Round 2 proudly supported by
Women’s Seniors v Brunswick
A cool, still Saturday morning heralded both perfect footy weather and the women’s side’s first hit out at the Nest for Season 2023.
Unfortunately, the home-ground advantage wasn’t enough for the Hawks, who were stunned by the fast starting Brunswick side; putting enormous pressure on Hawthorn’s defence, who defended strongly but conceded four goals in the first quarter. Kicking to the hill, Hawthorn kept themselves in the game with a delicious banana from the pocket from Laura Castleden.
The second quarter was played along the same vein, with Emily Roos playing an instrumental role off of half back. Further joy came for the Hawks when debutante Jamie Hewitt kicked her first goal off the back of hard work from fellow forward Emily Scott.
The Hawks went into halftime still behind but buoyed by the full-team effort during the second quarter.
In the third quarter, Hawthorn were able to control the ball on the back of strong defensive work from Charlotte “Panini” Parsons, midfield desperation from new recruit Emmy Johnson, and skillful ruckcraft from Hannah Nicholls. With Parsons’ influence, the rest of the backline was able to lift once again, defending deftly despite being significantly undersized; with contested marks and strong tackles quickly becoming a feature of the newly-meshed backline. With this control, the Hawks were able to reduce Brunswick’s scoreboard impact and hold them scoreless for the third quarter.
This control continued into the final quarter, but unfortunately the Hawks were unable to capitalise on their opportunities and find the path to victory. In the end, it was the Hawks’ inability to capitalise on their chances that cost them the chocolates.
As Senior Coach Simon Brownhill asserted; “The scoreline was not reflective of how the team played,” applauding a full team effort, with bravery and commitment from every player that pulled on a jumper, and noting that aspects of the Hawks game plan and HAFC mentality were being displayed on the field. With both things to work on and things to celebrate, the Women’s side is eagerly awaiting their hitout with the Monash Blues this weekend.
HAWTHORN
1.1 2.2 2.3 2.5 (17)
BRUNSWICK
4.1 6.4 6.4 7.7 (49)
GOALS L. Castleden, J. Hewitt
BEST C. Kanini-Parsons, E. Roos, E. Johnson, H. Nicholls, K. Smith, J. Hewitt
Canterbury vs Men’s Seniors
The Men’s Senior side faced Canterbury this week, ultimately losing by thirty one points.
The Hawks remained competitive for the first three quarters, going into both the quarter-time and half-time breaks with even scores with Canterbury; but after some issues with cramping Canterbury was able to pull away and ultimately come out on top.
Jack Kenny was an influential and imposing figure up forward, finishing the game with four goals, as were Harry Lewis and Charlie Lee with two goals apiece. This goal scoring trio was assisted by Luke McLeod, Hayden Smith and Sam Peet, whose skill across the ground was on display throughout the game.
Despite their competitiveness, the Hawks were unable to secure a win this week and will instead turn their sights to this weekend where they will take on Power House at the Nest, in what is shaping up to be an epic battle between first and third, and an opportunity for the Hawks to assert themselves as deserving of a finals berth.
CANTERBURY
4.4. 8.6. 13.9 15.12 (102)
HAWTHORN
4.4 8.6 8.7 10.11 (71)
GOALS J. Kenny 4, H. Lewis 2, C. Lee 2, H. Rand, J. Raiti
BEST J. Kenny, L. McLeod, H. Smith, C. Lee, S. Peet
Canterbury vs Men’s Reserves
In a competitive first term, the Hawks dominated early, having the first three scoring shots of the game. Half backs Theo “the Bont” Ktnes and Jess Pardo served as both interceptors and attacking playmakers, setting up many of the Hawks’ scoring shots with deft slingshots off half back.
However, to begin the second quarter, Canterbury was able to own the football for a ten minute period, slamming home five successive goals to gain themselves a forty point lead. Hawthorn was able to ease the differential with two quick goals before half time; showcasing the skills of a talented forward line, including Big H who ended the game with four straight goals (and currently holds the crown of leading goalkicker for the reserves competition.
The Hawks entered the main break positive that they could come back and capitalise on their efforts.
The third quarter belonged to the Hawks, with a masterful move in Serge to centre half forward, racking up an impressive four score involvements. This, paired with an increase in tackling pressure, contributed to a Hawks domination of the inside fifties; unfortunately, despite their hard work, the Hawks inaccuracy cost them - scoring two goals seven to Canterbury’s five goals one. Huber’s skill as a utility was also on display, his exceptional versatility allowing him to impact play down back, in the ruck, on the ball and on the wing.
The Hawks remained competitive in the final quarter but due to cramping and injuries to Declan and Harold, they were unable to maintain their earlier fire. Despite exceptional efforts from Phil Avery to minimise the impact of their full forward, Canterbury were able to score two late goals. The Hawks went down by forty two points.
Reserves Coach Tim Chapman applauded the efforts of a backline that was constantly under siege and commented that “We will learn from this experience and look forward to next week against Power House, knowing that we must play every minute of every quarter,”. Next week, the Hawks will take on Power House at the Nest.
CANTERBURY
4.2 9.7 13.8 16.11 (107)
HAWTHORN
3.2 5.3 7.10 9.11 (65)
GOALS H. Kothari 4, J. Farah 2, C. Chisholm, P. Lehman, S. Moussi
BEST P. Avery, L. Huber, H. Kothari, T. Ktenas, J. Farah
