|
58,307 people turn out to watch Hawthorn easily account for Collingwood at the MCG last night. The win sees the Hawks sitting at second spot on the AFL ladder, a position we won't know if the can secure until after the Western Bulldogs play this weekend. Conversly, Collingwood are likely to drop out of the top 8 at the end of this round, a stark reality check for the team who many thought would be a top 4 contender only a few short weeks ago. From the first bounce the Hawks controlled the run of the ball through the midfield which provided the catalyst for the Hawthorn power forwards, Buddy Franlkin and Jarryd Roughead to kick 12 goals between them. Sam Mitchell, the extractor, lived up to his nickname, dominating the clearances and having the run of the ground for the duration of the night. At no time did Collingwood attempt to tag the Hawks captain, and he hut Collingwood for their leniency. Collingwood got another up-close look at Clarko's Cluster and the result was much the same as the round 7 Clash. Hawthorn delivered Collingwoods second largest loss of the season (roun 7 being the worst). The cluster worked very well for the Hawks except it did tire the team out significantly. Collingwood were able to get within 10 points during the third quarter before the Hawks, led by Lance Franklin up forward, were able to kick away.
Lewis, Mitchell and Hodge all accumulated 30 or more possessions, with every other Hawthorn player (except Mark Williams) had double figure disposals. That number ultimately decided the game. 431 possessions to the Hawks against 344 possessions to the Magpies. THose extra possession were able to get Hawthorn inside 50, 18 more times than their opponents. Lance Franklin kicked 8 goals (along with 6 points, one complete miss and 2 scoring assists). He could have kicked 12. Collingwood were practicing a new defensive tactic in the changerooms before the game to try to put the big left footer off his game. It only served as an aid to straighten him up. He is botha brilliant and frustrating player to watch. He can kick a goal, on the wrong side of the ground at a near impossible angle from 55 metres out, and then miss from 25 metres on theslightest of angles. At 21 years old, he is certainly one shaping up to be one of the games greats. Bring on September!
 |
Match Reviews 
Subscribe to this comment's feed
