Hawthorn managed to hold the lead throughout their clash with West Coast, but some poor kicking accuracy early on prevented a complete blowout. Led by an unexpected hero in Mabior Chol and the steady presence of veteran Jack Gunston, the Hawks bounced back from consecutive defeats to secure a commanding 50-point win over the winless Eagles. After tough losses to Port Adelaide and Geelong, Hawthorn’s 18.16 (124) to 11.8 (74) victory at Marvel Stadium was far from polished, but it got the job done. However, the night wasn’t without setbacks: Jack Scrimshaw suffered another concussion—his second for the season—and Karl Amon also failed a head injury assessment.
The Eagles made some puzzling tactical decisions, notably deploying co-captain Oscar Allen in defense against Chol in his first game back after a rest. The plan quickly unraveled as Allen struggled to contain Chol, who kicked two early goals and pulled off some spectacular marks, including a soaring hanger over Allen. Chol ended with three goals, nine marks, and 17 disposals in a dominant performance. Gunston was also a key figure, slotting four goals, while Josh Battle collected 29 disposals in a strong showing down back. Henry Hustwaite and James Worpel were busy through the midfield with 24 touches each, and Harry Morrison made a major impact with 22 disposals and a goal. In the ruck, Lloyd Meek absolutely dominated with 57 hitouts, easily besting Matt Flynn.
For West Coast, Ryan Maric and Brady Hough fought bravely, gathering 25 and 23 disposals respectively, while Liam Ryan kicked three goals and Harley Reid contributed two classy second-half majors. Despite Hawthorn’s inaccurate kicking keeping things close early—only leading by seven points at quarter-time—the Hawks pulled away as the game wore on. There was a moment of controversy when Jack Ginnivan lashed out with his boot at Jack Graham, an act that might attract the match review officer’s attention.
Chol’s early second-quarter goals helped Hawthorn seize the momentum, breaking tackles and finishing coolly to extend the lead. By halftime, the Hawks had kicked seven goals to just two from the Eagles, heading into the main break with a 28-point advantage. Scrimshaw was subbed out at halftime following a heavy collision with Liam Ryan, who kneed him during a marking attempt. Hawthorn continued to push after the break, extending their lead to 37 points by three-quarter time before running away with the match late. A late bump from West Coast’s Jeremy McGovern on Nick Watson could also come under scrutiny.
Looking ahead, Hawthorn (now 4-2) is set to face Richmond at the MCG next Sunday, while West Coast (0-6) will try to find a spark against Melbourne at Optus Stadium.
Jack Ginnivan Brings the Swagger Back
Though not known for massive stats, Jack Ginnivan’s energy and confidence have become vital for Hawthorn’s new “Hollywood Hawks” identity. His dip in form and a stint in the VFL coincided with the club’s only two losses this season, suggesting his influence runs deep. Recalled to the senior side, Ginnivan delivered his trademark edge, finishing with 17 disposals, seven tackles, and two goals, helping to reignite Hawthorn’s spark.
Harley Reid’s Spark Amidst Growing Pains
Harley Reid’s second AFL season hasn’t started smoothly, and with only one disposal in the first quarter, it seemed Sunday might be another tough outing. Yet Reid gradually worked into the game, finishing with 19 disposals, seven tackles, and two goals—showing flashes of the brilliance West Coast are banking on for the future. However, he may face a nervous wait if his late-game incident draws the MRO’s attention.
HAWTHORN 2.8 9.10 12.14 18.16 (124)
WEST COAST 2.1 4.5 7.7 11.8 (74)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Gunston 4, Chol 3, Macdonald 2, Ginnivan 2, Warple, Weddle, Watson, Newcombe, Morrison, Moore, Hardwick
West Coast: Ryan 3, Waterman 2, Reid 2, Cripps, Owies, Williams, Long
BEST
Hawthorn: Battle, Meek, Sicily, Gunston, Moore, Chol, Worpel
West Coast: Hutchison, Maric, Hough, Flynn, Duggan, H.Reid
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Scrimshaw (concussion), Amon (Concussion)
West Coast: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Bailey McDonald, replaced Jack Scrimshaw at half-time
West Coast: Noah Long, replaced Hamish Davis in the fourth quarter
Crowd: 26,425 at Marvel Stadium
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