Cause for optimism
In his press conference on Wednesday last week, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson spoke of the unlikeliness of the Hawks playing finals this year. Having endured a tough 2017, this season has emerged as more of a transitional season with greater opportunities for youth and the make-up of the list undergoing some transformation. After Thursday night, Hawthorn’s finals chances remain slim, but the brown and gold showed all the hallmarks of a side that deserve to be there come September. Only two wins shy of the seventh-placed Eagles, Hawks fans’ expectations should remain tempered but, nevertheless, this win has kept the small flame alight.
Upcoming Hawk defenders stand tall
It is commonly accepted that the Adelaide forward line is the most dangerous in the competition. Additionally, in their natural habitat at Adelaide Oval, their potency has proved, at times, unstoppable this year. Given the youth and relative inexperience of the Hawk defence, they could have been excused for being anxious for their assignment on Thursday night. Yet, as it happened, the young defensive core of James Sicily (22 years old, 35 games), Kaiden Brand (23 years old, 19 games), Ryan Burton (20 years old, 16 games) and Blake Hardwick (20 years old, 11 games) thrived under the pressure. Burton was especially instrumental, limiting Crow captain Taylor Walker’s influence, whilst also kicking two pivotal goals in the third term. Hardwick also blanketed Crow star Eddie Betts, with the two-time All Australian managing only two majors under Hardwick’s watchful eye.
Read: Hardwick discusses the upset win
No home ground advantage for Crows
Hawthorn’s win at Adelaide Oval continues an unlikely run of success at the venue against the Crows. Hawthorn are the only side in the competition to remain unbeaten by the Crows at Adelaide Oval after multiple matches, with Geelong having overcome the Crows in their sole game at the ground in Round 8 last year. The Hawks’ latest win takes their record to 3-0, after their two previous victories in Round 17 2014 and Round 12 2015.
Ricky runs riot in milestone match
In his 100th game on Thursday night, Hawk recruit Ricky Henderson got all he could have dreamed for. Coupled with an inspiring win over his old side, Henderson was one of the Hawks’ best, picking up 30 disposals and kicking two, important fourth-term goals. It continues a career-best year for the 28-year old, who is averaging 23.4 possessions a game.
Hawks extend Sloane’s slump
Hawthorn followed the blueprint laid down by the rest of the competition in keeping Adelaide star Rory Sloane quiet, with Sloane finishing with 23 disposals and only a minor influence on the game. Daniel Howe was given the job at the opening bounce of applying physical pressure to last year's All-Australian vice-captain. However, the job wasn't just left to Howe, with multiple Hawks applying the clamp on the Crow gun throughout the game.
