1. One quarter of footy was almost enough
Hawthorn will clearly want to be more consistent across four quarter next week against West Coast Eagles – but is the positive that one good quarter was almost enough?
The Hawks were outplayed by the Cats in the first and second term, before a five-goal-to-none third quarter saw them lead by two points at the final change.
While the reigning premiers couldn’t hold on in the final term, if they can build on that dominant third term, it’s an ominous sign for the rest of the competition.
2. Frawley steps up to the plate
With Brian Lake’s retirement, much will be asked of second-year Hawk James Frawley.
And the 2015 premiership star didn’t disappoint in Round 1, helping hold Tom Hawkins to two goals while picking up 18 disposals – and five free kicks.
With the Eagles next on the agenda, Frawley v Kennedy again looms as a key match-up.
3. Winning the clearances critical
Coach Alastair Clarkson was left to lament the clearance count post-game – acknowledging his side more often than not got first hands to the ball, but allowed Geelong to break away from stoppages too often.
The clearance count stood at 51-39 in the Cats’ favour, which translated into a 160-141 contested possession count and a 61-46 inside-50 differential.
4. Langford returns with a bang
Despite not featuring in the NAB Challenge, Will Langford stepped up to the plate in Round 1.
In the absence of fellow tough-as-nails on-baller Liam Shiels, Langford played an important role in the middle, winning 20 disposals and six clearances while laying an equal game-high eight tackles.
5. Key ball winners’ disposal efficiency down
With the exception of Grant Birchall – who had 26 disposals at an efficiency rate of 84.6 percent – the Hawks’ key ball-movers were below their best in terms of disposal efficiency against the Cats.
As a team, the Hawks went at 69.7 percent, down on a season average of 76.1 percent in 2015.
The Hawks’ three leading midfield ball winners against the Cats - Sam Mitchell (36 disposals), Jordan Lewis (30 disposals) and Billy Hartung (24 disposals) - all went at under 62 percent.
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