Hawks injury room
The Hawks medical staff was already under the pump prior to the Round 4 hit-out against the Saints with midfielder Jaeger O’Meara facing a race against the clock to prove his fitness after hip soreness continued to linger. O’Meara was ultimately a late withdrawal but the headaches for the Hawks medicos did not relent. Defender James Frawley hurt his hamstring in the second term before fellow backman Ben Stratton was concussed in the third quarter. Both played no further part in the game, while Conor Nash (hamstring/glute), James Cousins (right leg), Daniel Howe (face), Isaac Smith (right hand), Chad Wingard (nose) and Jarman Impey also spent time in the hands of trainers throughout the game as well.
Recruits rise
Last week Chad Wingard stole the show with an electric second half inspiring the Hawks to victory. This week it was his two fellow recruits who stepped up for their new club. Tom Scully continued his improvement following his year-long stint on the sidelines, notching 26 disposals, five inside 50s and two goals. What stood out for Scully’s game on Sunday was his incredible ball-use, operating at a 92.3% disposal efficiency. In a similar vein, Jack Scrimshaw was also productive out of the backline, recording a career-high 23 disposals, eight marks and eight one-percenters. The 193cm defender showed some strong aerial work, with three of his eight marks contested.
Sis continues to sizzle
Alongside Scrimshaw in defence, James Sicily was also among the Hawks best players in the loss. Sicily recorded a season-high 28 disposals and 10 marks, with three of those grabs being contested. The 24-year-old also delivered his third double-digit rebound 50 tally of the year to remain the game’s leader in this area.
Opening month done
With the opening month of the season now done and dusted, the Hawks sit in ninth position on the ladder with two wins and two losses to their name. It is difficult to summarise the Hawks opening month of the season with two promising wins somewhat soured by the losses to the Dogs and the Saints. Nevertheless, the Hawks enter Easter Monday grudge match against Geelong with a lot to play for. Hawthorn will be looking to return to the right side of a winning ledger while the Cats will be determined to rebound from their first loss of the season against the Giants.
