JAMES Frawley produced arguably one of his best performances in the brown and gold, tasting finals success for the first time and helping his side progress to its fifth consecutive preliminary final.
Stationed in his customary key defensive role, Frawley was sent to Adelaide Crows’ skipper Taylor Walker.
He held Walker, who had kicked 58 goals from his 22 previous matches this season, to just one goal and 10 disposals.
After 155 AFL matches, the 26-year-old – who collected 15 disposals and six marks in his second AFL final – was delighted to taste September success.
“It was definitely a lot more enjoyable than last week,” Frawley told hawthornfc.com.au post-game.
“It was good to get out there and get off to a good start and consolidate from there.”
Frawley, who had been thrown forward at various stages over the past couple of weeks, was part of a defensive group that blanketed the Crows’ potent forward line.
Grant Birchall and Josh Gibson both found plenty of the ball across half-back, while Ben Stratton kept the dangerous Eddie Betts goalless.
Frawley said he was happy to contribute to a strong team performance.
“I went down back and just tried to play my role for the team,” he said.
“All the boys down back did a really good job and played as a team. We do what’s right for each other and play as a really tight group.”
The Hawks now face a preliminary final challenge against Fremantle on Friday night in Perth, and Frawley says it’s one the Hawks are looking forward to.
“Freo are a great team and they’re very hard to beat over there,” he said.
“Hopefully we can prepare ourselves right, have a solid week of recovery and head back over there and put our best foot forward to get a win.”
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