After Hawthorn’s 10-point win over Sydney at the MCG on Saturday night, hawthornfc.com.au takes a look at the five main points to take out of the game.
1. Hawks turn tables on Swans midfield
When Sydney was dominating the second quarter and the early part of the third, it was on the back of the domination they had in the midfield and particularly the clearances.
At half time the Swans led clearances 11-17, then had the first five clearances of the second half (11-22) to set up a 23-point lead.
From there though, the Hawks switched on and dominated the midfield battle. The Swans had just 11 more clearances for the game from the five-minute mark of the third quarter.
The Hawks had 10 of the next 13 clearances of the third quarter and had 14 in the last term to Sydney’s eight to win the clearances 35-33.
Sam Mitchell led the way in the contest, finishing with six clearances for the game – three of which came in the last quarter – while Jordan Lewis had five (two in the last term).
Ben McEvoy was also pivotal with four clearances on the night.
2. Lewis a midfield dynamo
By his own admission, season 2014 is probably the best of his career and its performances like Saturday night that have elevated the Hawthorn Vice-captain into Brownlow calculations.
Lewis is a do as I do not as I say type of guy whose actions on the field inspire his teammates and display the kind of attack on the footy expected of Hawthorn players.
He had 23 disposals to three-quarter time on Saturday night but had 12 in the last quarter to lead the Hawks to victory.
Lewis finished with 35 disposals, seven inside 50s, five clearances and a goal assist.
If he wasn’t already, Lewis is one of Hawthorn’s most important players.
3. Gibson makes triumphant return
He missed 10 weeks with a torn pectoral but the return of Josh Gibson was emphatic.
While he was rusty to start, Gibson worked into the game and ended up being one of his side’s best with a typical Josh Gibson performance.
He restricted the impact of Lance Franklin in the second half; who had just one shot on goal in the second half.
But what makes Gibson such a valuable commodity at Hawthorn is that he combines outstanding defensive with offensive prowess.
Gibson had 21 disposals at 90.4 per cent efficiency along with his 12 one percenters, a team-high.
Welcome back, Gibbo.
4. Puopolo’s worth more than pressure
Paul Puopolo says anything he does with ball in hand is a bonus and if that’s the case, then what he did with the footy on Saturday night was a huge win for the Hawks.
The dynamic speedster kicked a critical goal in the last minute of the second term when he ran onto a Jordan Lewis torp and burnt his opponent, Jeremy Laidler with sheer pace.
It was a team-lifting goal for Hawthorn and crucial in the context of the game given the Swans had kicked the last three goals and were dominating.
Considering Adam Goodes kicked the first two goals of the second half to put the Swans 23 points up, that goals from Puopolo saved the Hawks from being a confidence-breaking five goals down.
Puopolo finished with 15 disposals, five tackles and two goals.
Puopolo celebrates his great second-quarter goal.
5. Shiels more than a run-with genius
More often than not Liam Shiels is given a run-with role on some of the game’s elite midfielders and Saturday night was no exception.
For the first three quarters, when Sydney was well and truly on top, Shiels nullified the influence of Swan Josh Kennedy restricting him to just 10 touches in the first half.
Kennedy had just 15 disposals to three-quarter time and although finished the game with 25 possessions, Shiels won the battle for he restricted Kennedy when the game was up for grabs.
But Shiels isn’t just a defensive midfielder, he wins the footy and is an attacking weapon in his own right.
He had 10 touches in the third quarter, when Hawthorn made their move and finished the game with 26 disposals – 19 of which were uncontested - his run was critical.
Shiels also had eight inside 50s and two goal assists – he was one of Hawthorn’s best in the win.
