Mitchell the Magnet
Tom Mitchell joined elite company on the weekend when he gathered 50 possessions against Collingwood on Saturday night.
Only six other players have gathered at least 50 possessions in a game, with Mitchell representing the sole Hawk in the illustrious group.
The 23-year old’s performance also surpassed the club record for most disposals gathered by any Hawthorn player in a game.
The former Swan’s effort was underlined by his incredible 22 contested possessions, while also adding eight tackles, five clearances, nine intercept possessions and seven score involvements.
Read: Clarko and Bucks divided over impact of Mitchell's 50
Injury concerns mount
Important forward duo Jack Gunston and Paul Puopolo joined a busy Hawthorn medical room as they both suffered leg injuries in Saturday night’s contest.
The pair will now be forced to prove their fitness before this weekend’s clash against Sydney.
This followed after the Hawks were forced to make two late changes night as Kaiden Brand fell ill and Tim O'Brien failed to overcome hip soreness.
It topped off a bad week for the Hawks after losing Cyril Rioli, Ben Stratton and James Frawley to injury in round eight.
Pies erase huge deficit as Hawks third quarter troubles continue
When James Sicily slotted his second goal for the night midway through the second quarter to give his side a 43-point lead, Hawks fans would have been excused in thinking their club was in for a percentage-boosting win.
But a 34-point Hawthorn half-time lead suddenly evaporated, as the club’s third quarter woes continued to haunt their season.
Opposition sides have now scored 51.33 (339) in third quarters against Hawthorn in comparison to the 23.26 (164) that the Hawks have managed.
But Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson had no explanation for his side’s second half fade-out on the weekend.
"If anyone knew the answer to that, they'd be sitting where I am," Clarkson told the post-match press conference.
Sydney awaits
After Hawthorn and Sydney endured winless opening months to season 2017, both sides have since enjoyed somewhat of a form turnaround, winning three of their last five games.
This weekend’s clash poses as a season-defining game for both sides, as Sydney will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games, while the Hawks will be wanting to avenge their heart-breaking loss to Collingwood on the weekend.
These two clubs have forged a fierce rivalry in recent years with two grand final duels, the Buddy Franklin trade and numerous ferocious encounters among their history and this next contest looms as a fitting next chapter.
