The season turning point?
Reflections on an underdog victory that reached deep into the cockles of every Hawk fan
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ROUND 6: BULLDOGS 14.7 (91), HAWTHORN 14.14 (98)
📝 Main recap:
Fifteen seconds in. Goal. The signs were bleak.
Heck, five minutes in and we were all mentally travelling through the same corridor.
But what followed was a performance full of guts, full of heart, full of character. A real display of what this group has been built on and more positive crystal balling of what we have to look forward to.
We got through to the main break holding a well deserved eight point lead, and in forecasting the next hour many were considering that we had already taken enough out of the match to leave happy.
There was an air of inevitability in the final term when two goals on the trot in the space of three minutes brought the Dogs back to within two points - before we struck back with goals to Connor Macdonald and Calsher Dear.
Then it happened all over again. Bang, bang, bang. Three goals in four-and-a-half minutes put the Dogs in front for the first time since the first term.
Great effort guys. Worked hard, tried our best, just outclassed by a team that should be challenging in finals.
Nope - not having it. A wonderful effort not only throughout the first three and half quarters, but the final 15 minutes. We had our captain kick that goal, Ginni slot the one he really needed to, a huge effort from Nick Watson on the wing winning a 1-v-2 contest and our mids locking in the ball at each ball up.
But more than that. There was team unity, sticking to the game-plan, executing defensive structure and applied pressure, and a hunger that had us all feeling good - feeling great.
It was a gutsy win, and with two wins in three matches we again showed the footy world that our unwavering belief has been justified, and that good things will soon come our way.
Much like the building status at Dingley, the second level is almost ready for construction.
🧐 Things we like to see — Checkside is the best side
Nothing like seeing a checkside bend round and sail through the big sticks, and that is just what our good mate Con/Croc/CMac delivered us. After an incredible effort by James Worpel to tackle Adam Treloar and cause the ball to spill free, Connor Macdonald swooped on the effected kick, ran to 35, put the ball on his boot and bent a checkside through. Tasty.
🧐 Things we like to see — This shit is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S
Speaking of tasty, how scrumptious was Josh Weddle and his banana running inside forward 50 that he snapped through for another major a few minutes after Macdonald’s goal. Not many things more exciting at the moment that when our #23 gets the ball around 50 — you can just sense him wanting to get in on the goal scoring action. Tasty x2.
🍒 You never forget your first — a moment to hold Dear
This doesn’t really need words. Dare to Hope. 💜💜💜
🧙🏻♂️ A moment of magic — The Wizard
Let’s leave this one to Sam:
“There is a fantastic piece of footage right on the far wing and he jumps up and spoils it and he’s not really built for that, but he jumps up and spoils it and he chases and getting a run down tackle, and we end up winning the ball and going forward.”
“The fact he was able to get back up off the canvas after an embarrassing error for the kid and then do something that the team absolutely values and gave us another opportunity to score - without his resilience I don’t think we in that game.”
🕵🏻♂️ Prinsy’s Observations from Marvel
It looked like a repeat of last Sunday was on the cards early, with a goal after 15 seconds and three unanswered in the first five minutes for the Bulldogs. The Hawks were able to wrestle back control this week but would want to stop giving teams the upper hand early in matches.
The signs were good early for Calsher Dear, a big pack mark was his first touch of the football and it set the scene for the rest of his debut game.
The moment of the match was clearly Dear’s first goal, and what a moment it was. His mentor, Jack Gunston close by, snapped truly and the celebrations were well and truly on.
Hawthorn’s ability to set up a defensive zone which completely restricted the Bulldogs run and gun game was impressive. It was even more effective because it was coupled with the sort of ferocity around the contest that is required to win consistently. Pressure and tackling were way up this week.
It felt like everything turned when James Sicily went down with a shoulder dislocation. Not only was the captain able to return after half time, but his three deputies (Frost, Scrimshaw and Weddle) were incredible in limiting the impact of Darcy, Naughton and Ugle-Hagan.
While we’re on the subject of Josh Weddle, this is a kid who could be ANYTHING. Lockdown defender, third tall forward, inside or outside midfielder. He will eventually have to lock down a position, but the excitement his brings when around the football is contagious.
Leadership has been a talking point in the Insiders WhatsApp for a couple of weeks now but not today. Sicily’s bravery, Impey’s courage and dash, and Scrimshaw’s determination were all signs that the middle-aged players know that the responsibility stops with them.
Speaking of leaders, is there a more passionate and committed leader than Dylan Moore? That man would happily give a limb for his football club and isn’t it great to see him fit and firing again.
The Bulldogs midfielders got the stats, but Hawthorn’s midfield battled manfully against a top opponent. Newcombe, Nash and Worpel, with the addition of Day, made sure that any clearance the Dogs got was pressured, forcing rushed entries into forward 50 or exits from the defensive side.
This weekend was the first sub choice I’ve agreed with this season, with Nick Watson’s ability to impact a contest the kind of thing you want to be able to call upon. He had his opportunity to ice the game late and somehow missed the unmissable, but he more than made up for it with a one on two effort including a spoil and a tackle which may have saved the game.
Connor Macdonald will play his 50th game for the Hawks in Tasmania next weekend and has become an ever-present in this Hawthorn lineup. He still has his doubters, which baffles me, but no one can deny his class. The right foot check side was *chefs kiss*.
This was a game the Hawks needed. Beating North Melbourne is one thing but knocking off the Bulldogs at their home ground is another. This team will head to UTAS Stadium absolutely believing they can be St Kilda, and they should believe. The game is there to be won.
⭐️ Best on ground — Jarman Impey
Could also be given the Unsung Hero nomination for this week — it was an incredible performance from Jars at Marvel Stadium. The perfect combination of defensive work versus offensive run, intercepting versus propelling the ball forward, leadership and commitment. It was a true four quarter performance from Impey that showcased his leadership qualities in abundance. Twenty-seven touches, 12 marks, 93% disposal efficiency with seven intercept possessions. Quality.
💫 Rising star — Lloyd ‘Dobler’ Meek
Another category with so many options for worth players this week. Think Josh Weddle, Connor Macdonald, and even Calsher Dear. But one player who has been on the sharpest of rises over the past month is Meek. Having only just turned 26 two weeks ago, Meek is heading into the prime of his career and added Tim English to his list of scalps since returning to the team. That list includes Brodie Grundy and Darcy Cameron — all battles that he at the very least halved — if not won. Forty-five hit outs, six tackles, 16 disposals and a goal. It was a wonderful day at the office for our big hunk of human.
👼 Unsung hero — Conor Nash
Has put a few decent games together after what was a very slow start to season 2024. Our Irishman put in another workmanlike performance with an important shift at the coalface of many a stoppage on Sunday afternoon. Finished the game with nine tackles, eight clearances four hit outs (as our second ruckman) and three score involvements. Sam Mitchell praised Nash for being the driver and taking ownership in changing things on the ground when we were three goals down after five minutes, and this is the exact type of leadership we have been crying out for all season. More of the same next week, please.
🤯 Under pressure — Josh Ward
Had a very quiet day against the Dogs with nine touches — only six of which were effective. Was played out of position across the forward line for large chunks of the match, but the groans were audible when he dropped a basic chest mark when the screws were being turned in the final term. Might just be that he needs more full games at Box Hill to get his confidence skyrocketing. But then again, might just be that the outing and win will give him the same said confidence, and allow him to gain valuable match experience, too. Thursday night at selection will be an interesting watch.
👀 Box Hill watch — renamed ‘Chad watch’
Another outing for Wingard at Box Hill and another tick on his pathway to a full recovery and a hand up for being selected back in the seniors side. Kicked a goal and got through increased game time, and is being managed beautifully to have his body ready for AFL football in a few weeks time. We are definitely here for it.
😡 Brad’s early call
🧐 The burning question - Can we back it up?
Four quarters of footy will more often than not yield positive results, and despite the first five minutes of the match this was a true four-quarter effort. Can we do it again? We think it is fair to believe that if we back up this week against the Saints with the same effort, intensity and execution that we brought against the Dogs, we are a monster chance at winning another game. That would have us 3-1 through our last four matches!
🎤 Sammy said what!?
“I’m really glad that the AFL has got on the front foot and is doing something about the domestic violence issue that we have in our community.”
“We need to continue to call out anything to do with domestic violence … this is one that I think if we talk about a bit more as a society then it is something we can look to stamp out because it is unacceptable and we let too much of it happen.”
“Our first quarters have consistently gone not very well so we have been looking for solutions in early parts of games.”
“Today there was reward for effort — we handled the momentum swings well today which we have been a bit hit and miss with.”
“I think the character that the boys showed was fantastic.”
“The belief and the commitment for what we had done through the week, through the month, through the year, through the years - I think you are always looking for evidence that we’re on the right track and I think today you could see it.”
🗣️ Final words — Lloyd Meek speaking exclusively to Hawks Insiders
“We do a lot of work on mentality and just trying to perform in every situation and we have some things in place to try and stem momentum if it’s going against us - we were able to implement them this week and crawl our way back in.”
“He (Tm English) can certainly run - he’s definitely one of the best runners that I’ve come across, and I knew that I had to try and beat him around the ball because they are my strengths.”
“I have worked long and hard and got some good consistent coaching around me. Eventually if you just keep at it, keep doing your extras and planning out your weekly routine and getting to work then things start turning your way.”
“I’m by no means a finished product and it has been nice to be able to string a few games together but I just know that it’s one week at a time and I’ll be doing that for the rest of my career I’m sure.”
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What was learnt:
1. Kudos to the coaches. Following the ho-ha from last week and more significantly, the critique of the first quarter in the Melbourne game, Sam and his coaching crew deserve plaudits for the way in which they set up and managed the game plan and game strategy.
a) The game strategy was adapted to both circumstances and situations. With the early onslaught, it was recognised that the back six needed some additional help, so Hardwick went back as an extra defender to assist with the defensive set up. This meant that we had forward 4 as we still started the high half forward, leaving a plus 1 in our defensive 50. What was interesting is that both teams were happy to have a plus 1, however when Hardwick went forward so too did his direct opponent. This had two ramifications – i) their forward 50 was crowded for leading lanes for Naughton & JUH which has often been how they set up their scoring shots. This meant that they bombed to the hot spot which, aside from two notable exceptions, we were able to kill or intercept; and ii) our forward 50 was quite open which gave our forwards space to work in and really assisted Gunston and Dear as the back 5 of the Dogs could be easily separated and not allow for the interceptor (usually Jones) come across to spoil or take the mark.
Then when Sicily went down, Hardwick became the temporary replacement until Larazus-like, Sicily re-appeared. Interestingly, late in the 2nd quarter, Hardwick started as a defensive wingman that pushed Morrison into the high half forward role as we looked to shore up the red time pressure which is still a work in progress. It may be a statistical first that he has played as a forward, mid & defender.
b) Selection of and implementation of the sub. Undoubtedly, the selection of the sub has been one of the mysteries of life for supporters this year but may well reflect the impact of injuries on selection. In selecting Watson who would have been on manage minutes, he became the impact sub, although if Lazarus hadn’t had risen, it may have been a different story. Similarly, bringing him in the 3rd quarter was a recognition that there was going into space in our forward 50 to work with and the speed of Watson was to be more significant than the endurance and strength of Mackenzie who hadn’t had a poor game.
c) Sicily going forward in the final quarter appears to be a consensus decision, however no one builds a statue to a committee, so Sam should be recognised for making the final decision. As is said of good coaches: “coaches take the blame and players take the praise”. Late in the quarter, it was also Will Day who came back to play the extra defender when the stakes were at their highest, yet our mids were still competitive around the ball.
2. Learning is happening amongst the playing group. For those of us who made the trip out to Whitten Oval for the pre-season game against the Dogs, the first three minutes would’ve created some serious cases of PTSD as to how this game was to play out. However, aided by the strategic decisions from the coach’s box, a number of senior players took the bit between their teeth and weren’t going to accept what was happening. This coincided with the rotation of Nash into the centre square which Sam alluded to in press conference. If you have the chance to watch his first 5 minutes on the ground, it is worth noting the impact he had on the game to turn the tide. It was curious that our starting centre square was Newcombe, Worpel & Day given Nash’s record against Bontempelli and Liberatore.
3. “Meek and potatoes" with gravy this week. Whilst the first few minutes didn’t augur for Meek and brought back memories of the pre-season game, he showed a further dimension to his game this week in a couple of ways. Firstly, by getting his knees dirty and getting into the ground ball pack with his huge frame, he allowed Day, Newcombe, Nash & Worpel to become the outlets for any ground ball wins whereas in previous weeks he had looked to be the receiver of their dirty work. Secondly, whilst he wasn’t always able to keep up with English, he put himself into dangerous situations with the clever tap to Ward for the crumbing goal as well as his own goal from the interference in the marking contest. Structurally, the first skill set – getting to the bottom of packs - is really important to us as it allows us options on the outside and secondly, it also keeps Nash fresh for when he has to act as the chop out ruck around the ground. Meek also learnt his lesson from last week in a defensive pack situation to kill the ball rather than trying to mark it.
4. Midfield cohesion and clean hands in the centre square. For our mids, given that they are not fleet of foot, the need to be clean and connected around the contest is really important if we are to start our attack from forward of centre. With Day returning, the rotation of our midfield looks to be more balanced and better able to run out games. For brief periods, Worpel & Newcombe went forward and Day back with Nash playing the around ground ruck after Dear had contested the centre bounces. The first clearance of the last quarter demonstrated the type of clearance we are looking to enact with quick hands around the centre circle with Nash handballing to Impey off half back for a strong forward entry and goal. It had shades of the way the Tigers used Rioli off half back from time to time. There was another example earlier in the game as well. The unfortunate aspect of when clean hands don’t work for us was when the Dogs came out of the contest to kick two quick goals to shift the momentum – Newcombe both times was the unlucky one in not body lining the ball and then half fumble. I realise some will say that this is harsh, but when you play Bont and Libba, this is all they need.
5. The “whipping boys” played their roles. Every club has them and supporters “love” to flog them, however in a game like this, they need to be given their dues. The issue for them is that too often the subtlety of their roles are not “respected”. In taking on Williams, Maginness was able to cut down an exit avenue for the Dogs which lead to some back half turnovers. Similarly, Morrison on the other wing was able to ensure that they didn’t have a clear alternative route to their forward 50. Think of the times that they had to kick across wing to wing to switch their attack. Yes they both do both make skill/decision errors, however their application to their role has to be recognised. Another player who I think is unduly “whipped” and he was made mention of in Sam’s presser is Impey who cannot be faulted in any game for his effort and sometimes, I think bites off more than he can chew which draws the ire of the supporters. Nash provided the two opportunities for Dear in the last quarter. For this group, when the “better” players are more consistent and add their dash of brilliance eg. CMac & Weddle, their contributions are more effective.
6. The question of leadership has to be put to bed. Again, it has been interesting to hear some concerns about the leadership qualities of Sicily since the season started. As most of us only see two hours of their week, it is an area that is fraught with danger when one looks to pass judgement. Given that actions always speak louder than words, thus when he puts his arm to come back on; then realise that he may be a risk to the team, but provides a strategic alternative; we have to pause and recognize that perhaps we are too quick to judge. Similarly, his bake of Watson for his miss, whilst not perfect, was driven by the right intention and is another leadership learning for him. (However, Sis’s memory may be like most supporters for a player to miss two shots from as close as that in his first four games is some feat! Cats’ game was the other one.)
7. Clean entries inside 50 allow for better scoring opportunities & reward for effort. This is the first time for the year that I can recall the majority of our scoring shots were between the 45 degree arc from the goal square/centre corridor rather being closer to the boundary line, aside from Gunston who was caught wide a few times. Notwithstanding, the outrageous goals from CMac and Weddle, the other goals where much more makeable this week. When you look at our scoring efficiency I50 this week was 67% whereas from Rd.1 to 7 it read 49% (Dons); 43% (Dees); 40% (Cats); 34% (Pies); 37% (Suns); 50% (Roos); 42% (Swans); there is a significant difference. I’m sure this % will prove to be an outlier, however, if we can get to the high 40% more regularly, then the chances of posting a defendable score will be significantly increased.
8. Predictability is a key to performance. When you look at the way the game panned out, being predictable to each other made a significant difference to the pattern of play. Nothing typified this more than Weddle’s searching runs which were in straight lines towards to the goals rather than including a half circle or stop/start component to them. This would have assisted those inside 50 to work out their own leading patterns. Similarly, as mentioned earlier, with the big bloke fighting on the ground, the mids were able to set up a defensive/offensive structure around these packs. The back six has had this component all year with the way Scrimshaw, Frost and Sicily have worked to spoil or intercept forward entries, whereas the other two parts of the team hadn’t quite gelled yet.
Seriously Mick, you should be working for Champion Data. Great analysis and very enjoyable reading, as always. A couple of notable points for me were:
1. We stopped the intercept marks in our forward 50. This has been a killer all season with so many of our entries quickly neutralized by an opposition mark.
2. This in turn helped to reduce the quick rebound from our forward 50, which has been an issue all season, no more so than the previous week against Sydney. In this respect we were aided to an extent by several blooper moments from the Dogs when attempting to exit our forward 50, but overall we did an excellent job in countering their rebound.
3. As you say, Sam had very few 'hair losing' moments with our diabolical error rate as low as it's been all season and probably for some time. Last week, we had two 2 goal turnarounds and countless occasions where we butchered the ball, the impact of which was to deny us a scoring opportunity and/or to create a scoring opportunity for the opposition.
4. A couple of issues that need work:
* While Connor Mac had a productive game with his three goals, it would be good to find a way to get him into the game more. He has a lot to offer but can have blocks of games where he's just not involved at all.
* What to do with Josh Ward who is struggling to have the impact we'd hoped to see in this, his third season? He's perhaps a victim of playing outside of his ideal role, which is as an inside midfielder, but with the return of Will Day, it's hard to see how that's going to change. He's a good and creative user of the footy and he's another one that we need to find a way to get more involved.
*Centre bounce goals again hurt us, and this has been a recurring theme across the season and had we lost, would have been the biggest contributing factor. It's disappointing and surprising given that we were so strong in this area last season.
*Aside from centre bounces, the other factor that could have cost us that victory was our goal kicking. Sam made reference to it after the game, specifically that we can't do any more work on it than we currently are, but it is an ongoing concern.
*Take your point about the role playing of Morrison and Maginness, and it's hard to see how there's a role for either Finn or Harry as this group develops. The continued selection of Finn in a non-tagging role is odd and perhaps he's just a place holder until Chad is available. But this isn't a week to be negative.
5. Selection will be interesting this week. Mabior returns, but it's very hard to work out who goes out, suspect it will be Harry or Josh Ward and it's likely that Watson will be in the 22, which likely leaves Harry or Ward as the sub.