Round Three Match Reports
- Millie Dunn
- Apr 30
- 8 min read
Here I am, ready to review ANZAC Round. I’m sure you’re wondering;
“But Millie! What about Round Two?”
Well, my friend, I wish I could tell you. Strangely, the details of Round Two are completely foggy in my mind – a forgetful cloud that I cannot hope to peer through. I have vague recollections of significant margins, however, that is all I can hope to remember. Worry not, my mind is now free from fog, sharpened by a competitive quadruple header at the Nest.
Men's Thirds v Marcellin
Still looking to record their first win for 2025, the Thirds faced off against Marcellin to kick off Round Three. However, Marcellin proved to be too strong, maintaining control for much of the game and eventually running out 75-point victors. Despite the significant loss, there were still positive signs from the developing Hawthorn outfit.
For much of the first term, the two sides were locked in an intense arm wrestle, and Marcellin only managing a slim nine-point lead into quarter time. Corey Chenoweth led from the front in a truly vintage return to the player-coach, with his grit and strength around the contest influential. Matt Tanis was a dependable force across the ground, working hard to keep his side well within the contest.
Marcellin began to kick away in the second term, restricting Hawthorn’s access to the ball and locking the ball in their forward half, scoring four more goals to the Hawks’ one. Will Sadler and Will Scott were both influential, their willingness (sorry) to go hard in the contest and win the ball at the source an instrumental part of the Hawks’ game. Marcellin took a handy 30-point lead into the main break, with Hawthorn looking to reset and challenge in the second half.
However, that challenge was not to be, with Marcellin effectively owning the footy in the third term, continuing to score heavily against a Hawthorn defense that was under siege. Sam Luth also played a key role for the Hawks, showing impressive signs in his ability to win the footy and his smarts in dishing the ball off to his teammates. However, Marcellin were still able to able to add to their tally, solidifying an advantage to the tune of fifty-four points.
While Marcellin still scored well during the final term, the contest was much more even, with the Hawks able to create multiple forward-fifty entries, scoring two majors. Hawthorn was almost unerringly accurate in front of goal, kicking only one behind for the match. This was largely due to Lachie Tong, who was personally responsible for half of the Hawks’ score, coolly slotting three majors for the home side.
Despite a significant loss on the scoreboard, the Hawks showed impressive signs as they continue to rotate new blood through the side. Improving their accuracy in front of the big sticks and developing their team connection places Hawthorn in a great position as they continue to challenge in Division Four.
HAWTHORN
2.0 3.0 4.0 6.1 (37)
MARCELLIN
3.3 7.6 12.6 17.10 (112)
GOALS L. Tong (3), S. Moussi (2), C. Thompson
BEST L. Tong, W. Sadler, S. Luth, W. Scott, C. Chenoweth, M. Tanis.
Men’s Reserves v Old Yarra
The Reserves faced off against Old Yarra in a spirited and engaging contest, and despite the eventual 31-point margin, for much of the game, both sides were evenly matched, with the undermanned Hawks simply running out of energy in the second half of the final term. Hawthorn are continuing to develop their side for this season and for the future, fielding seven new players on Saturday, including five under the age of nineteen.
The ball was hot from the very first bounce, with both sides going hard at the ball – and each other – at every opportunity. With only three points separating the teams at quarter time, the stage was set early for a thrilling contest. Chris Goldstraw impressed with his aerial prowess, and Dan Quattro played an important role across the ground, adding two majors to his name for the match.
While Old Yarra managed to gain a slim advantage in the second term, the Hawks were certainly not out of the contest; their transition to attack and ability to lock the ball in their forward half integral in keeping them within striking distance. Ben Stefani displayed his incredible strength, stamping his influence upon the contest, and Tim Matheson was equally impressive, providing both offensive and defensive experience to the still developing Hawks lineup. Going into the half time break down by 14 points, the Hawks were ready to launch their counterattack.
This counterattack was the story of the third term, with the Hawks outscoring their opponents for the quarter to get within three points once again. The feeling was well and truly there, tensions threatening to boil over at several moments. Suhrab Eqbal was excellent, leading by example with his hard running and attack on the contest. This all set the stage for an intense final quarter.
While Old Yarra overran the tired Hawks at the end, the quarter still started with intense contests and an early goal to the Hawks that would see them put further pressure on the opposition. Lachie Morrison was a standout, encapsulating the grit, dare, and finesse that typifies the Hawks’ play style.
Reflecting on the loss, Head Coach Tim Chapman noted that such a competitive match against a top side was a welcome reprieve after a difficult start to the season, and that the Hawks still have all the makings of an excellent 2025 campaign.
HAWTHORN
3.4 6.4 10.7 11.8 (74)
OLD YARRA
4.1 8.6 10.10 15.15(105)
GOALS W. Malloy (2), C. Goldstraw (2), J. Johnson (2), D. Quattro (2), S. Neohoritis, E. Tran, T. Matheson
BEST B. Stefani, D. Quattro, C. Goldstraw, T. Matheson, L. Morrison, S. Eqbal
Men's Seniors v MHSOB
Shaping up against a quality side in Old Yarra, the Hawks certainly had their work cut out for them on Saturday afternoon. Hawthorn was competitive for the majority of the match, only let down by a lapse in the second term where the opposition was able to pile on eleven goals and gain an uncatchable lead, with the Hawks eventually suffering a 52-point loss.
The Hawks started on top during the first quarter, kicking five straight to clinch an eight-point lead. Both sides were intent on winning the ball, with the potent forward line combination of Eammon Avery and Jack Kenny leading by example; both forwards were impressive both in the air and on the ground, integral to the Hawks’ forward half press and hitting the scoreboard individually as well as setting their teammates up to score.
However, the Cobras seemed to have a point to prove during the second term, significantly outscoring the Hawks and essentially owning the footy. They locked the ball in their forward half to score more in the quarter than they would for the rest of the game combined. In quarters like these, when a defense is being hammered by repeated inside fifties and scores, a side looks to their back six for strength and the Hawks delivered. Co-Captain Wil Fleming was influential across half back, and Ben Hannam was strong throughout the quarter, even under the immense pressure applied by the opposition.
Despite the massive gap created during the second quarter, the Hawks remained in the contest, proving they had the skills to go toe-to-toe with the Cobras, outscoring them for the term. The second half of the Seniors captaining duo Steve Dicintio’s clearance work was huge, keeping Hawthorn in good stead throughout the entirety of the match. The Hawks have always had a deep and dynamic midfield, and their ability to dig deep and remain in the contest on Saturday afternoon began in the middle.
While Hawthorn was unable to get into a position to truly threaten the opposition, they remained competitive within the contest, fighting right up until the final siren. Jason Cowland remained influential, using both his speed and finesse to spread the ball to his teammates with accuracy. The Hawks continued to hit the scoreboard during the final term and remained largely accurate.
Despite the loss, Head Coach Mark Murray placed particular emphasis on the positives; not only did the usual suspects perform well, but so too did the three debutants. As the Hawks continue to find form this season, Murray asserts that the side’s best is “yet to come.” So be prepared for another exiting season for the Hawks.
HAWTHORN
5.0 7.2 11.5 13.7 (85)
OLD YARRA
3.4 14.5 17.9 21.11 (137)
GOALS S. Dicintio (2), B. O'Leary (2), T. Miller (2), E. Avery (2), J. Kenny, L. Hutchinson, E. McLaren, A. Luttrell
BEST J. Kenny, W. Fleming, E. Avery, B. Hannam, S. Dicintio, J. Cowland
Women's Seniors v Old Haileybury
Taking the prime nighttime slot, the Hawks battled Old Haileybury, another side who was seeking out their first win for season 2025. Despite coming out of the contest second best, the Hawks had the opportunity, for the first time in a long time, to play their own brand of footy; a flowing wave of brown and gold that afforded them continual forward-fifty entries. Hawthorn eventually lost by 36 points, in a loss that will nevertheless bolster their belief and the group’s synergy.
Under continual attack during the first term, the Hawks backline once again proved their mettle, with their efforts preventing the opposition from converting their entries into majors, holding them to only one goal for the quarter, despite their numerous shots. Georgie “The Fist” Shugg was monumental, living up to her nickname by spoiling mark after mark. 2024 Best and Fairest Mia Mathias continued what has been a strong start to her 2025 campaign, with her sticky mitts and truly impressive leg helping to limit the damage.
Old Haileybury continued their strong offensive efforts into the second term, but the Hawks were not allowing them easy access to the ball. Vice-Captain Charlotte Miller was her usual prolific self, involved in each and every contest with characteristic grit and speed. Tilly Wilson was also impressive on debut, utilising her agility and smarts to win some important one on one battles for the Hawks. Despite being kept goalless for the half, the Hawks went into the main break with many positive signs and ready for a competitive second half.
In the third quarter, the Hawks were able to finally hit the scoreboard with an impressive passage of play; starting deep in defensive fifty, the Hawks were able to transition the ball all the way to their forward fifty to score their first major of the match. Defensive mid Rachel Tan was influential across the ground, her pressure on the ball character and ability to switch the ball proving integral to Hawthorn’s ball movement and team focused play style. With inaccuracy costing Old Haileybury, the Hawks proved their mettle in the third term.
The Hawks built on these positive signs during the final term, with entire swathes of time characterised by Hawthorn maintaining possession and pushing forward. Unsurprisingly, the mercurial Emmy Johnson was electric, both off the half back and when rotated into the midfield, she remains a standout not just for her skill but also for work rate and her single-minded attack on the ball. Pushing forward to hit the scoreboard, Johnson makes an early break for leading goal kicker. Despite the loss, there were positive signs aplenty for the Hawks this weekend.
The Hawks’ game on Saturday typified what is possible when they get the chance to play their own brand of footy. Characterised by a team first, sweeping style, the Hawks certainly can put on a show for the crowd, and their battles with grading have only resulted in an ironclad and strongly bonded side that is ready to play some excellent footy.
HAWTHORN
0.1 0.1 1.1 2.1 (13)
OLD HAILEYBURY
1.6 3.7 4.13 6.13 (49)
GOALS E. Johnson, T. Bodin
BEST C. Miller, E. Johnson, M. Mathias, R. Tan, G. Shugg, M. Wilson