Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson makes no apologies for the Hawks’ hard-nosed approach in Saturday night’s 60-point win over North Melbourne.
Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis are sweating on the match review panel’s assessment of incidents that resulted in Andrew Swallow and Todd Goldstein needing medical attention in the first quarter at Etihad Stadium.
The Hawks were brushed aside in a blistering opening term by Port Adelaide last week, but Clarkson denied he had sent his players on a mission to overtly physically intimidate the Kangaroos.
“We weren’t intending to make a physical statement as such,” Clarkson said, after declining to comment on the incidents in question.
“We try to start games in a spirited manner in every game that we play in – so does every side in the competition.
“When you’ve got two bulls going at each other, two really talented sides who both finished top four last year, then the spirit is going to be right in the contest. So there is very little surprise that it was pretty spirited in the first part of the game.
“We’re pleased with our endeavour and our hunt of the footy – it got us away to some scoreboard pressure on the opposition.”
The game got off to a fiery start when the Hawks’ skipper caught Swallow in the jaw with a swinging left arm, and threatened to boil over after Lewis felled Goldstein with an old-fashioned coat hanger just minutes later.
Lewis was reported by umpire Sam May, but Hodge will have to wait for the MRP’s assessment on Monday to see if he has a case to answer.
“It was a bit of a brain fade, but we’ll see what happens,” Hodge told the Seven Network after the match.
“If anything comes of it, whatever happens, I’ll speak (about it) post that.”
Lewis told the broadcaster that he had made accidental contact with Goldstein’s head in a misguided attempt to spoil.
Swallow had his jaw checked after the forceful contact that led to a heated scuffle, but returned to the field only to cop a second high blow in a third-quarter tackle by Ben Stratton that resulted in him being subbed out of the game.
North coach Brad Scott didn’t think that his captain had been targeted by the Hawks, but he was pleased with how his players responded when challenged.
“I think they’re getting better at that,” Scott said.
“Hawthorn are a dominant side for a reason. You’ve got to respond and stand up for yourself and at the same time remain composed. I thought we did that reasonably well, but we were outplayed for the rest of the game.
“But if sides think they can ruffle Andrew Swallow’s feathers then they’re mistaken.”
Scott said that Swallow had been cleared to go back on after completing his 20-minute concussion substitution, but that the club had taken a conservative approach that should allow him to play next week.
mattyb
Guest
If Yarran got 3 weeks and Lewis & Hodge get 2 then one is more than enough for donfreo to have to cop. #bringbackdonfreo
mattyb
Guest
Rick,if donfreo gets 4 weeks Lewis has to get at least 5 and Hodge 6 - 8 #bringbackdonfreo
Big Dallo
Guest
Both those UFC inspired moves should get 6 to 8. Imagine if it was a lesser player at a lesser club. Ban him the people would cry.
Penster
Guest
If Yarran got 3 weeks, then Lewis & Hodge should get 2 apiece. Yarran's was far worse.
alicesprings
Guest
Absolutely..Lewis west for the head. Cant believe he claimed to be going for a spoil!!! At least Hodge admitted he had a brain fade. Lying Lewis on the other hand...
alicesprings
Guest
Both Hodge and Lewis are cowards. Ive lost count how many times I've seen them take cheap shots at key opposition players. Any yet so many people gush over how 'courageous' especially Hodge is??! Im obviously missing something. Lewis 3 weeks. Hodge 4 weeks.
Powerbot
Guest
.....I hear Jordan Lewis, and Buddy, are ...."lookin' for someone other than the wife".....watch the ad.
DJW
Guest
Lewis been offered 2 weeks (3 weeks down to 2 with early plea) What a joke.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
"I can’t really see how Hodge’s action was a continuation of anything" it wasn't, which is why he will probably plead guilty. Lewis's actions was probably deliberate also, but it would be very hard to prove, as such he will probably plead not guilty, but take recklessness in his actions. Interesting night coming up for both.
David Ward
Guest
Ban the club from the finals for bringing the game into disrepute. More importantly, ban Jordan Lewis from sharing any more of his wedding snaps.
Paul W
Guest
Lewis got exactly what he aimed for, there was no careless about it. Tried to take out the inform, most influential ruckman in the comp. With Hodge the red mist came down for some reason. After the game he said something like more will come out about it and he'd talk about it later. Wonder what his "excuse" will be. Just surprised that other thug Mitchell didn't let loose with some of his trademark short rips to the stomach, or I just missed them.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Dodgy more or less admitted it was deliberate. No surprise from Lewis, who's alway on the look out for a cheap shot.. Brian Lake must be very disappointed in them. North might as well have donked them back despite what Scott said. Got well and truly trounced. Lucky it's long season.
langou
Roar Guru
The family club
Balthazar
Guest
I can't really see how Hodge's action was a continuation of anything, nor that he was off balance. He got off the ground to take a swing at Swallow, who was totally unprepared to protect himself. The punch, to me, looked worse as it was clearly intentional. Mind you, pretty gutless of Lewis to hit a player like that from behind at speed. He could have really hurt Goldstein. Hawks may pride themselves on unsociable football but that first quarter was just thuggish, and pathetic (given how beautfiully they played for the rest of the game) that it was from their "leaders".
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
It all depends on the medical reports. I didn't see the game personally, just the highlights. From my understanding of the new system, Lewis incident will be classified as medium to high impact, reckless but unintentional. Hodge will probably seen as reckless, intentional and of medium impact. Hard to say what those get, but considering we saw a 3 match suspension to a Carlton player only 2 weeks ago, one would suggest Hodge could be facing something similar. Chappy was mildly concussed due to that punch, so it really depends on what the medical report says and what Swallow says in defence of Hodge at the tribunal.
Ray
Guest
Not a good look from team Leaders I must admit but I thought it would go the other way. Hodge 1-2 noting Swallow's first "contact" in dragging Hodge off Thomas. Innocent enough but not his job. I dare say that the Hodge defence will be that he just "continued" in the direction he was dragged and could not "control" his reaction being "off balance" from Swallow's drag. Jordan, on the other hand has nothing. He could try for "mental instability" but thats about it and I see him getting up to four because it was intentional, late and high. Am now, as a Hawks fan, interested to see who can standup in the Leadership roles with those two out. No doubt Sammy Mitchell is up for it and will be supported by Roughead, Burgoyne and Shiels. Will also give Anderson, Woodward and O'Rourke some more game time. Noting that, and the "rest" that the two bad boys get it could even be construed to be a win, win for the Hawks....
Franko
Guest
Lewis is the one in real trouble, we'll see him take the field next in June. Anyone that watched Clarkson play in his day will know how proud he'd be.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
3-4 weeks for Hodge 1-2 weeks for Lewis Disgraceful effort from the captain and vice captain. Great effort from the players though to brush another good side away.