After Hawthorn’s 62-point win over the Bulldogs at Aurora Stadium on Sunday, hawthornfc.com.au takes a look at the five main points to take out of the game.
1. Shiels an attacking weapon
When players are used in defensive roles, sometimes what they can offer in an attacking sense is lost and Liam Shiels is a player who can fall into that category.
As a free-wheeling midfielder he can be as damaging as any of the game’s best midfielders.
His performance in Sunday’s win over the Bulldogs was the reminder that what he offers in attack can add another dimension and more damaging nature to Hawthorn’s midfield.
Shiels was among Hawthorn’s best with an equal team-high 28 disposals and seven clearances – he was pivotal in Hawthorn’s ability to win the clearances convincingly (46-36) despite that being the strength of the Bulldogs.
He had 18 uncontested possessions and used the ball at 75 per cent efficiency and had two goal assists.
He also laid an equal team-high eight tackles.
Before suffering injury in Round 4 this year, Shiels averaged 22.2 disposals in the opening four rounds and kicked four goals – he was becoming one of the Hawks’ most damaging midfielders.
Since then, he has picked up 20 or more disposals in eight of his last 10 games, averaging 23.3 disposals.
He is also ranked fourth at the Club for clearances, averaging 3.9 per game.
2. Beating the Dogs at their own game
Alastair Clarkson admitted after the game he and his Hawks targeted the contested possessions and clearances because of the strength the Bulldogs have in that area.
There would have been no man happier than he in the performance of the players in those areas, winning them convincingly.
The Hawks won the clearances 46-36, with Jordan Lewis leading the way against with a game-high nine, followed by Shiels with seven, Will Langford six and Shaun Burgoyne five.
The contested possessions was an even more overwhelming victory for the Hawks through, ending the game with a 161-133 advantage.
Lewis again topped the list with 15 of his 26 possessions contested, followed by Shiels with 12 of 28 and Burgoyne 11 of 24.
Those are the two areas that set up the win, particularly in the second half when the Hawks ran away with the win. Hawthorn had 82 contested possessions in the second half to 61.
The Hawks were more desperate than the Bulldogs.
3. Depth shines again
In the absence of Sam Mitchell and Isaac Smith who were late withdrawals from Sunday’s game, the players who replaced them impressed.
In the opening half Taylor Duryea was arguably best afield with 10 disposals a goal and two goal assists before finishing with 18 touches at 83.3 per cent efficiency and five inside 50s.
Will Langford was also impressive in the midfield with 21 disposals, six clearances five tackles and five inside 50s – he played a key role in Hawthorn winning the clearance battle too.
Their performances were testament again to the depth at Hawthorn and the development program in place given they were able to slot in at the last minute so seamlessly.
They will be hard to shift from the line-up.
4. Spangher a key Hawk
When Matt Spangher has been injured at his previous two clubs and even at Hawthorn in the past, it has meant one of two things: firstly an extended period on the sidelines and second, forced to win his place back in the senior team.
Such has been his improvement and growing importance to a Hawthorn team that has been hit hard by injuries to key position players this year, Spangher has emerged as a vital member of the Hawthorn of 2014.
He missed a week with ankle soreness but when available, brought straight back into the Hawthorn team to take on the Bulldogs at Aurora Stadium.
No doubt that would have given the Hawks cult-hero a confidence boost, particularly at this late stage of the season. It seems the defender, who can play forward too just might get his chance in finals.
5. Stratton back to his best
Ben Stratton has been challenged by injuries this year, something he hasn’t faced since 2011. After facing two stints on the sidelines for extended periods this year, the consistent premiership defender has now re-captured his best form.
Last week he kept Sydney’s Sam Reid goalless and to zero marks, while most of his 13 disposals came when he played as his team’s second ruckman.
On Sunday he held Stewart Crameri to just nine disposals and a goal, while helping himself to 19 disposals while providing a great link-up option off half-back.
But what has been most pleasing about Stratton’s game in the last two weeks is that he’s been able to get back to his best in helping his fellow defenders and impacting marking contests as the third-man up.
He’s reading the ball well, winning one-on-ones and above all, nullifying the impact of his opponent.
A fit and firing Ben Stratton is important for the Hawks heading into finals.
