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A spectacular eight-goal third quarter has given Hawthorn a 41-point win over Fremantle at Aurora Stadium today. Apart from the incredible run by the Hawks, the contest was quite even – but a great team always find ways to win and today was no exception.
REPORT: HILL HURT, DOCKERS STILL WINLESS
The first half was a highly entertaining affair, with excellent tackling pressure being displayed by both sides. Stephen Hill was the Dockers’ best early, offering plenty of drive forward. Isaac Smith continued his great form and led the way for the Hawks. Jack Gunston contributed two early goals, but the Fremantle defence held steady, the Dockers managing to carry a two-point lead into halftime.
It seemed like anyone’s game as the third term began, but that feeling was soon extinguished. Fremantle were left in tatters as the Hawks began a blistering assault on their goals, using the wind to full advantage and scoring nine in a row in quick succession.
Although all their belief had been stomped out, Fremantle did well to fight back in the last quarter – however, the experience and class of Hawthorn shone through as usual as they ran out 41 point victors.
In a tough game Liam Shiels pulled off a massive 15 tackles, while Smith topped the disposal count with 27. Frawley and Gibson held down the defence with usual authority, while McEvoy gave plenty in the ruck. Jordan Lewis grew in stature as the game went on and finished as one of the Hawks’ best.
Lachie Neale amassed 38 possessions in a mighty effort, with 17 of those contested. Michael Walters also tried his heart out, contributing two goals, seven tackles and 26 disposals. The Dockers were their own worst enemy in the end, with poor kicking efficiency letting them down time after time.
They take on Richmond at Domain Stadium next week, and with many positives to come out of today’s performance they should go in as favourites.
Hawthorn on the other hand will get ready for a gargantuan Friday night clash against top-of-the-table rivals Sydney in what will be a huge game in shaping the top four.
Final score
Hawthorn Hawks 17.14 (116)
Fremantle Dockers 11.9 (75)
Nobody quite knows what’s gone wrong for the Fremantle Dockers this year – but we all know it’s not going to get any easier as they take on the Hawthorn Hawks at Aurora Stadium. Join The Roar from 2:10pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
In the season’s leadup, this game was no doubt a potential blockbuster – fast forward to Round 8 and suddenly it’s a… not-buster (apologies for that, couldn’t help myself).
Truly though, the mystery of the 2016 Fremantle Dockers is one of the stranger football stories of recent times. How can a team go from almost playing in a grand final to starting a season with seven straight losses?
The only consolation is that Hawthorn aren’t quite their monstrous self at the moment, and if any of that sparkling Freo form of 2015 returns, they might be able to pull off what would be an equally strange twist to the curious case of the purple haze.
Freo have plenty of noticeable absentees, namely Nat Fyfe, Aaron Sandilands and Michael Johnson – but that certainly doesn’t account for a winless two months. Seasoned senior players like Hayden Ballantyne and Danyle Pearce have been very underwhelming and will need to show something if Fremantle are to hold onto any respect for the remainder of this year.
The Dockers are struggling in many key areas this year, among the bottom tier of the league in clearances, contested possessions and disposal efficiency. Only Essendon has had less inside 50s as a team.
Ross Lyon has made a statement by dropping Michael Barlow and Zac Dawson after disappointing starts, while Matthew Pavlich won’t be making the long trip to Tassie. Clancee Pearce, Ed Langdon and Zac Clarke will all get an opportunity instead.
Hawthorn’s season has also begun somewhat oddly – the reigning premiers sit comfortably sixth on the ladder with five wins and two losses, but have been far from the intimidating presence we’ve come to know.
Three of those wins were only by a mere three points too – there’s a lesson in always remembering the value of every goal. At two wins and five losses this would be a very different story.
Only a fool doubts the Hawks however, and they will certainly be looking to move up a gear come winter. Genuine legends of the club have missed plenty of games through injury, and when the full team starts to roll back together they will surely be ready to launch yet another assault on the competition.
This week they welcome back midfield marvel Sam Mitchell and fullback James Frawley. Youngster Kieran Lovell has been omitted while Cyril Rioli will be missing this game due to an illness in his family.
All signs point to Hawthorn winning, and potentially winning big. They just don’t lose in Tasmania, and this current Fremantle side do not look like the ones who will break the streak.
Prediction
Surely the Dockers can’t win… right?
Hawthorn by 33.
Will Hawthorn send another demoralising defeat Fremantle’s way, or have the Dockers been saving their best for redemption against the Hawks? Join The Roar from 2:10pm (AEST) for live scores and rolling coverage!
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