Hawthorn picked apart Richmond by 32 last night at the MCG.
The Hawks were at their brilliant best as they stopped Richmond’s fast, aggressive run and carry through the centre of the ground.
Hawthorn bounced back after a lacklustre second half last week against Geelong at GMHBA stadium. The Hawks rebounded, leading the Tigers at quarter time by 32 points. Hawthorn had the running and never let Richmond rebound off the halfback flank that was pivotal to them winning the 2019 premiership.
The Richmond defence was solid with Dylan Grimes and Bachar Houli playing close to their best but lacking that that link-up style of play. Hawthorn’s older veterans were what held the team together, moving forward and keeping pressure in and around the contest.
Isaac Smith was tough early, kicking one goal and having 29 touches.
Jaeger O’Meara’s return from injury saw him pick up where he left off, with 23 disposals and one goal.
He was able to pick apart the Richmond midfield in the absence of star Dustin Martin.
Richmond had a chance to make a contest of the game early in the fourth quarter but missed too many set shots in easy positions that would have seen them get within touching distance. Tom Lynch’s miss directly in front, about 15 metres out summed up Richmond’s night.
The Tigers were outclassed by Hawthorn’s pressure and ability to hold up the Tigers play around the ball. Hawthorn’s ability to spread the ball and use the corridor to rebound possession was what Richmond didn’t counter enough to see them get the result.
A new-and-improved Hawthorn was on show yesterday compared to the team that was overrun by the cats in Round 2. Alastair Clarkson’s men showed the rest of the competition that they are still a team to worry about.
A lot of criticism was placed on the ageing list of the Hawks but they delivered. Hawthorn inflicted the first loss for Richmond since June 13, 2019.
Dave J
Guest
Can somebody tell me why we persist with Tim O'Brien ??? I have watched him since he was recruited in 2012. It looked clear to me after the first three years that he was not going to make it. Blind Freddy can see that he can only clunk the ball when left alone to run free, which is generally only when we have two or more big guys in the key positions and the wind isn't blowing hard enough to knock him over ... Why is he selected at CHF when we have a great prospect in Mitch Lewis??? I'm sure Mitch must be sitting around pondering if he should follow Pittonet out the door in order to get a game. I could sort of understand if TOB had other qualities but if you watch how many mistakes he makes and how many howlers he makes when he has the ball it just doesn't make sense .... What am I missing with this guy?
Bruce
Guest
Hawks very well placed after 3 tough opponents. Could easily have been 0-3. Should play finals.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Give him a couple of weeks & I reckon he could recapture some of his former marking form. His set shots for goal & bringing the ball to ground for 20-40 metres out from goal is going to be his real value to this team. Just remember we didn't pay big bucks for him or give up early draft picks.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Yes Razor Ray has never treated us so well.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Adapt or wither. Need to watch my spelling or SM will get me.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Redemption in a week is a sweet thing. Now for another HOME game against North.....hang on.... :shocked: Marvel!!?? WTH?
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Well played Hawthorn.... Wake up Richmond
Jones
Guest
O, Meara is the next Hawthorn Captain.
Brian
Guest
Yeah there weren't many options at the end of 2016. I reckon Mitchell the next captain and then Sicily
Brian
Guest
you would persist with Patton but I was surprised at how many ruck contests were left to O'Brien. Between Big Boy, Hymie and the General we're still using O'Brien to ruck.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
Pickett was OK, and Castagna contributed, albeit when it was too late.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
I love Stratton as a player but I just don't think he's the right choice as captain. Commentators were saying last night how vocal Sicily is, constantly directing players around him. He's aggressive and likes to play a bit on the edges of the rules. Remind you of a certain recently retired Hawks leader? It wouldn't surprise me if Clarko is lining him up as the next captain.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
I thought Patton was OK, better than last week, but he still fumbled a couple of easy marks. Early days.
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Limit Dustys influence on the game and it goes a long way to winning a game.Injury seems to be the only thing holding back the likes of Mitchell, Wingard, and O'meara at the moment even throw in Patton who I thought was great last night.
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Hawthorn would be the best team of the decade m you'd be very brave to write them off in round two even in a shorter season.
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Both were at their peak last night plenty to look forward to for hawks fans. :happy:
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
I personally hate-free kicks interfering with the result , but Hawthorn won with the pure contested ball and frees didn't make a difference :thumbup:
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Yeah the slow down and drop off in the second half was what worried a few experts in the media but none the less good bounce back
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Yeah pretty slow and struggling with basic skill
Shane
Guest
Smith and Wingard in particular. Both looked like they were playing for their pride after being embarrassed last week.