AFL

Hawks Make Shock Move to Sideline Barrass as Bulldogs Suffer Treloar Blow

May 8, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Hawthorn’s bold move to rest key recruit Tom Barrass signals a strategic shift in player management, with coach Sam Mitchell hinting that other senior players may soon follow suit. Barrass, who has played every game since his off-season switch from West Coast, will miss Saturday’s clash with Melbourne as the Hawks prioritize long-term performance over immediate availability. Meanwhile, the Western Bulldogs are dealt a fresh blow with Adam Treloar ruled out due to calf tightness, and Melbourne face a mixed bag—welcoming back Clayton Oliver but losing Jack Viney to concussion. Across the league, selection shake-ups dominate round nine headlines, with Essendon and Port Adelaide both swinging the axe after poor showings, and Carlton betting big on the return of Charlie Curnow for a crunch clash with St Kilda.

Veteran Hawk Defies Time: A Stunning Comeback in 2025

May 1, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Jack Gunston is defying the odds in the twilight of his career, proving that even with age, a champion can still shine. At 33, the veteran forward has been in sensational form for Hawthorn, putting together a career-best start to the 2025 season. Despite the Hawks’ forward line struggling in the absence of key players like Mitch Lewis and Calsher Dear, Gunston has stepped up as a focal point of attack, contributing 17 goals in just five games and climbing to equal seventh on the Coleman Medal leaderboard.

His standout performance came in Hawthorn’s dominant 50-point victory over the Eagles at Marvel Stadium, where he kicked four goals and made 12 score involvements. This success follows a surprising journey: after being delisted at the end of 2024, Gunston was reselected in the Pre-Season Draft and recalled to the senior side after missing the first two rounds. Since then, he has not only provided crucial goals but also mentored the team’s younger stars like Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan.

Gunston’s remarkable resurgence highlights that you can’t write off seasoned players, even in the later stages of their careers. With his 500th career goal now within reach, he remains a critical piece of Hawthorn’s forward line, helping the team find its rhythm as they move forward in the 2025 season.

Hawks Stumble, Then Soar: Dramatic Comeback Grounds Eagles

April 27, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Hawthorn bounced back strongly from consecutive defeats, overpowering a struggling West Coast side by 50 points at Marvel Stadium. Led by the unlikely hero Mabior Chol and veteran Jack Gunston, the Hawks overcame early inaccuracy to dominate the contest, winning 18.16 (124) to 11.8 (74). Despite the convincing victory, the night was marred by injuries to Jack Scrimshaw and Karl Amon, both ruled out with head injuries. Chol was a standout, kicking three goals and taking a spectacular hanger over Oscar Allen, while Gunston added four goals of his own. As Hawthorn rediscovered their form, West Coast continued to battle through a winless season, showing glimpses of fight but ultimately falling away under sustained pressure.

Shaken Up: Eagles Unveil Trio of Bold Changes for Round 7

April 26, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Hawthorn has made three changes ahead of its first Marvel Stadium appearance of the season, with Henry Hustwaite, Bailey Macdonald, and Jack Ginnivan all earning recalls. Hustwaite steps into the side after a standout start in the VFL, averaging over 34 disposals, while Macdonald brings fresh energy off half-back. Ginnivan also returns following a dominant Easter Sunday performance for Box Hill. The trio replaces Conor Nash, who is suspended, alongside the managed Luke Breust and omitted Changkuoth Jiath.

Shaken, Not Stirred: Eagles Unleash Trio of Bold Changes Ahead of Round 7

April 25, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Hawthorn is set to unleash fresh talent in its return to Marvel Stadium, making three strategic changes ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Coast. Among the inclusions is midfielder Henry Hustwaite, rewarded for his standout VFL form, while Bailey Macdonald returns with his trademark pace off half-back. Jack Ginnivan also re-enters the side after a dominant performance for Box Hill, as the Hawks look to inject energy and form into their lineup.

Power Unleash a Fully-Charged Performance, Leaving Fans Wondering: Could This Be the Beginning of Something Extraordinary?

April 17, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Port Adelaide’s dominant performance against Hawthorn was a stunning reminder of their potential. Marketed as a grudge match, it quickly turned into a one-sided affair, with Port Adelaide attacking relentlessly from the outset. By the second quarter, they led by a staggering 71 points, and it seemed all but over. Hawthorn, struggling to keep up, found a moment of hope in the final term as they mounted a brief, almost historic comeback. However, a taunting moment from Willie Rioli, followed by a free kick, quickly extinguished any hopes of a turnaround, as Port Adelaide secured a commanding 18.13 (121) to 14.7 (91) win.

This victory came at a crucial time, after a rocky start to the season that had many questioning the future of the Ken Hinkley era. But on Sunday night, Port Adelaide showed what they’re capable of when their midfield is fully charged and their emotional energy is harnessed. The performance of captain Connor Rozee, who found his confidence after a tactical switch to half-back, was a standout, alongside Jason Horne-Francis and Zak Butters, who both played with intensity and flair.

The match also served as a reminder of the power of momentum in the AFL. When Port Adelaide are firing on all cylinders, they are a force to be reckoned with, feeding off the energy of their crowd and playing with a sense of urgency that makes them unstoppable.