Last week’s high quickly forgotten
Coming off a courageous win over the Swans at the SCG, and with three victories from their last four encounters, one would be forgiven for believing the Hawks had found form that was worthy of finals contention. Unfortunately, those hopes were shot to flames within the opening minutes of the match against Port Adelaide, as the Power shot off to a 41-point lead in the first quarter, while the Hawks failed to impact the scoreboard.
Some fightback late
While the match was admittedly won in the opening term, the Hawks’ line-up didn’t throw in the towel, offering up a more competitive performance in the second half. The game loomed as a possible 100+ point defeat after an unanswered six goal first term from the Power, but Hawthorn’s undersized defence stood tall late in the match to keep the margin to 51, and ultimately won the second half 7.2 (44) to 4.12 (36) (albeit with several missed opportunities from Port’s forwards).
Burton does no damage to Rising Star chances
He’s been Hawthorn’s story of the year, and Ryan Burton continued his form with a brave performance against a firing Port Adelaide attack. The young defender finished with 25 disposals (lifting his season average to 21.10), and registered a match-high 509 metres gained (100m more than the next best – Port’s Jared Polec). In the race for the Rising Star, Burton is currently leading the field in average disposals, rebound 50s per game and AFL fantasy points, as well as ranking among the top five in disposal efficiency (with Blake Hardwick second), marks, tackles, one percenters and time on ground.
Time to make amends
The Hawks now look to next week’s clash with the Suns, with the sting of Round 3 still fresh in their minds. Gold Coast sit directly above the 14th placed Hawks on the ladder, with only percentage separating the pair. The Suns are coming off a courageous three-point win over the Eagles, and will be looking to go back to back for the first time since Round 4. However, the Hawks have the home ground advantage, with Gold Coast set to play their first game at the MCG since its two-point loss to Melbourne in Round 19 last year.
