More than just the four points

A magnificent performance in Tasmania saw us take more than just the four points - the Apprentice has now gone 1-0 up against the Master

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ROUND 3: HAWTHORN 11.14 (80), NORTH 9.7 (61)

📝 Main recap:

We are not going to lie - that was a sweet, sweet victory.

Yes it absolutely releases the built up pressure that to be honest, has been applied mainly by the media and external agencies - rather than from within the four walls at our club.

And yes, it was great to win our first game of the season to avoid heading into Easter Monday (like someone else we know) with a 0-3 record.

But the sweetness comes from the one up we got on Clarko and his crew. On Liam Shiels and Dan Howe taking their places in the blue and white striped line-up. On vision of not just Clarko crouching on the sidelines, but of Monkey and Ratts all looking strange in the (losing) colours of one of the most ongoing irrelevant clubs in the competition.

The sweetness comes in seeing the further emergence of Tyler Brockman, Will Day, Cam Mackenzie, Josh Ward, Cam Macdonald, Jai Newcombe and co.

The sweetness comes in seeing the quality that the likes of Jack Scrimshaw, Dylan Moore, James Sicily and Blake Hardwick bring to our team.

The sweetness comes in the passion, pride and togetherness our whole club has for each other at the moment.

The sweetness comes in watching a game more than once, reading articles and listening to podcasts following a day of footy to remember.

The sweetness comes in the waiting to see what Damo, Caro, Leigh Montagna and friends can drum up to focus their brown and gold negativity on this week.

We are not going to lie - that was a sweet, sweet victory.

✂️ Snippet of the match #1:

Fergus Greene behind, Luke Breust behind, Rushed behind, Fergus Greene behind, Conor Nash behind. They were our first five scoring shots in the final term before returning hero Tyler Brockman capped off a piece of individual brilliance in the 19th minute of the quarter to seal the game. The perfect display of forward-craft saw Brocky front and centre to rove and crumb a marking contest, where against two North players, Greene brought the ball to ground. Like another famous #33 of recent times Brockman swooped, picked up the ball so cleanly and off two steps, snapped truly from 30 metres out. Incredible talent, and incredible moment as the whole team rallied around him.

✂️ Snippet of the match #2:

Is there anything better than seeing some raw and unbridled passion and love for the jumper? The goal which put the icing on the cake on Saturday gave us just that, with Hawthorn’s homegrown Dylan Moore snapping perfectly from outside 40m to seal the Roos’ fate. And in doing so he showed us what the club means to him - pulling his top away from his chest and roaring in exaltation as everyone else gathered around him to celebrate. Representing all that is good about this current crop of superstar kids and the direction we are heading in, Moore’s reaction was that of every Hawthorn fan at 4:15pm on Saturday.

🍔 Ash’s Key takeaways

1. The Hawks copped a break when the brilliant Luke Davies-Uniacke was a late withdrawal joined Jy Simpkin on the North injury list, robbing the Kangas of their two best midfielders. Serial dominator of Hawthorn Ben Cunnington tried his darndest, but for once the Hawks went into the game with the deeper midfield. And it showed.

2. Conor Nash set the scene for the Hawks early. He was everywhere early, taking advantage of a non-accountable Cunnington and offering physicality around the ball. His 24 possessions was a career high.

   

3. A few smart Hawk analysts thought the omission of Jacob Koschitzke would lead to Jai Newcomb and James Worpel playing more out if the forward line. Fair to say Newcombe looked the more accomplished of the pair.

4. Will Day is putting together a fantastic start to the season. It has only been three weeks, but hard to remember three games on the trot of sustained quality. He is deceptively big and strong and now on the fast track to becoming Hawthorn’s best player, which many had him pegged to be after his slashing debut season. Cannot wait to see him go head to head with the Cats on the big stage next Monday.

5. The other great story was Tyler Brockman. We might have all forgotten that he can play a bit. Clever and crafty and plays above his size. Mark Williams reincarnated without the shotgun.

   

6. Radio silence, as expected, from the Hawks about Chad Wingard’s absence, having expressed confidence that he would play, but he and Brockman in the same forward line will give the Cats something to think about next week.

7. At the other end, Jack Scrimshaw made a welcome return and Sam Frost curbed the red-hot Nick Larkey. That’s the Sam Frost that Hawthorn really needs.

8. One mark each for Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves? Probably not the return the Hawks need. But liked the physicality. They need a few more weeks.

9. The Mitchell-Clarkson narrative in the build-up was just a bit silly. It was portrayed as though they would need to be restrained from coming to blows. But I think the post-game joy at the Hawks was due to winning a game after two non-competitive weeks. Dylan Moore cradling the jumper after a goal might have been a subtle ‘up yours’ to a few of the critics.

10. Didn’t know Dan Howe was such a beloved figure at the Hawks. Took his sweet time leaving the ground after a series of catch-ups with his ex-teammates.

    

11. Not sure we saw enough from the Hawks to suggest they can get over the Cats, who will feast on any inefficient ball use going forward, especially as happened during the third term against North. Then again, we thought that last year and it turned into one of the great days at the footy.

⭐️ Superstar - Dylan Moore

It has been somewhat of a quiet start to the season for Dylan Moore - perhaps reflected by the results in the opening two rounds of 2023. But our vice-captain was back to his prolific self against the Roos, dominating to once again prove that he is one of the best small forwards in the competition. Moore finished the game with 26 disposals, 12 marks and kicking two goals - including the sealer in the final term. He had a whopping 528 metres gained (second most on the ground) and had the most inside 50’s (seven) and score involvements (nine) on the park. But perhaps the defining moment was that passion for the jumper. Elite.

💫 Rising star - Tyler Brockman

Did anyone know that Brocky only played 10 seconds of football in 2022, has twin girls and is only 20 years of age? Not sure the commentary team were able to convey these points to the viewers at home despite the 1,473 mentions throughout the broadcast. At any rate, the performance Brockman put on wearing Cyril’s #33 was outstanding, providing the spark in the forward line we have been crying out for. He chased, led, tackled and booted three majors as part of his seven score involvements. All this despite only playing 10 seconds of football in 2022 and having twin girls (😉) - Brockman is a star in the making.

Hawthorn FC @HawthornFC

Tyler Brockman appreciation tweet 🤩

🤷‍♂️ Falling star - Lloyd Meek

Last week the big fella looked so good when Ned Reeves left the ground early and he was forced to ruck solo. This week Meek lacked any real presence in the game, and despite managing to attend enough contests and bring the ball to ground, his influence was limited. With only eight touches, one mark and seven hit-outs we really need our giant to stand up and be counted. And event though it is fantastic that he is such a nice guy, a bit of mongrel wouldn’t go astray either.

👼 Unsung Hero - Karl Amon

Amon had arguably his best game for the club against North, and it’s no surprise that it is probably due to the inclusion of fellow Winger Harry Morrison. Harry plays a defensive wing role which gave Amon a bit more freedom to attack running forward, and while his 24 touches and five marks might not seem exceptional, some digging unpacks the quality of his contribution to the contest. Amon racked up 582 metres gained - the most on the ground and more than 10% better than the next best player. He also had the equal most clearances for the brown and gold with five, had five score involvements, seven inside 50’s and seven defensive half pressure acts - highlighting his two-way running. A real asset and wonderful acquisition that shone in Tasmania in round three.

🪜 Ladder check in 

Well there is a bit more to smile about checking out the ladder this week. Not only are we off the foot of the table for the first time this year (and don’t Geelong look lovely sitting there), but we are a sneaky two points out of the top eight. Nice to get some ladder breathing space.

🎤 Sammy press conference bingo 

• “We needed to keep them honest.” ✅

• “I’m really proud of the resilience of the group.” ✅

• “The players deserved some reward for effort.” ✅

• “I was really pleased.” ✅

• “I thought we deserved to win the game.” ✅

• “I’m really proud of their effort.” ✅

🗣️ What they said - James Sicily

“It’s awesome to get a bit of reward for effort for everyone - the players, the coaches and the staff.

“It’s obviously not the start of the year we’d hoped for but to get a win - the first one to know what it feels like to win, it’s a good feeling so hopefully we can keep the ball rolling and be consistent with the way we play.

“Winning sets you up for a good week - we will train hard and the bumps and the niggles feel a little bit easier to get over after a win and we can’t wait to get out there on Easter Monday.”

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