Tale of two halves… again
Just as last week’s story was about an ordinary opening half being saved by brave third and fourth quarters, the loss to Melbourne followed a similar line. The Hawks’ opening term was their best start in 2019 as they booted four goals to put the Demons to the sword early. But Alastair Clarkson’s side managed just three majors over the next two quarters as the Dees added seven. Better ball movement saw the Hawks kick four goals in a tight final stanza, but their lacklustre middle of the game proved costly and too difficult to overcome.
Shiels continues impressive return
After missing three weeks with a hamstring injury, Liam Shiels has returned in red-hot form over the last fortnight. Shiels was instrumental in Hawthorn’s win over Carlton last week and the 28-year-old backed that performance up with one of similar ilk on Saturday. The midfielder has averaged 27.5 disposals, 6.5 clearances and two goals over Rounds 6 and 7. Up against one of the best midfield brigades in the competition this weekend, the Hawks will be hoping Shiels can continue this level of production into our clash with GWS.
Top eight within reach… just.
With the Hawks enduring their fourth loss of the season on Saturday, they now sit in 13th position on the ladder. As tight as this season is, Hawthorn remains only four premiership points and some percentage behind the fifth-placed Fremantle. But with three losses from its last month, the side will be desperate to get back on the winners’ list as soon as possible.
Clarko’s take
After the game, Clarkson was honest in his assessment of the team to this point in the season.
“We’re always sitting here and judging who the players are that’ll help us win our next premiership,” the four-time premiership coach said.
“Right at the minute, we’re looking at our group and saying listen, we’re a middle of the road side.”
But the coach was also dismissive of the idea that this was Hawthorn’s new reality.
“So, we could keep going down that track and end up a middle of the road side for the next four of five years, but that’s not the way we go about it.”
