Hawks Send Massive Message

Hawthorn’s first quarter was something to behold at the MCG. In a battle of Essendon’s inside grunt against Hawthorn’s running style, it was the latter that would win out. From the first quarter onwards, the Hawks were able to keep Essendon at arm’s reach; winning 17.9.111 to 12.13.85.

The Hawks were led by Karl Amon, whose run was instrumental in driving Hawthorn forward. He finished with 28 disposals and 643 metres gained.

He was assisted by his captain, James Sicily, Jai Newcombe, and Dylan Moore, who all played pivotal parts in the big moments.

For the Bombers, it appeared that Jye Caldwell was ready to take another step up this year. The former Giant had 36 disposals, one goal, and 10 clearances for the night, but was also able to get things going for the Dons when the game was there to be won.

He was helped by Zach Merrett, Andrew McGrath, and Dylan Shiel, as Essendon bullied Hawthorn at the stoppage. However, the Bombers were costly when they had possession, their decision-making led to turnovers and invited pressure from Hawthorn all night long.

It was Isaac Kako who sent the Essendon fans into a furor when he kicked the first goal of the night, and the first of his career.  Sam Durham released the ball over Kako’s head, and then it was a foot race for the young Don, who finished all so easily when struck his foot through the ball. 

Hawthorn wasted no time when they responded. Blake Hardwick snapped true, before Jack Ginnivan picked up where he left off at the MCG and put the Hawks in front. 

Essendon were dominant in the clearance battle all night. However, Hawthorn were willing to let the Dons have the clearance contest, as Essendon were working themselves into trouble. 

After Essendon’s early stand, the Hawks went to the next level, a level it appeared that the Dons didn’t possess. Three goals to end the term saw the Hawks take a 27-point lead into the first break.

The second term saw the Bombers provide some fightback to the rampaging Hawks.

Jack Scrimshaw started the second quarter by trying to block a Jordan Ridley handball, his hand got Ridley high and will have surely been noted by the Match Review Officer.

Scrimshaw wasn’t done getting involved physically, and this time it would be to his own detriment. Scrimshaw and Josh Battle had a heavy head knock. The former Sun would end the game subbed out after the incident.

After an even start to the quarter, Xavier Duursma and Merrett provided a spark for the Dons, as the Hawks’ lead was cut to 17 points.

It was simple as to why the Dons were able to get a fightback going; they were more disciplined in their disposal, and hit more targets.

However, Hawthorn then found their mojo again, and stopped the Essendon train, as they kicked three goals to end the term.

Much like the previous quarter, it was the Dons who got onto the front foot in the third. Essendon kicked three of the first four goals of the quarter as they dragged themselves back into the game.

Langford appeared to have done a hamstring midway through the quarter.  With Ridley already subbed out, the Bombers where left chasing the game and down one on the bench.

Nick Watson attempted to take mark of the year as the third quarter came to a close. Unfortunately for the young hawk, the injured list continued to grow he suffered a head knock and came from the ground.  

Either side of the Watson incident, Dylan Moore’s great night continued as he kicked two goals to go with his handful of possessions, a 31-point deficit staring at Essendon at three-quarter-time.   

However, Essendon had one final push left in the fourth. Goals to Jye Caldwell, Jade Gresham, Sam Draper, and Xavier Duursma had left the margin at 19 with eight minutes to go.

But then, Dylan Moore appeared again when needed, as the Hawks extended the margin back to 25 points, and got home in the end by 26 points.

Hawthorn: 6.1 10.4 13.7 17.9.111

Essendon: 1.4 4.5 7.11 12.13.85

Goalkickers:

Hawthorn:

D. Moore, (3), N. Watson, (3), M. Chol, (2), J. Ginnivan, (2), B. Hardwick, (2), M. D’Ambrosio, W. Day, C. Macdonald, F. Maginnees, J. Weddle

Essendon:

X. Duursma, (2), K. Langford, (2), Z. Merrett, (2), J. Caldwell, S. Draper, J. Gresham, H. Jones, I. Kako, A. Perkins

Best:

Hawthorn:

K. Amon, D. Moore, J. Sicily

Essendon:

J. Caldwell, K. Langford, Z. Merrett