back into the team.
Let’s hope we can snag another win through those three fixtures and continue the momentum from Sunday - with plenty more smiles to be had.
🧐 Things we like to see — the quick response
So many times this season have we seen teams score goals from a restart in the middle in response to one we have just scored ourselves. So it was nice to have the shoe on the other foot at Marvel. And what a response - what a finish from our big man Lloyd Meek. Meek hits the ball down to Nash, Nash gives to Newc, Newc a long handball to Meek and the big man unloads from 70 out. Huge props to Jack Gunston for his work deep forward to allow this ripper to sail through.
🧐 Things we like to see — the confidence
Most fans could spot Josh Weddle lurking when Cam Mackenzie took a mark 50 out to intercept a Jy Simpkin Hail Mary kick from defence in the second term. And Weddle turned that lurk into sheer class as he took the handball receive from Mackenzie, stepped inside a North player though 45, and check-sided on the run to extend our lead in the second quarter. What a talent.
🕵🏻♂️ Danny’s observations from inside Marvel
It must be awful to be a Kangaroos supporter. The atmosphere inside the stadium was atrocious on Sunday evening. The football played by the Roos wasn’t much better. A soulless stadium.
This was 17th vs 18th on the AFL ladder. Despite this, it was obvious that the gap between the two teams is massive.
The Hawks started slowly once again, allowing North to kick the first two goals of the match, before realising that despite it being North Melbourne, they still had to play well to win. Post-light bulb moment, Hawthorn kicked 11 of the next 14 goals and killed the game as a contest.
Hawthorn’s midfield has come under scrutiny so far this season, but a few of their key players stepped up against the Roos. Jai Newcombe and Conor Nash had their best statistical outputs for the year, and helped propel the Hawks to a win in the disposal count and the scoreboard.
Newcombe was back to his best against the Roos Pleasingly, the Hawks were able to win every quarter of football. It wouldn’t be an outlandish call to suggest it’s the first time in a while that has happened.
There was a considerable amount of ‘junk time’ football in this contest, with both teams seemingly coming to the understanding that the game was over at 3/4 time.
It is far to simplistic to say ‘win the tackles and you win the game’ but the Hawks finished +9 in tackles and went harder at the contest for longer in this game than they have all season, and it was a definite contributor to the victory.
17 goals for the game is far and away Hawthorn’s highest goals output for 2024 and a whopping 7 goals more than the teams season average. When the Hawks are free flowing, they are fun to watch.
Often a whipping boy of the Hawthorn faithful, Sam Frost’s season continues to go from good to great. Frost played on Roos spearhead Nick Larkey, and don’t be fooled by Larkey’s three goals - two were cheap ones. Frost won the vast majority of contests he was involved in and used the ball calmly when he won it.
If it is possible to have an underrated 20 disposal, 4 goal game then vice-captain Dylan Moore may have just had one. Moore was clinical in front of goal and impressive when he spent time in the midfield. His season is building after his pre-season was derailed by glandular fever.
A first win in the brown and gold for Hawthorn’s recruits Mabior Chol, Massimo D’Ambrosio and Jack Ginnivan. All three have contributed positively over the course of the season to date, but would have been sweating on this one. Ginnivan looks a special pick up for this Hawks forward line over the next decade.
It has been mentioned but it is time Henry Hustwaite plays a full game somewhere next week. He will have picked up a lot from being around the AFL set up over the last three weekends, but game time is priority for the foreseeable future, and Box Hill is his most likely destination. Zane Littlejohn will welcome him (and others with Will Day and Mitch Lewis to return) with open arms.
Beating the bottom of the table Kangaroos is one thing, fronting up the next weekend against an impressive Sydney Swans is another. If the Hawks can bring the level of intensity at the contest next week, at worst they will make the game interesting.
⭐️ Best on ground — Jai Newcombe
Newcombe’s start to the season has underwhelmed compared to the lofty heights he set in 2023, but he was back with a bang against North. 32 disposals, six tackles, nine clearances and two goal assists showed the impact Newcombe had in all areas of the ground. The Hawks need this Newcombe next weekend against a stacked Swans midfield, and with running mate Will Day likely back also, it looks a far more competitive midfield unit now.
💫 Rising star — Connor Macdonald
A couple of down weeks for Macdonald had some fans asking if he needed to be dropped, but the young gun responded in scintillating fashion. 10 disposals and five marks in the first quarter set the tone for the contest, with Macdonald finishing with 24 possessions, 10 marks and a goal (it should have been two). Welcome back Croc, you’ve got us excited again.
👼 Unsung hero — Jarman Impey
There were a few candidates this weekend with Sam Frost impressive on Larkey, Scrimshaw playing another very good game and Harry Morrison stamping his return to the team with an impressive performance. It just had to be HI favourite Jarman Impey who finished with 22 disposals and 10 marks, used it beautifully by foot, intercepted and created contests well and performed his role as a leader and running half back in this Hawthorn side.
🤯 Under pressure — The goal umpires and score review system
If it felt like the game went for 15 minutes longer than it needed to, that’s because it did. It was score review after score review throughout the game, but the passage in the second quarter which had fans looking for the exit or a bar. Why not just make a decision and then allow the mandatory review to occur while the players head back to the middle. Pain.
👀 Box Hill watch — Calsher Dear and Josh Ward
Box Hill enjoyed a 10 goal win against North Melbourne’s Reserves on Saturday afternoon with a number of Hawthorn listed players performing strongly. The two that really caught the eye were dropped midfielder Josh Ward (27 disposals, 8 tackles, 2.2 goals) and develop key forward Calsher Dear (15 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 5 hitouts and 4.2 goals). Will Day and Mitch Lewis look set to return to the Hawthorn team next weekend, which means that Ward and Dear will likely remain where they are but Ward’s confidence will be better for that performance and Dear is building into his career nicely, early doors.
😁 Happy Brad’s early call
🧐 The burning question - What’s eating James Sicily?
Despite some of the incredible reporting of James Sicily’s game against the Roos on Sunday (here’s looking at you Mark Robinson - the Chief Football Writer for the Herald Sun), the burning question this week is a simple one. Where is 2023 James Sicily, and can we have him back please? His drop in form and impact continues to scratch heads, and is stark contrast to Sam Frost (as Prinsy mentioned in his Obs) who has been our best defender - and probably one of the best in the competition if we are being honest. Why can’t we just have 2023 Sis and 2024 Frost playing together in the same team?
🎤 Sammy said what!?
“I thought the players were really strong - they were really great.”
“We genuinely tried to put the opposition under pressure and I think the players to the man held up their end of the bargain in that area.”
“I think today collectively the performance was of such a high standard.”
“I thought the players had a real desperation about them, and that’s what the best teams have week in and week out - we produced it today and the challenge for us is - can we bring that every week?”
“We have 80,000 members and they continue to turn up to games, they come to Marvel on a Sunday afternoon and support us, they come to Tassie, they go to Queensland, they go to the MCG and our fans have turned up every time.”
“They deserve to see the joy that we have out of a game like today and I thought they should have been really proud of the players today.”
🗣️ Final words — Jai Newcombe + Jack Ginnivan
JN: “Obviously it hasn’t been the start that we’d like as a group so it feels like a bit of a relief to be honest today to get a win on the board.”
“Our effort in general [was a focus] and discipline to hold each other accountable and the standards that we push as a group - the more we can drive each other as players, the more likely we are to get results like we got today.”
JG: “So good finally after a few hard losses, finally to sing the song as I always sung as a kid is so cool.”
“I think our contest around the ball - all of our midfielders really got their hands dirty this weekend. And our forwards were really diligent in their roles being able to finish on the scoreboard as well. And our defenders were so good too.”
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What was learnt:
1. Walking the talk – With Sam having put out the home truths in the after match press conference last week, Dylan Moore doubled down the next day with the “bring the mouthguards” quote that provide media fodder and supporter interest as to how the team would respond this week. Leading by example, Moore certainly made an impression on the game with 4 goals, 20 disposals with 8 centre square attendances, but only 1 tackle. The move to the centre square did give some immediate leg speed around the contest, although as mentioned last week, at his height will it be a sustainable strategy, particularly when Day comes back into the rotation. At the ground, it was apparent that there was a commitment to make the tackles stick which also may reflect the immaturity of the North side now. The other aspect of this was that the midfielders (and others) had the ability to stand up in or break tackles this week.
2. We are not featherweights but are bantamweights or middleweights. For those who had concerns that we may not be much better than North citing that the game would be close either way, it was evident that we are ahead of the Roos on game style and at this time, playing ability. The issue really is to ascertain if we are, in boxing terms, fighting in the bantamweight division and not yet able to move to the middleweight category. We are definitely not in the heavyweight class as yet.
3. The youngsters are alright. Playing against a team that has players of a comparable age range and experience, it was evident that Macdonald, Mackenzie, Weddle & Mitchell were comparable to their opponents. When consideration is given as to where they were taken in their respective drafts, this game demonstrated that the concerns of the preceding week provided another example of “things not being as bad or as good as you think that they are”. When you look at the BH game, the Roos had Greenwood, Shiels and Stephenson playing significant roles as against Ward, O’Sullivan, Dear and Ryan – there is a future for those that are prepared to be patient.
4. Meek is a ‘meat & potatoes” ruck man. With four games under his belt, the closest that Lloyd can get to finesse is by using a dictionary looking up fitness. His capacity to take marks around the ground is not a strength now and similarly, trying to be creative (see below) should be limited to handballing to players running past in very restricted circumstances. I think forward of centre that there is greater benefit from him kicking the ball long into the forward 50 as demonstrated by his long goal (intent is not a discussion point) and more obviously, in the 3rd quarter, where Chol had a mismatch to take a mark and goal. Similarly, his second goal reflected the need not to think about the decision and just execute the kick. Emblematic of Meek’s (lack of) attention to detail was in the 3rd quarter where there was a scrimmage in our forward flank/pocket which he was amid. When the umpire called for the ball up, he ambled back to set up the wall, but didn’t check to see if Chol had come up for the ball up (which he hadn’t), leaving Worpel to tackle Xerri after the contest. My watch here is to see how often, as the “big man”, he is not the one in the ground ball pack looking to get his knees dirty rather than standing on the outer ring as an outlet player.
5. Morrison is the vanilla ice cream in our midfield – In the middle of winter, when you sit down to your hot apple pie/crumble or sticky date pudding for those with a sweeter tooth, there is a need to have the scoop of ice cream with it, just to top it off. If you ate them separately, you wouldn’t get the same level of satisfaction. The same goes for our midfield as Morrison does appear to provide a sense of security to our midfield structure. He is the classic role player in the mold of Acres & MacIntosh – the issue with role is that they are more recognized for their stuff ups than their quiet achievements. (For those who prefer custard or cream, you do end up with a mess on your plate unsure as to which part is providing satisfaction to your palate.)
6. Clean hands are THE key – This is going to be the weekly measure!
Observations:
• Chol is starting to understand his role as both the outlet option on the wing and kick outs as well as being a disruptor in the marking contest in the forward 50. It was the first game where we had multiple goals from crumbing the contest or being front & square. His casual approach to his first shot from outside 50 reflected the approach he displays at training. His second shot reflected a more professional approach with the right outcome. Interestingly, with his shot after the siren at ¾ time, he appeared to be more stilted in his approach.
• Gunston’s goal kicking accuracy is not what it was. Considering where he took his shots from, there is a case for a little leniency to be given, however again, the shots themselves didn’t look to be “close”. At training, anecdotally, it has been noticed that his accuracy in goal kicking drills isn’t as strong as it was and his approach to his kick appears to be stiff.
• Whilst Meek’s goal from the centre square gained plaudits, it is worth going back to the centre clearance where Nash was able to provide a clean left-handed handball with an opponent hanging off his back to Newcombe who handballed to Meek for his long bomb. The Nash handball was the sort of action that Cripps has been lauded for over the years.
• CMac & Mackenzie played their best halves as a pair for the year. CMac did burn a couple of opportunities – his own shot for goal in the 1st quarter and a poor decision when clear entering F50 in the 3rd quarter where he kicked to Chol who was covered by two defenders rather than running further to hit Gunston free on the open side or the short entry. Mackenzie did use his left foot once whilst not “Jarman like” it was adequate – the hope being he develops his non-dominant side of his disposal.
• The desperation and cover of Impey I’d suggest is a feature of his game that goes unnoticed by many as epitomised by his diving in the goal square for a rushed behind. He actually led the inside 50 count.
• The form of Sicily has drawn some attention, with the way North played, I doubt their ball movement was be read by their own forwards which makes it hard for a player such as Sicily who looks to act as an interceptor. Aligned with this, the commitment of Scrimshaw and Frost to the ariel contest this year, has also impacted on Sicily’s role.
• Again, the run from behind handball in the middle of the ground, Weddle runs himself into traffic and a running banana from 40m out is not a high percentage play, compared to the CMac/Amon from the flank with no pressure, but a tighter angle.
• Weddle watch – he was again thrown forward and had a brief run as the around ground ruck man.
Starting 4:
1st Qrt: Worpel (20) Nash (25) Newcombe (21)
2nd Qrt: Mackenzie (15) Nash Newcombe (Amon to a wing)
3rd Qrt: Worpel Nash Newcombe
4th Qrt: Worpel Nash Newcombe
(Meek 27 Moore 8 Chol 3 Hustwaite 1)
Coach Killer
A ruck man kicking the ball backwards into the defensive 50 to a 2 on 1 is not what you want in the first 5 minutes of the game (fortunately Zurhaar missed).
Contenders: Kick ins from Sicily (execution of the kick) and Amon (late change of decision) with both occurring when we had the run of the game last in 2nd quarter.
Play of the day
In the 3rd quarter, a contest ground ball contest on the back edge of the centre square broadcast wing, Nash made body contact, followed up by Worpel tackling, then Mackenzie pressuring the North player out of the ball, allowing CMac to handball to Maginness to hit Gunston with a 50m pass on the run; handballing to Moore to kick the goal from the goal line.
Issue of the week:
• What to do with Dimma?
With Papley on the table next week, the obvious response would be to put Dimma back, however will it give us the best means to win or save the game? Playing at the MCG, Dimma as a forward will have more room to work in as a hit-up option and as his pass to Finn demonstrated, his inside 50 delivery is as good as anyone. Other than their talls, the Swans tend to play a zone defence, so a smart forward may be able to find some holes. Further to this, given they play McDonald, McLean and Amartey, this means Frost, Scrimshaw and Sicily (or Serong) with a mix of Papley, Hayward, Fox (possible tag for Sicily) & Wicks with Heeney rolling forward. This leaves Impey, Mitchell & Amon/D’Ambrosio as the alternative defensive options.
This may be a test of the “no limits” mantra.
We made a decision at the end of the 2021 season to go with Sam and at the end of 2022, we doubled down by committing to a hard core rebuild with a significant change in the list profile that required a commitment to developing youngsters. We knew that there would be pain and we felt that most acutely in the first 1/3 of last season and again last week against GCS. It's part of the strategy we've committed to and the catastrophising that took place last week from the football media and from Hawks fans was pretty ordinary. Similarly, as nice as it was to win against North, it was against a team that is one of the worst the competition has seen for quite some time and needs perspective.
The foundation of any successful team is consistency of pressure and this has been a concern this year. Notwithstanding the standard of opposition, our best quarter of footy this season coincided with our highest pressure rating for the season. If we can maintain high pressure on the opposition (and we understand that with a young team this will vary), we will at least be relatively hard to play against and that has to be the defining feature of our team.
It was great to see Newcombe and Nash win plenty of the ball and play with some real grunt, but is there any concern that Worps has gone off the boil this past fortnight? He was the standard bearer over the first four games and am hoping that he can return to something like his best this weekend. It was refreshing to see Dylan Moore in for a number of centre bounces - he is small but does provide a point of difference with his scurry from congestion and ability to draw a free kick. It would be good to see McDonald spend some time in there as well to further vary the mix.
The role of Finn is still an issue. We can't honestly be looking at him as a part of our forward line going forward? Which begs the question, what is his role in this team? He wasn't a hard tag on Sheezel, just as he wasn't on Flanders last week, both winning plenty of the ball, though we could argue the effectiveness versus volume. If Finn isn't playing a hard tag on an opposition midfielder, there's no place for him in the team. Mick's comment re Morrison has some merit (he's more the Black & Gold brand vanilla ice cream than the Blue Ribbon though), but he is still a plodder who consistently makes skill errors. Unfortunately, with CJ's injury, there is a wing role that remains available, and for now Harry probably has that. As with Finn though, Harry's not a part of our future.
Selection will be interesting this week. If Lewis and Day are available, it probably means that Serong and Hustwaite go out, with Massimo perhaps playing as the sub. Or perhaps Massimo has a rest this weekend. I think we play Seamus on Papley and have to back in Scirm, Frosty and Sic to do the job on McDonald, Amartey and McLean. If Heeney goes forward, Impey or Weddle will have to play on him. While he probably won't return to the senior side, terrific to see Josh Ward respond so well and very exciting to see young Calsher developing nicely. It will be a very special moment if he does get to make his senior debut.
If we can maintain the pressure this week and keep the diabolical errors to a minimum, we should hope to be competitive.
Mick, thanks again for your post and for injecting some excellent humour.