Check out the key points from Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell's press conference following his side’s loss to Melbourne on Sunday.
On the game
“We knew we’d have to get a lot right today against a quality side. We had a lot of experience come out of the side since last week (with both Mitch Lewis and Chad Wingard injured), but that’s no excuse by any means.
“Their system is really strong, we knew we’d have to find ways to score and to try and move the ball.
“We just didn’t have enough strings in the bow to find another avenue to goal… we did pretty well to hang in there and get within a kick in the last quarter, but they were just a bit too good for us in the end.
“Credit to Melbourne they play a really structured game, they have fantastic players who execute their roles… realistically they were just a bit too good for us today and not enough things went our way."
On Finn Maginness’ tagging role
“I thought Finn did a great job, I think he kept Clayton Oliver to nine touches at three quarter time and only two clearances for the day.
“We had to move him off him in the last quarter just to try something new, but I was really proud of Finn.
“While Finn is shutting down opposition key players, then he’s going to be really helpful for us.”
On Max Gawn v Ned Reeves ruck battle
“Gawn is a ruckman of a generation… everyone has such admiration for him. Ned Reeves had the challenge of coming up against him in his 200th game. We’ve played against Gawn so many times and he’s just torn us apart.
“But today I was really proud of Ned – I don’t think he necessarily won the battle, but Gawn didn’t have the influence he's capable of. I thought Ned took a big step in the right direction today.”
On first-gamer Henry Hustwaite
“Hus came in and he looked quite comfortable at the level, he looks like an AFL player when he moves and with his composure.
“He had a couple of really good moments today, so I was pleased he got his opportunity and he took it.”
Hear more from Mitchell's press conference below.
