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In a cracking game Hawthorn has held off a valiant St. Kilda, finishing as 3 point winners at Aurora Stadium.
REPORT: MITCHELL SHINES IN HAWKS WIN
It is Hawthorn’s 16th win in a row in Launceston, but the Saints gave them a mighty scare, almost snatching victory from the three-time reigning premiers.
Sam Mitchell was enormous for the victors, gathering a career-high 44 disposals, showcasing his trademark poise and polish on a day his team was desperate for heroes.
The Saints will lament some crucial errors late in the game, with Paddy McCartin failing to convert truly after a spectacular pack mark in the dying minutes, and David Armitage giving away a free kick in the final moments.
Saints fans will also wonder what could’ve been in regards to some questionable umpiring decisions towards the end that no doubt affected the final score.
It was Hawthorn’s big names that stepped up when the game was on the line, with players like Burgoyne, Lewis and Puopolo putting quiet days behind them to influence the result.
For the Saints, Riewoldt, Savage and Armitage battled hard all day – but it was a true across-the-board effort from the developing group.
The willingness of the Saints to move the ball quickly and courageously looked to catch the Hawks off guard early, and with some key names still missing, the Saints looked to have the better of them at times.
They could’ve easily put some distance between them and the favourites, but some terrible skill errors in their back half afforded the Hawks’ forwards opportunities to stay in touch.
When scores were level in the last, the Hawks proved to have too much experience and class, being able to hold on and walk away with the 4 points.
Hawthorn also will relish getting valuable game experience into some younger players, as well as being pleased by the return of Luke Hodge.
To be so close and not win will no doubt shatter this young St Kilda team, but if they can replicate today’s effort, they will soon be back on the winners list.
It was a great game that both sides deserved to win, but ultimately it was Hawthorn who once again proved why they are the league’s best.
Final score
Hawthorn 13.9 (87)
St Kilda 13.6 (84)
This Saturday, it’s time for the young St Kilda Saints to face up to the mighty Hawthorn Hawks at their Tasmanian fortress, Aurora Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:10pm (AEST).
We are set up for a true David versus Goliath story down in Tasmania today, with not many people giving the Saints any sort of chance against the three-time reigning premiers – and that’s an opinion that’s very hard to argue with.
Hawthorn is the dominant force of the AFL and has been for almost four years, while the Saints are very much in a rebuilding phase. If everything goes as it’s scripted, the Hawks will dish out a lesson to their younger opposition – but as we all know, not everything goes to plan.
This St Kilda side is already capable of playing brilliant patches of football where it seems they are as good as anyone, slicing up their opponents with slick run and carry. They totally overwhelmed Collingwood last week and were impressive early in Round 1 against the Power before fading out late.
There’s plenty of talent in their squad, headlined by ‘The Five Jacks’ – Steven, Billings, Sinclair, Lonie and Newnes. They’re still developing at their key posts however, and even with veteran warriors littered through the team they will be inconsistent. Tom Lee, Eli Templeton and Blake Acres come in this week for the injured trio of Luke Dunstan, Jimmy Webster and Dylan Roberton.
If there’s any team that should easily account for a developing side like the Saints, it’s Hawthorn. Coach Alastair Clarkson rarely lets any side get the better of him, and with the early return of inspirational skipper Luke Hodge, the Hawks will go about their business in the only way they know how and look for a big percentage-boosting win down in Launceston.
Losing premier defender Josh Gibson for the game may not worry them too much, but expect the Saints to make noticeable efforts to exploit his absence. Jon O’Rourke and Ryan Schoenmakers also come out of the Hawks team, while Daniel Howe and Tim O’Brien come in alongside their captain.
With names like Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne, Jack Gunston, Jordan Lewis, Cyril Rioli and Luke Breust running around in good health, it’s always very difficult to make a case against the Hawks. The Saints have the biggest test of the season today – can last week’s sparkling form carry them to a shock victory?
Let’s see what they’re made of.
Prediction
The Saints were super impressive last week and won a lot of fans, but you just don’t tip against the Hawks in Tassie.
Hawthorn by 40.
Will it be business as usual for Hawthorn or will St Kilda run them off their feet to a miracle win? Join The Roar from 2:10pm (AEST) for live scores and rolling commentary.
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