In a tweet
Overall feeling pretty down after that one, although it could’ve been way worse. We had chances but just couldn’t make the most of them. Just some of our decision making cost us, plus we were missing a handful of important senior players which obviously doesn’t help #AFLHawksCats
— Samantha♡ (@samantha_f33) April 22, 2019
The Rundown
Our Easter Monday rivalry with Geelong at the MCG always produces a classic and our game in Round 5 this year was no exception.
After four matches Geelong were sitting at the top of the ladder. Their new look forward line of Gary Rohan, Gryan Miers and Gary Ablett were creating headaches for their opponents.
The Hawks were in ninth position on two wins and two losses. The previous week we suffered a narrow loss to St Kilda and we were looking to make up for it by claiming a big scalp on a big stage.
Missing defenders Ben Stratton (concussion) and James Frawley (hamstring) stopping the Cats’ versatile forward line was going to be a hard task.
The Star
Ricky Henderson’s 33 disposals and two goals can’t be overlooked.
Commentators are suggesting this season is the best of Henderson’s career and his performance on Easter Monday would be one of the reasons why.
On top of his 33 disposals and two goals, the 30-year-old had five inside 50s, two rebound 50s and a disposal efficiency of 79%.
It was a true masterclass on the wing.
The Moment
With 10 minutes remaining in the match Ricky Henderson took a mark in the forward pocket on the boundary line, 20 metres out from goal.
At three-quarter time the Cats had a 30-point and it looked as though they were going to run away with a convincing win.
The Hawks had other plans.
Goals to Jaeger O’Meara and Ben McEvoy at the start of the final term ignited a Hawks comeback. A Henderson goal would further give the Hawks further hope.
Pressed up against the boundary Henderson looked comfortable with the task ahead of him.
With unbelievable ease the wingman check-sided the ball in what was a textbook flight path straight through the middle of the big sticks.
The crowd erupted and the margin was back to 17 points.
The Coach
“We had a crack. I think the team with the most polish won on the day. We had our chances with the ball, we just didn’t make good choices.” Alastair Clarkson
HAWTHORN 4.2 7.7 10.10 13.12 (90)
GEELONG 4.3 10.6 15.10 17.11 (113)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Puopolo 2, Roughead 2, McEvoy 2, Henderson 2, Lewis, Cousins, Smith, Worpel, O'Meara
Geelong: Rohan 4, Ablett 3, Kelly 2, Dangerfield 2, Stanley 2, Dahlhaus, Taylor, Miers, Hawkins
BEST
Hawthorn: Henderson, Sicily, O'Meara, McEvoy, Worpel
Geelong: Selwood, Kelly, Rohan, Ablett, Dangerfield, Dahlhaus
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Stratton (concussion) replaced in selected side by Mirra, Mirra (left knee), McEvoy (hip)
Geelong: Parfitt (quad)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Gavine, McInerney
Official crowd: 66,347 at the MCG
