Déjà vu

In the JLT match between Hawthorn and Geelong, the Cats had clawed back a 41-point lead to find themselves two points up with mere seconds to go. Flashbacks of last year’s qualifying final were likely bubbling to the surface for many Hawks fans (despite the game holding far less significance). The football found its way into Kade Stewart’s hands in the dying moments and after he’d directed his kick, the siren sounded. The Cats were unable to stop the ball from floating through the middle sticks and, this time round, Hawthorn won by 4.

Young Hawks make their mark

Aside from his match winning goal, there was plenty to like about the way Kade Stewart played. Along with Teia Miles and Kieran Lovell, the trio managed to find plenty of the football and impress their senior teammates. Stewart finished with two goals and 14 disposals, and Lovell and Miles had 17 disposals apiece.

Big ticks for recruits

All eyes were on Jaeger O’Meara to see how he (and more specifically, that knee) would handle AFL football after a long hiatus. He certainly didn’t disappoint, managing 12 disposals and laying five tackles in the first half. Ty Vickery was also strong in his first brown and gold appearance; the forward collected 10 disposals, laid two tackles, and offered his support in the ruck position with seven hitouts. 

Community Camp wraps up

There was plenty of action in Launceston on Saturday, as the boys finished the last of their community camp activities. Grant Birchall was the object of a press conference prank (footage to come), while Isaac Smith and Liam Shiels spent their afternoon racing around on Segways at Hollybank Treetop Adventures.

 


Hawthorn’s eyes on Arden Street

Hawthorn will now ramp up its preparations to take on North Melbourne at their spiritual home of Arden Street. The Kangaroos were impressive on Sunday afternoon in Coffs Harbour, overrunning a tired Sydney side in the fourth quarter to pinch the match by two points. Mason Wood and Nathan Hrovat managed two goals each, while defender Jamie MacMillan was imposing, finishing with 26 disposals.

Read: Will Teia Miles push for regular AFL selection this year?