Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 8, 2024 7:27 am GMT
In a stunning display, the Hawthorn Hawks secured their place in the AFL semi-finals by defeating the Western Bulldogs in front of nearly 98,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday night. The Hawks, who had endured a rocky start to the season, showcased their revitalized form with a decisive victory that saw young stars shine on the big stage.
A Hawks’ Resurgence
Entering the match with only one win from five games, Hawthorn faced criticism and skepticism. However, the tide turned dramatically as their youthful roster delivered an impressive performance, demonstrating remarkable energy and tenacity against a Bulldogs team that has struggled to capitalize on its talent. With young forwards Calsher Dear and Nick Watson combining for seven goals, the Hawks took control of the game, dominating key periods in the second and third quarters.
Head coach Sam Mitchell’s calm demeanor before the game belied the tense atmosphere surrounding the club, particularly in light of their past struggles. His confidence in the team’s ability to execute their game plan became evident as the Hawks expertly maneuvered the ball, utilizing speed and precision to dismantle the Bulldogs’ defense.
Player Performances: Grading the Hawks and Bulldogs
As the game unfolded, individual performances from both teams were pivotal. Here’s how players from each side were graded on their performances:
Hawthorn Hawks
- Jai Newcombe – A+ – Dominated the midfield with 35 touches, displaying both skill and resilience.
- Calsher Dear – A - A standout in his first finals match, constantly pressuring the Bulldogs’ defense.
- Nick Watson – A – Made an impactful finals debut, scoring four goals and proving a difficult matchup.
- Lloyd Meek – A – Excelled in the ruck, establishing dominance over Tim English.
- James Sicily – A- - Key in intercepting the Bulldogs’ attacks, leading with both defensive and offensive plays.
- Sam Frost – A – Stood firm defensively, matching up well against the Bulldogs’ tall forwards.
Western Bulldogs
- Adam Treloar – B+ – Fought hard, contributing with good ball distribution but struggled to turn possession into offensive effectiveness.
- Marcus Bontempelli – B- - Moved to half-forward during crucial moments, limiting his potential impact.
- Tom Liberatore – B- – Showed solid effort with 25 disposals, but couldn’t extract enough from the midfield.
- Bailey Dale – C+ – Failed to deliver at his expected level, unable to make a substantial contribution.
- Jamarra Ugle-Hagan – D- – Disappointing performance, lacking significant influence on the game.
Strategic Breakdown: How the Hawks Made Their Mark
The match showcased several defining strategies that led to Hawthorn’s success. The Hawks employed a high-pressure game that stifled the Bulldogs, forcing them into rushed decisions and ineffective kicks. This relentless pursuit of the ball and commitment to closing down space disrupted the Bulldogs’ rhythm, reminiscent of their historically robust defensive plays.
Unlike their opponents, who seemed disjointed and hesitant, the Hawks played with an unencumbered confidence. Their offensive strategy was marked by quick transitions, and players like Connor Macdonald and James Worpel excelled at both inside and outside plays, creating scoring opportunities left and right. The combination of youth and agility proved decisive in their ability to keep the ball moving and find space to score.
Key to Victory: Youth and Experience
This match was particularly significant for several young players who stepped up under the intense pressure of finals football. For instance, both Dear and Watson, who were making their finals debuts, showcased their readiness for the big stage. Their performances not only highlighted their individual talents but also underscored the Hawks’ effective list management and recruitment strategies over recent years.
The synergy between young talent and seasoned players like James Sicily has instilled a winning culture within the club. It is this blend of youthful exuberance and veteran presence that has reinvigorated the Hawks, allowing them to perform at a higher level than many anticipated.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As the Hawks prepare for their next challenge against Port Adelaide in the semi-finals, the momentum generated from this win will be a crucial advantage. Hawthorn will need to maintain this level of intensity and cohesion if they hope to progress further in the finals series. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will need to reassess their approach, focusing on leveraging their star players and ensuring they can perform effectively under pressure.
The exciting win shows that the Hawks are back and ready to compete again. This team has a long history of being great, and it looks like they might be on their way back to that level. As the finals go on, everyone will be watching this young but skilled Hawks team to see how they handle what’s coming next.
