HAWTHORN 8.10 (58) d ST KILDA 7.11 (53)
Hawthorn young gun Nick Watson.Credit: Getty Images
KEY POINTS
SAINTS FORWARD LINE SPUTTERS
On paper, St Kilda looked to have the big forwards capable of swaying the outcome of the game. In reality, Max King and Tim Membrey did not exert near enough influence in a low-scoring five-point loss. Despite fleeting glimpses that they would make an impact, they took seven marks and kicked three of the Saints’ seven goals between them. This against a team missing James Sicily. The game was played with a defensive mindset. It was a dour arm-wrestle, tailor-made for defenders. But these are also the occasions in which power forwards can and should stand up. Further compounding St Kilda’s scoring woes – they kicked three goals in the first term, one in the second, one in the third and two in the last – was the absence of lively small pair Jack Higgins and Dan Butler. In desperation, Ross Lyon threw Josh Battle forward at half-time. He managed to kick the first goal of the third quarter, and the first goal of the last quarter, but couldn’t add to the tally. In the last 30 seconds, King had a good jump at the ball ahead of two Hawthorn defenders in the forward pocket but could not bring the ball to ground. Had it stuck, he would have had a shot at goal to win the game.
EARLY ACCURACY PROVES THE DIFFERENCE
When opportunity came knocking, Hawthorn answered the door. An accurate patch of four straight goals during the first quarter – through Connor Macdonald, Nick Watson, Lloyd Meek and Dylan Moore – ultimately won them the game. At quarter-time they led by four points, having kicked 4.1 to the Saints 3.3 and they were not headed for the remainder of the match. In the second term, Dylan Moore scrambled through his second goal to make it 5.1, and then Jack Ginnivan took advantage of a 50m penalty to goal and make it 6.1. Ginnivan was busy and dangerous throughout the game. His goal came from an act of courage. He ran back with the flight of the ball, right arm outstretched and was crunched in the back by Liam Stocker. The Saints booted the ball away after the umpire had blown his whistle for a free kick, and Ginnivan was walked to the goal square. Good kicking is good football, and is so vital to the win-loss ledger. Consider this from other matches this round: Carlton kicked five straight in the first quarter of their one-point win over Melbourne, the Swans kicked 9.0 to half-time in their win over Fremantle, and Port Adelaide banged on 8.2 in the opening term of their one-goal victory over Geelong. Accuracy deserted the Hawks as the game unfolded, even the reliable Ginnivan missing a sitter from 30m directly in front. Hawthorn went from 6.1 to 8.10.
Saint Anthony Caminiti is dejected as Hawthorn celebrate.Credit: Getty Images
CONTESTED BEAST COMES TO THE FORE
In a game played between the arcs, Rowan Marshall stood tall. Lloyd Meek served it up to Marshall early, but the Saints ruckman became the game’s most dominant player. He amassed 23 contested possessions – a record for a St Kilda player. He had 28 disposals, and 38 hitouts. For Hawthorn, Jai Newcombe looked to return to close to his best form, racking up 31 possessions and working overtime at the contest. He seems to play better with Will Day in the team. Not that Day had a huge presence. The Saints have now lost four of their past five, while the Hawks have won three of their past four. Hawthorn have turned their Launceston home-away-from-home into a fortress since first playing there in 2001, enjoying a 73 per cent winning strike rate at the ground from 79 matches – 58 wins, 20 losses and one draw.
KEY STATS
The Giants probably should be further ahead but Essendon lifted their pressure in the second term and while they only have a couple of goals to show for it, they are right in this contest.
The second half promises to be intriguing. Will the Giants kick clear of the home side or does this Bombers team have the mental strength and physical fitness to stand with them for four quarters?
Let’s see how it shakes out.
Zach Merrett of the Bombers runs with the ball.Credit: Getty Images
Langford has marked a wild kick in the forward pocket and snapped his second goal.
The Dons needed that one with half-time so close.
Giants 42, Dons 30 with a minute to go in Q2.
Giants defender Sam Taylor has flown for what could have been mark of the year only to have fellow defender Jack Buckley nudge him over just as the ball went into his hands.
The pack collapsed and the mark spilled out, luckily all players are fine and playing on.
“We’ve lost a potential mark of the year,” Fox Footy’s Jason Dunstall said.
“It was going to be a great hanger and he was poleaxed by Buckley.”
Hogan has kicked his second goal and kicked his 300th goal in the AFL.
Giants 42, Dons 23 with three mins to go in Q2.
Jesse Hogan.Credit: Getty Images
Alwyn Davey jnr completed a lovely pass into the pocket for Kyle Langford.
He was against the boundary but his kick was right on line and sailed through for a goal.
Giants 33, Dons 23 with nine mins to go in Q2.
Nic Martin of the Bombers takes possession of the ball.Credit: AFL Photos
Archie Perkins has capped off a flowing move forward, booting a goal from the 50m arc, and the Marvel Stadium is roaring again.
The Giants are ahead, but there is still hope if the Dons can find a couple more goals.
Giants 33, Dons 17 with 11 mins to go in Q2.
Nik Cox sent a dropping handball towards ruckman Todd Goldstein, who was in the defensive goal square.
He couldn’t grab it and Toby Greene soccered it under the big man for a goal.
Giants 33, Dons 11 with 13 mins to go in Q2.
Toby Greene of the Giants is chased by Jye Caldwell of the Bombers.Credit: Getty Images
Stringer has just missed a shot for goal from close range.
The Dons have battled hard to start the second term, but they have not been able to punctuate their good work.
Giants 27, Giants 11 with 13 mins to go in Q2.
Here is Alwyn Davey jnr’s goal from the first term. It’s worth a repeat viewing:
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