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.
me too
Guest
Very pleased with that effort. Nothing in it and daresay the Saints probably more deserving. Lee, bar two errors, gave us the lovely long accurate kicking out from defence we need. Ross just consistently delivering game after game, Bruce looks to have returned to form, and McCartin showing why he was a number one pick - will be very hard to stop in a year or two. Very impressive running and tackling - the future is looking good.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
MATCH RESULT In a cracking game, Hawthorn has held off a valiant St. Kilda, finishing as 3 point winners at Aurora Stadium. 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. VOTES 3 – Sam Mitchell 2 – Nick Riewoldt 1 – John Ceglar
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
HAWKS WIN! The mighty Hawks do indeed take the 4 points in Tassie. The stars stood up when it counted and found a way, as they usually do. Saints should be proud of themselves though, that was an incredible effort.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Armitage takes Birchall below the legs and with the ensuing free kick, Grant sucks up every second he can. With 3 seconds left, Hawthorn will hold on. Hawthorn 13.9.87 St. Kilda 13.6.84 Q4 31′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Hawks are swarming around the ball - a quick turnover could change everything! Hawthorn 13.9.87 St. Kilda 13.6.84 Q4 30′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Less than 2 minutes to go and we have a stoppage at the Hawks' half-forward. This is incredibly tense! Hawthorn 13.9.87 St. Kilda 13.6.84 Q4 29′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
St. Kilda are throwing everything at this. The Hawks veterans look calm and composed - they've been here before and know how to handle it.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
BEHIND ST. KILDA McCartin's shot on goal just misses. Hawthorn 13.9.87 St. Kilda 13.6.84 Q4 26′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
MCCARTIN! Takes the best mark of his young career, crashing a pack of six players and clutching it tight the whole way down! Is lining up to take back the lead!
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Five minutes to go! Hodge turns the ball over and the Saints will drive the ball forward again.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
GOAL ST. KILDA Great response! Saints forwards handle a long ball in better than their opponents, with Templeton staying down and running into an open goal. Hawthorn 13.9.87 St. Kilda 13.5.83 Q4 23′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
GOAL HAWTHORN Puopolo gets his shot on goal and makes no mistake putting it through. Hawthorn 13.9.87 St. Kilda 12.5.77 Q4 22′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Another controversial decision goes against the Saints. The Hawks get a free in front of goal and look to play on and miss, but the ball is brought back.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
HAWTHORN BEHIND The Saints are starting to run out of legs. The ball travels to the Hawk's forward line, where Pupolo dishes a nice pass to Breust on a lead. He goes back and uncharacteristically misses. Hawthorn 12.9.81 St. Kilda 12.5.77 Q4 21′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Hawthorn's stars are starting to find more of the ball, and will look to slow this one down and wrap it up. Hawthorn 12.8.80 St. Kilda 12.5.77 Q4 19′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
BEHIND ST. KILDA Templeton has a wild shot on goal that hits the post! Hawthorn 12.8.80 St. Kilda 12.5.77 Q4 18′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Hawthorn's physicality has gone up a notch, but the Saints refuse to be overwhelmed! Still taking the game on like they were early. Hawthorn 12.8.80 St. Kilda 12.4.76 Q4 17′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Gee this one is electric! Being played at a hectic pace right now! Hawthorn 12.8.80 St. Kilda 12.4.76 Q4 16′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
GOAL HAWTHORN Great pressure turns the ball over in the Hawks' forward half and Breust runs into an easy goal. Hawthorn 12.8.80 St. Kilda 12.4.76 Q4 15′
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
If the Hawks win, Saints fans will not forget some of these umpiring calls. Hawthorn 11.8.74 St. Kilda 12.4.76 Q4 14'