A draw: familiar for some, foreign for others
As Hawthorn vice-captain Isaac Smith summed it up best post-match, after a draw, both sides never know whether to be happy or sad. For the Hawks, it was the club’s first draw since Round 17 2010, when scores were left all square in a battle against would-be grand finalists, St Kilda, on a Friday night at Etihad Stadium. But, for the Giants, they became the first team since Carlton in 1921 to have consecutive draws, after finishing even with Geelong last weekend.
Read: Match report Hawthorn v GWS
Mitch hard to match
It should hardly come as a surprise to Hawks fans anymore when Tom Mitchell surpasses the 30-disposal mark. The 24-year old has now racked up at least 30 disposals in his last 12 outings, as his season average boosted to 35.7 touches. In gathering his 30th disposal of the day, Mitchell became the first player to ever record 30 disposals in 12 consecutive weeks. Of his 15 games so far this year, Mitchell has fallen short of 30 disposals only once, in Round 3 against Gold Coast. Furthermore, after kicking only two goals in his first 11 matches this season, the former Swan has now kicked five goals in his last four matches, causing further headaches for opposition sides trying to nullify his influence.
Coaches split
The post-match press conferences for each coach told two different tales of how the stalemate was being digested.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson gave high praise to his side, who he said showed a lot of resilience to stay with the Giants after it seemed his side was going to be overrun.
"To be two goals down late in the game and for us to keep fighting it out and find a way to draw the game at that point in time, as I said, if the game goes for a second longer, we win,” Clarkson said.
While, for Giants coach Leon Cameron, he was left ruing, what he felt, was a missed opportunity.
"To be 13 points up with six minutes to go, with all the momentum, and then come home with a draw is disappointing,” Cameron said.
Watch: Clarkson's post match press conference
Giants’ talls prove a tall order
In scouting GWS this week, the Hawks would have acknowledged the dependence they have on their key forward pair in Jeremy Cameron and Jonathan Patton. With the injury to Toby Greene, the Giants’ goal kicking sources were limited to Cameron (40 goals for the season) and Patton (26 goals), with daylight between the duo and the next highest tally, Rory Lobb (13). Despite Cameron being limited to just the single goal for the day, Patton was able to get off the leash, proving as one of the most influential players on the ground as he finished with five goals.
