Solid performances against solid teams
Whilst we didn’t come away with the chocolates on the weekend, we have once again shown that we can keep up with teams sitting at the top of the table.
Over recent weeks we have defeated ladder leaders Geelong (first) and last year’s grand finalists Collingwood (sixth).
Earlier in the year we defeated GWS (fifth) and we lost narrowly to West Coast (second) by six points and Brisbane (third) by 27 points.
A loss is a loss, but close games against top teams provides a silver lining.
Blue collar mids
Despite the loss, we still had some wins.
One area in particular was through our midfield.
Our no-fuss, hardworking hero Ben McEvoy was once again dominant in the ruck with 39 hit-outs. To put that into context, the next highest number of hit-outs was Brisbane’s Oscar McInerney with 14.
James Worpel powered through the midfield with 34 disposals including 14 contested possessions and Jaeger O’Meara, had the highest number of clearances of either team, eight in total.
A workmanlike performance from our engine room was impressive.
Goals an easy fix
Alastair Clarkson said in his post-match press conference that we matched it with the Lions in most stats but not in the stat that matters most – scoring.
The Hawthorn coach seems to think that is something that can be fixed easily.
The question is how?
What sort of techniques, training drills, skill sessions will be conducted this week to ensure a repeat of last week’s performance doesn’t occur?
This week’s training is sure to be spent in front of goals.
