The boys are back in town
It’s been well documented that the Hawks haven't been their usual side-punishing selves in the first month of the 2017 season. That was all forgotten on Sunday afternoon, as the boys jumped out of the blocks and raced away to a 51-point win against touted premiership contenders West Coast. From full back to full forward, each player pulled together and played his role, in a complete team effort that satisfied coach Alastair Clarkson.
“We worked really hard, regrouped at the end of each quarter… and had a consistent contribution from each of our players,” said Clarkson.
“When you’ve got everyone that chips in and plays their role… then that [usually results in] a winning performance.”
Watch: Clarkson's post match press conference
Cyril finds his sparkle
The Norm Smith medallist's willingness to 'nutmeg' opponent Liam Duggan in the second quarter said it all. After a four-game form slump, Cyril Rioli had his mojo back and the Eagles were his unfortunate victims. For the first quarter-and-a-half the Sherrin just wouldn't bobble his way, at one stage bouncing backwards and over his head as he was running towards an open goal. But Rioli persisted and the wheel turned in a big way. His trademark taps to the advantage of teammates were back, his chase downs were outstanding, and he flew for a thrilling pack mark in the final term. His most audacious play of the day? Late in the second term he was hemmed in on the boundary by Duggan and he decided to handball through the midfielder's legs and run around him. It should have worked, but the umpire chose not to pay a blatant free kick against Duggan, who grabbed him without the ball. It was an exhilarating return to form. – Nathan Schmook, afl.com.au
No quality youngsters? Please.
Question marks have been raised around the calibre of Hawthorn’s first to fourth year players in recent weeks. Those questions were quashed as the Hawks’ youngsters stepped up and helped inspire their side towards its first victory of the season. Tim O’Brien was pivotal, taking many a big grab and finishing with three goals two. Ryan Burton was his usual composed self, managing 24 disposals including six intercept possessions. Blake Hardwick seemingly stepped his game up a notch, providing plenty of run of the half back flank, while Kaiden Brand offered another big, strong body in defence. In his first game of the season, Daniel Howe’s defensive effort couldn’t be faulted, as the young number 17 finished with a team-high nine tackles.
Is the winning drought over?
After bowing out of the 2016 final series in straight sets, and then losing their first four consecutive games of the year, Hawks fans were suffering through their biggest winning drought since 2010 (when, it must be noted, Hawthorn regathered to make the finals). However, with this weekend’s upset victory over the West Coast Eagles, one would be forgiven for believing that the tides are changing. The Hawks now meet St. Kilda at UTAS Stadium this week, a ground where they currently hold a 19-game winning streak. In the following three rounds, the Hawks come up against ninth placed Melbourne, 14th placed Brisbane and 13th placed Collingwood. While these games will certainly be no walk in the park, if they do managed to come out on top 4-4 after Round 8 is suddenly not looking so bad, is it?
