Hawthorn’s Dominant Performance Exposes St Kilda’s Weaknesses
Hawthorn delivered a commanding performance against St Kilda, showcasing their strength and discipline in a 52-point AFL victory. The game saw the Saints remain goalless in the first half, highlighting significant issues in their gameplay and strategy.
Will Day made a highly anticipated return from a dislocated shoulder, while Jack Gunston, who also returned to the lineup, kicked five goals in the 18.11 (119) to 9.13 (67) win. Gunston was rested for the final quarter, allowing Day to accumulate 18 disposals. Blake Hardwick stepped into Gunston’s role in attack and managed to kick four goals in the last term, echoing his impressive performance in the previous week’s win over Adelaide.
Gunston’s teammates playfully teased him as he watched from the bench, acknowledging how well Hardwick performed in his role. Despite the loss, St Kilda showed some signs of improvement this season following a major recruiting drive, sitting at 5-7 on the table. However, they have yet to defeat any team currently above them on the ladder.
Saints coach Ross Lyon acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We’ve been pounding the rock, to borrow that term … tonight, we fell apart in the first term.” He added that the coaching group found solutions to get the team back to competing like an AFL team. Lyon emphasized that improvements are necessary and that it starts with him and the team.
Hawthorn improved to 8-3, with co-captain James Sicily and Cam McKenzie making notable contributions. When the game was there to be won, St Kilda’s ball-handling errors and lack of pressure proved costly. Additionally, several key players, including Liam Ryan, Jack Higgins, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, and Mitch Owens, were injured, further complicating matters for the Saints.
Max King’s long-awaited return remains uncertain, adding to the challenges faced by the team. St Kilda’s 0.5 score was the first time they had gone goalless in the opening half since 1987 and their lowest half-time score since 1957.
The Saints managed to rally in the second half, applying more pressure on Hawthorn. However, the first half was devastating for the team. Adding to an already difficult night, Sam Flanders required assistance from two trainers after limping off in the second term with an Achilles tendon injury.
The game started ominously for St Kilda when Gunston took two marks in the opening five minutes and kicked accurately. The Hawks celebrated as Gunston lined up for the second goal, with Day coming off the bench and entering the midfield for the next center ball-up.
Hawthorn’s well-drilled defense capitalized on St Kilda’s ball movement, with inside 50s favoring the Hawks 31-16 at the main break. Leading by 20 points at quarter time, Hawthorn extended their lead with another five goals in the second term, amassing a 50-point advantage.
Coach Sam Mitchell commented, “We definitely, in the first half of this game, played some footy that was closer to the brand we’d like to play.” Day had a shot at goal in the second, but his attempt was wide for a behind, showing his rustiness.
One of the highlights of Hawthorn’s dominance was a superb field kick from co-captain Jai Newcombe, setting up Jack Ginnivan for their seventh goal late in the second term. However, Nick Watson was denied a goal after the half-time siren, with the umpire ruling he had run off his line.
“There’s no common sense about that,” said Mitchell, adding that they would raise the decision with the AFL.
Jack Silvagni entered attack as Lyon made adjustments, finally kicking St Kilda’s first goal at the start of the third quarter. Silvagni added two more goals to lead the Saints’ goalkicking, while defender Jack Higgins and utility Darcy Wilson worked hard on a challenging night.
Hawthorn lost Conor Nash as a late withdrawal due to neck soreness, with Flynn Perez stepping in to take his place.
