The consistency of Alastair Clarkson’s Hawthorn is simply incredible. After eight rounds this year, the Hawks had lost four times creating the predictable questions around whether Hawthorn had lost its mojo.
The Hawks responded in stunning fashion, failing to lose again until Round 18 against Richmond.
Even in Hawthorn’s six home-and-away losses this year, the average margin was just 11 points. Hardly demoralising defeats for the side now just one win away from a three-peat.
This is part of the reason Hawthorn’s such a difficult side to overcome in that, even when the opposition gets on top, it’s rarely a comfortable victory.
That’s why West Coast’s 32-point win over Hawthorn in week one of the finals was a shock and not just on the scoreboard.
Even in Hawthorn’s previous six losses they had still averaged 370 disposals per game (compared with 393 overall average), but against the Eagles at Domain Stadium Hawthorn was limited to 339. Sam Mitchell still had 35 touches on the day but many of his teammates couldn’t come to the party.
Credit has to go to West Coast who on the day outclassed Hawthorn. Nic Naitanui was on fire in the ruck, Josh Kennedy was a potent target up front and the Eagles had loads of ball winners across the ground including Mark Lecras, Shannon Hurn and Mark Hutchings.
Hawthorn’s defence struggled to stop West Coast’s entries with 17 marks inside 50.
Hawthorn, a side which averages 100 points per game could only find 9 goals and 64 points and had 64 marks for the game compared with their 103 average for 2015. Thank heavens for the double chance, as it would have been a travesty for Hawthorn to be knocked out after one bad game.
The statistics for Hawthorn in that game represented an anomaly for the season and the Melbourne side proved that, hitting back in style with clinical performances against Adelaide and Fremantle to silence the doubters.
The million dollar question now remains. Can West Coast restrict Hawthorn for a second time in a month, this time at the MCG, this time in front of 100,000 fans, the majority of whom will be cheering for the Hawks?
I have to say no, simply due to how Hawthorn has managed the biggest stage in the last two years.
The fact the team has six players in Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli, Jordan Lewis and Grant Birchall on the verge of four premierships tells you all you need to know about the experience that West Coast is up against.
Good luck to the Eagles. ‘All’ they need to do is once again limit Hawthorn to around 12 goals, 70 marks and kick straight themselves.
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Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy has been forced into a premature and immediate AFL retirement through concussion to prioritise a "full and healthy life"…
Jason Dunstall - humble as always!
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.
