Hawthorn

Hawks’ Heartbreaking Defeat: Semi-Final Dream Shattered in a Nail-Biting Finish

19/11/2024 Raymond 0

Port Adelaide produced one of the most dramatic comebacks in AFLW history, overturning a 22-point deficit in the final term to defeat Hawthorn by a single point, 7.8 (50) to 6.13 (49). The Power’s remarkable resurgence was powered by Abbey Dowrick, Gemma Houghton, and Matilda Scholz, who combined for four goals in the final quarter, stunning the Hawks and securing a spot in next week’s preliminary final against North Melbourne.

Despite a strong start from Hawthorn, including an early goal from Ella Boag, Port Adelaide remained resilient. As the match progressed, the Hawks struggled to convert their opportunities, and the Power’s speed and unpredictability in ball movement began to take control. Houghton and Dowrick led the charge, with Houghton’s dynamic performance helping to break the Hawks’ defensive structure.

Port Adelaide’s win was a testament to their first-year players, who rose to the occasion when it mattered most, while Hawthorn’s injury woes and inability to keep up with the Power’s pace ultimately saw them fall short.

Mitchell: “We’re a work in progress”

08/07/2024 Raymond 0

Hawthorn Senior Coach Sam Mitchell provided insights into his team’s 51-point defeat to the Cats on Saturday afternoon. Speaking to the media post-game, Mitchell analyzed the Hawks’ performance, emphasizing that the team is still in a developmental phase and not yet the finished product. He acknowledged the challenge his team faced, noting their lack of recent experience at the venue and praising the Cats as a strong side. Despite a recent good run of games, Mitchell admitted that the Hawks struggled against the Cats’ experienced lineup, particularly at the start of the game, and couldn’t find a way to recover.

Mitchell also spoke about the ongoing growth of his group, mentioning the strategic plan in place for the past two and a half years. While the Hawks have had some recent successes, they are still striving to consistently compete with top teams like Sydney and Geelong. He pointed out the complexity of achieving this, involving player belief, confidence, personnel, and system, emphasizing that the team is getting closer but remains a work in progress.

Addressing the pressure from opposition teams, Mitchell described the difficulty of the game from a player’s perspective, noting the challenge of making good decisions under pressure. He emphasized the importance of consistent, high-level football under any circumstance, acknowledging that while the team has shown resilience in past games, they struggled to handle the pressure against the Cats. Mitchell reiterated that the Hawks are continually striving to improve and reach their desired level of performance.

ANALYSIS Opposition Analysis | Round 17 – Geelong v Hawthorn

03/07/2024 Raymond 0

On Saturday, the Hawks are set to return to GMHBA Stadium for a crucial match with significant implications as the season enters its final stretch. Hawthorn, despite infrequent visits to Kardinia Park in recent years, arrives in strong form, having won seven of their last eight games. Their success has been anchored by dominant performances in clearances, led by midfield stalwarts James Worpel and Jai Newcombe, both instrumental in their recent victories. Geelong, meanwhile, seeks to build on a rebound win against Essendon and must strategize to counter Hawthorn’s effective midfield and distribution tactics, particularly focusing on limiting the impact of key players like Karl Amon and Massimo D’Ambrosio.

Hot Hawks still have work to do: coach Mitchell

30/06/2024 Raymond 0

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell believes it is too soon to consider his team among the AFL’s top contenders. However, he is optimistic that with continued confidence and by avoiding complacency, they will soon reach that level. Despite currently being 13th on the ladder, Hawthorn is only half a win behind the eighth-placed Brisbane Lions and just one win away from fifth-placed Geelong. The Hawks recently achieved their fifth consecutive victory and their seventh win in the last eight games with a commanding 61-point victory over West Coast in Perth. Mitchell emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence without becoming complacent, stating, “We deserve to feel confident, but that doesn’t give you the right to be complacent.”

West Coast Eagles star Elliot Yeo set to play as mystery remains around Hawthorn tagger Finn Maginness

29/06/2024 Raymond 0

West Coast are showing their support for star player Elliot Yeo, who is expected to play against Hawthorn despite the recent passing of his father earlier in the week. The team named Yeo for the Sunday clash at Optus Stadium, allowing him ample time to decide if he felt ready to take the field following his father Craig’s death on Monday night. Although the final decision could be made on the morning of the game, the Eagles have listed all three of their emergencies—Andrew Gaff, Harry Edwards, and Jack Hutchinson—to play in the WAFL against Swan Districts earlier in the day.

Coach Adam Simpson emphasized Yeo’s autonomy in deciding whether to play, given the tragic circumstances. “We’re really trying to respect the decision he’s going through which is tragic,” Simpson said. He mentioned that Yeo had been at the club for the Captain’s Run and would be given until the last minute to decide. Simpson stressed that the choice was entirely up to Yeo, considering his emotional state and family matters.

Footy Flashbacks: Hawks eyeing off a six-year first

26/06/2024 Raymond 0

Hawthorn is aiming for their fifth consecutive win this Sunday, a streak they haven’t achieved since 2018. They are also striving for three consecutive victories against West Coast, a record last matched between 2012 and 2015. This season, several Hawthorn players have reached significant milestones: Jarman Impey, James Worpel, and James Sicily each played their 100th game, while Connor Macdonald reached 50 games in number 31.

In Round 14, Hawthorn drew a crowd of 92,311, the second-largest attendance for a home and away game, and they have recorded multiple 70,000-plus attendances this season for the eighth time in club history. Historically, Hawthorn’s Round 16 performance is strong, with significant winning streaks and notable victories over the years. Jarryd Roughead set a club record with eight goals against West Coast in 2014, surpassing previous records held by Jason Dunstall.

The Menacing Hawk is back! Retro Guernsey unveiled

20/06/2024 Raymond 0

Hawthorn has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 Retro Guernsey, with the Menacing Hawk design emerging as the fan-favorite choice. This iconic jersey, originally worn during the club’s away games from 2011 to 2014, was once sported by Hawthorn greats including Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge, Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin, and Jordan Lewis. Now, the current-day Hawks are set to pay homage as they prepare to revive the Menacing Hawk for their Retro Round clash against Collingwood on Saturday, 20 July at the MCG.

Amon: “I think we’re really predictable to each other”

18/06/2024 Raymond 0

Hawthorn defender Karl Amon credits the Hawks’ mid-season turnaround to a more predictable brand of football. In his second year with the club, Amon has played all 14 games in 2024, averaging 23 disposals and 557.6 meters gained per game at an 82.4% disposal efficiency.

Speaking to ABC Sport Sunday, Amon discussed the team’s simplified game style and collective effort, which have led to a balanced record of seven wins and seven losses after a challenging 0-5 start. “The coaches have simplified our game plan really well, focusing on pressure and predictability,” Amon said. “As a young group, keeping things straightforward makes it easier to follow.”

He also noted the shift from relying on individual brilliance to a more collaborative approach. “We focus on everyone playing their role, which contributes significantly to our success.”

Looking forward to a five-day break, Amon emphasized the importance of a mental refresh, adding that while some players might travel, many are staying to play golf in Tasmania. He highlighted the group’s hunger to play finals football and the need for consistent performance to achieve that goal. “It’s going to be challenging, but the group is certainly up for it,” Amon concluded.