EXPERIENCED defender Josh Gibson believes Saturday night’s hard-fought win against West Coast Eagles will hold Hawthorn in good stead heading towards the finals.
In wet and windy weather, the third-placed Hawks notched their 13th win for the season to close the gap between themselves and the second-placed Eagles to just two points with four rounds to play.
Gibson said the come-from-behind win in scrappy conditions would be beneficial for the Hawks.
“Leading into finals, we’ve learned in the past that they’re the type of games you’re going to encounter,” he said after the Hawks’ 14-point victory.
“It was a really good performance.
“We were down for a lot of the night, but the guys held in there and were able to kick away at the end and kick a winning score, which was really pleasing.”
Gibson praised ruckmen Ben McEvoy and Jon Ceglar for helping provide the Hawks’ midfield with first use of the ball.
He said the midfield group – which won the clearances 57-42 – did a “wonderful” job in a match punctuated by frequent stoppages.
Rebounding from last week’s defeat to Richmond was important – and Gibson said it was pleasing to do so to celebrate teammate Cyril Rioli’s 150th match.
“It was really important to bounce back after the loss last week and it’s also a milestone game for Cyril,” he said.
“He’s done so much for this club, so I’m really happy that we could win in his 150th.
“(It’s) a hostile environment coming over here, so to come over and beat the Eagles who are playing really well is really pleasing.”
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