A Harsh Lesson for Hawthorn
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell shared a mix of laughter and frustration after the team’s 39-point defeat to Melbourne at the MCG. The Hawks struggled in the second half, allowing the Demons to take control with a dominant performance that saw six goals conceded in both the third and fourth quarters.
Mitchell acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, noting that they were outworked by the opposition. “We got outworked and they have been playing some really good footy,” he said. “I think Melbourne played really well, but we sort of pride ourselves on our workmate. Today, we got a lesson.”
The coach pointed out that Melbourne won ground balls by 18 or 20, which made a significant difference in the game. “They just looked a little bit more hungry than we did today. You can’t win many games at this level of footy if you’re outhunted by the opposition.”
Mitchell described the performance as an anomaly, emphasizing that it was rare for the team to be genuinely outworked in a match. “It’s been a long time since you’d be able to say we’ve been genuinely outworked in a game,” he said. “If you watched that game, it’s very rare I would’ve questioned that part of our group and just thought they were a bit too good for us today.”
Despite the loss, Mitchell remains optimistic about the team’s ability to bounce back. “Back to the drawing board, we lick our wounds, play again Thursday, thank goodness for that – we can turn it around pretty quick.”
The Absence of Jack Gunston
The absence of injured star Jack Gunston was also a factor in the Hawks’ performance. Gunston managed only five goals in the first half despite having numerous opportunities inside 50. “Of course someone like Jack will help us coming back, but that’s not to say you need to rely on one player,” Mitchell said.
He emphasized the importance of a system-based approach, where each player plays to their strengths. “We need to play system-based footy and there are some roles that are made for some players’ strengths. When Jack’s not there, other players are still playing roles that suit them – we just weren’t able to execute them as well today.”
Melbourne’s New Direction
Meanwhile, Melbourne coach Steven King is driving an attacking shift at the club, aiming to create a brand of football that is both exciting and entertaining. “I want us to be box office,” King said. The Demons have started the season strongly under his leadership, winning seven of their first 10 games and sitting just behind Geelong in third place.
King has transformed the team’s style of play, and he believes it will continue to hold up against the competition’s best. “I always wanted to play a brand of footy that was attractive, that our players loved to play and that people wanted to come and watch,” he said. “You’re not quite sure how that’s going to go, but I said from day one I wanted to be a team that could kick 100 points every game and challenge the opposition.”
King hopes that the team’s style will attract even neutral fans. “I hope there were a few neutrals here today, only game at the ‘G so far this weekend and hopefully they walk away (saying), ‘That was entertaining’.” He also expressed his desire for the club to play on the big stage. “From my perspective, I want us to be box office, I want our club to play on the big stage, I want to play in those games.”
Looking Ahead
While King speaks passionately about the team’s style, he remains focused on results. “In terms of daring to dream, I dare to dream that our players win every game they play in and today was no different,” he said. “Internally our perception is that we want to win every game of footy we play in … yeah, 7-3 gives us a good start to now keep pushing ahead really.”
The Demons will face the Dogs again in a week’s time, with a home game at Marvel Stadium against a high-quality opponent. “Get to play at Marvel and against a really high quality team,” King added.
