A spirited Hawthorn Hawks team finally recorded their first win of the season, defeating a very poor West Coast Eagles by 51 points at MCG.
The Hawks applied more pressure and effectively used their trademark cluster defensive set up, they will be proud of this performance and should continue on with confidence for the rest of the season.
West Coast looked poor for most of the day besides a brief patch in the third quarter which lasted no more than 10 minutes. The Eagles just cannot seem to shake that flat-track bullies tag.
The Hawks dominated most of the first quarter but the Eagles struggled back to only trail by eight points at quarter time, but there were early signs of what was to come for the Eagles.
In a nine-goal second quarter the Hawks managed to kick six of them to run away to a 27-point lead heading into the main break.
The Eagles just got worse as the quarter went on and the siren could not have come fast enough for them.
Luke Breust and Jack Darling both kicked three goals in the first half respectively, while Tom Mitchell had 19 touches for the Hawks and Andrew Gaff was the Eagles’ leading disposal winner having 17 touches to the main break.
The third quarter again belonged to Hawks who stood up really well to a 10-minute good patch from the Eagles to go into the last quarter with a 31-point lead.
With the win in sight the Hawks continued to pile on the goals in the last quarter with the Eagles giving up on their chance of winning. The Hawks ran away with a 51-point win which was much needed for their chances to finish in the top 8.
The Hawks best players for the game were Ben McEvoy (17 disposals, 43 hit outs and seven marks), Tom Mitchell (37 touches, five marks and six tackles) and Jack Gunston (three goals and 21 disposals).
The Eagles had a tough day at the office but still had some good contributors. They were Luke Shuey (33 disposals and two goals), Matt Priddis (22 touches and 11 tackles) and Jack Darling (four goals).
The pressure is continuing to build on the Eagles away record with yet another loss on the MCG. This was their last game on the ‘G for the home and away season, but they will need to be able to win on it come finals time. If you cannot win on the MCG, you cannot win a grand final!
The Hawks will feel relieved to have finally won a game and will build on this confidence throughout the rest of the season to mount a push for another finals campaign.
Next week the Hawks will be hosting the Saints down in Launceston next Saturday in what should be a cracking battle.
The Eagles will be playing back in Perth next Saturday night against Fremantle in what should be a much-anticipated derby.
Final score
Hawthorn Hawks 19.11.125
West Coast Eagles 11.9.75
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
The WCE are becoming a cracked record - "We are really clear on what we need to work on". Sorry fellas, been hearing this for more than a few weeks now. Outs this week: Cripps - Ankle Nelson - Wrist Redden - bloody useless Darling - Anyone can kick the Joe the Goose's Hill - Sorry mate, that was a pathetic performance Ins this week: Hutchings - always gives 100% Lamb - About bloody time too Jetta - Last chance Jetts Giles - Should have played against Hawthorn Mitchell - Priddis needs you.
Penster
Roar Guru
I noticed some Pagan's Paddock and some Clarko Cluster. Good to see the Hawks up and about, particularly Roughie who looked like he'd finally found his mojo after 19 months. What is it with the Weagles like deers in a headlight at the MCG. It's a bit wider and shorter than Subi but it's still a footy field. They need Sam Mitchell more than Hawthorn.
Scott
Guest
Def don't play Redden. He might be handy when Priddis retires but now he should only be called upon when a similar player is injured.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I was so glad when you guys took Redden off our hands. Another Polec, massively overrated player whose inherent laziness will always stop him from being any good on a consistent basis
GeoffW
Guest
Hi - Was at the game and it was a horrible spectacle . Not just because I am an Eagles supporter but mainly because it was like a rugby scrum with 36 players in a small part of the field for most of the day . In the end it suited Hawthorn - Mitchell was awesome getting in and under and getting the ball out to his Hawthorn mates who were hunting in twos and threes together . It seems like Simpson was trying to recreate the old Pagan's Paddock pushing all the WEagles up past the centre line and then trying to get them to race back into open spaces to kick goals . It worked a few times but to be honest the WEagles are too one paced and slow for this tactic to be successful . It also seemed like the players were baffled and confused by this game plan and definitely incapable of fulfilling it. Well done to the Hawks . As an observer though I think it is more than the MCG that is the problem for the West Coast . Their game plan is a worry and to be frank I think they have players on the field who seem to continually get games without producing the goods . Josh Hill and Jack Redden come to mind . Younger guys like Jackson Nelson and Tom Barrass played well and seemed hungry . Hill and Redden were missing in action . Think they should be bringing more of the younger guys in and start thinking about the future . And I know Natanui is a big loss but you can't play like the Eagles did yesterday and blame it all on that .
DeanM
Guest
89, 2008 and 2013 Prelim that led to a 3peat still causing ring sting I see.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Leaving aside the fact the Weagles at the G offer as much challenge as Quade Cooper's handpicked boxing opponents
Cat
Roar Guru
Beating WC at the MCG is no great accomplishment. Should be an interesting match in Tassie next round - two team incapable of playing four quarters.
Swannies
Guest
The Hawks are back in business and hopefully everyone will stop criticising them now. Watch them string together a few wins and the rest of competition will start getting very worried again. Just a class act is Hawthorn and should never again suffer the indignity of being on the bottom of the ladder...they deserve better. Footy is not the same without Hawks and Swans in the finals.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Yes the eagles were woeful but try and cover your elite rucking division with Nathan vardy.....good luck