Round 9 proudly supported by
Women v Marcellin OC
Returning to the Nest, the Women’s side was still searching for their first win in Division 1. Unfortunately, it was not to be last weekend against Marcellin. On a blustery and chilly Saturday morning, the Hawks found themselves outplayed by a well drilled Marcellin side.
The Hawks struck first, with a series of smooth play resulting in a goal to livewire Rachel Urquhart in the opening minute. Buoyed by this early victory, the Hawks were able to hold their opponents to just two goals for the first term, with Charlotte “Panini” Kanini-Parsons impressing once again with her strength, determination and monster right foot from full back.
The Hawks continued to battle hard during the second term, with the defence once again under the pump. In these moments, utility Mia Mathias impressed with her composure and strength through the contest, as did intercept marking queen Emily Roos. The Hawks managed to hold their opponents to 2.8 for the term, an impressive effort for a quarter where the ball virtually didn’t leave the defensive fifty.
The third term continued similarly, with impressive bursts of speed through the midfield from Alex “Dirty” Crough helping to keep Marcellin goalless for the term.
While Marcellin was able to crack the game open during the fourth quarter, high half forward and ruck Bree Young’s marking ability and attack on the contest was impressive.
Despite suffering a defeat, the Hawks’ spirit was not dimmed, as there were many positives for the team to develop and build from. Journeying out to Beaumaris this weekend, the Hawks will seek to collect that elusive first victory.
HAWTHORN
1.0. 1.0. 1.1 1.1 (7)
BAUMARIS
2.1 4.9 4.12 7.15 (57)
GOALS R. Urquhart
BEST C. Kanini-Parsons, M. Mathias, R. Urquhart, E. Roos, A. Crough, B. Young
Men’s Seniors v Canterbury
The chilly weather last Saturday afternoon stood as an ominous omen of the match that was to come. Playing against fellow top two fancy Canterbury, the Hawks were keen to notch up a victory to celebrate Hawthorn’s biggest night. Unfortunately, despite leading at all three breaks, the Hawks were unable to overcome Canterbury’s turbulence, coming off second best.
In the first quarter, the Hawks started hot, getting the jump on Canterbury, controlling play and going into the first quarter break with a two goal lead. As always, Justin Raiti impressed up forward, booting an impressive four goals overall in blustery conditions.
In the second quarter, Canterbury gained a foothold, fighting to draw the scores to just two points difference at half time. Hawthorn’s defence, led by stalwart Eamonn Avery, held firm against the Canterbury onslaught.
In the third term, the Hawks steadied, kicking three goals to Canterbury’s one, with the Ethan Special returning for a second season; with Ethan Harvey and Ethan McLaren impressing once again in the centre of the ground.
However, in the final term, Canterbury proved to be too strong, eventually overrunning the Hawks by eleven points in a tight match. Josh Wain’s commitment and attack on the footy impressed, but the Hawks’ efforts were not enough to shake off such quality opposition.
The Hawks will return to the Nest this week to battle it out with Power House, facing yet another quality opposition in their run home. At the midpoint in their season, the Hawks are well poised at third on the ladder. They will look to strengthen their position in the final nine rounds, ready to truly take off during finals.
HAWTHORN
4.1 6.4 9.5 11.5 (71)
CANTERBURY
2.4 5.8 6.14 11.16 (82)
GOALS J. Raiti 4, E. McLaren 2, W. Meehan 2, T. Hartson, C. Lee, H. Smith
BEST J. Raiti, E. Avery, C. Boots, E. Harvey, E. McLaren, J. Wain
Men's Reserves v Canterbury
The Men’s Reserves team seems to be hitting their stride, with an impressive come-from-behind win over Canterbury. The Hawks were keen to notch up a win after struggling to put together consistent form in the first half of the season.
In the first quarter, the Hawks’ attack on the footy, commitment to the game and each other, and silky ball skills were on full display. Phil Avery’s leadership of the back six inspired defensive press efforts that were integral to the match.
In the second term, the Hawks took a detour to Clancey’s Candy Shop, with Liam Clancey selling candy to every Canterbury player he came across, each seeming eager to make the purchase. The Hawks went into the main break just five points down and not a shade of belief dimmed.
The third quarter seemed to belong to Canterbury, but Hawthorn still battled hard, with efforts from Stan Neohoritis and Luke Huber keeping Hawthorn within striking distance of the opposition. With two goals the difference and twenty five minutes to play, the Hawks were setting the stage for a grandstand finish.
In the final quarter, the Hawks swooped, finding victory within their talons. Managing to hold Canterbury goalless whilst scoring four themselves, the Hawks battled right to the final siren. John Farah’s five goals were instrumental, as was Troy McMaster’s midfield brilliance.
Men’s Reserves Head Coach Tim Chapman praised the full team effort that was to thank for the win, saying that this was the team’s “best win of the year,”. Chapman was brimming with pride over the Hawks’ commitment to the contest and passion for the match. As Chapman says, the Hawks are “building to something special”. With half a season left, the Hawks seem well poised to soar up the ladder and snatch a finals spot. The Hawks return to the nest this weekend to take on Power House, where they will be keen to repeat the season’s earlier match and claim the victory.
HAWTHORN
2.2 4.4 5.5 9.9 (63)
CANTERBURY
2.0 5.3 7.5 7.6 (48)
GOALS J. Farah 5, S. Neohoritis 3, H. Kothari
BEST P. Avery, S. Neohoritis, L. Clancey, L. Huber, J. Farah, T. McMaster