St Kilda demolish Hawthorn in Launceston, once the Hawks impregnable stronghold

HAWTHORN hadn’t lost in Launceston for five years but that all came crashing down when St Kilda officially brought the Hawks’ era to an end.

Josh Bruce and Jade Gresham celebrate a St Kilda goal.

THE fortress has fallen, the barricades have been swamped.

We already knew this was a period of dynastic change for Hawthorn - and indeed the AFL - so Saturday’s embarrassing 75-point loss to St Kilda shouldn’t have come as a complete shock.

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Yet the fact it happened at the Hawks’ bastion of invincibility - their Launceston home away from home - it only emphasises the true extent of the club’s 2017 free-fall.

Where that fall will end is anyone’s guess, but given the 1-5 start to the season, and after three losses by more than 12 goals, the club’s golden era is officially done and dusted.

Nick Riewoldt starred in St Kilda’s big win.

Five years to the day since Alastair Clarkson’s team last lost a game in Tasmania, the Hawks’ 19-game winning streak at the venue came to a dramatic end at the hands of a St Kilda side with the scent of blood.

As strange as it sounds, the final margin should have been far greater - something Clarko later conceded - had it not been for the Saints’ inaccuracy.

If you have any doubts about that, just take a look at Josh Bruce’s ‘Percy Jones’ moment in the goalsquare in the third term.

The Saints were good, and answered their critics in the best possible manner, but this match was always going to be about the Hawks as their alarming slide continued after last week’s first win of the season against West Coast.

There were enough familiar Hawks’ faces manning the fortress, but this team was a shadow of its former self as the Saints swamped across the lines of engagement.

The reinforcements Clarkson has brought in to replace some of his former stars now either retired or playing elsewhere are not yet capable of reaching the required level and in fairness to them, they do not appear to be getting the level of support or effort from some of the club’s more established players either.

Jarred Roughead is struggling in his return to football.

Leaving aside Ben McEvoy who worked tirelessly, Tom Mitchell who fought hard for the football, and Luke Hodge, who tried to offer some resistance, there were very few other good performers.

Yet this wasn’t solely about personnel. It was as much about effort and structure as anything else.

A team that was once so clinical about its use of the ball, so giving in terms of effort and so breathtakingly arrogant in taking on and beating opponents was yesterday reduced to a stagnant, almost systemless side - chipping nervously without certainty and confidence.

It wasn’t just the Saints’ players who took the mickey out of them.

Even St Kilda’s cheersquad made light of Hawthorn’s contentious trade late last year which helped them secure Jaeger O’Meara but means they coughed out a first-round 2017 draft pick to the Saints. The banner read: “Our Jacks will be nimble/Our Jacks will be quick/Saints say thanks/For the first round pick.”

It didn’t help that O’Meara, back after two weeks off with bone bruising to his knee, couldn’t make a serious contribution. He had 14 disposals, but had no impact, with SEN’s Kevin Bartlett saying it was as if he was “running in quicksand.” He wasn’t alone though.

Josh Gibson spoils Tim Membrey on Saturday.

The Hawks had little zest or run, clearly lost the tackle count, and again gave up a bevy of goals in a third term that sealed their fate.

St Kilda’s midfield clearly outpointed Hawthorn’s. Questioned about their toughness and intensity after a modest start to the season, the Saints’ onballers turned in a great display.

Jack Steven and Seb Ross were outstanding, Jack Steele made a big impact as did Jack Newnes, while the Hawks seemed reactive in reply.

Koby Stevens was brilliant in his first game for the Saints, Dylan Roberton was outstanding all day giving enormous drive for his team, and big forwards Nick Riewoldt (four goals), Tim Membrey (three) and Josh Bruce (three) combined for 10 goals - two more than the Hawks kicked in total.

Ruckman McEvoy was their only multiple goalkicker, which summed up his team’s day.

Future trips to Launceston for opposition teams may never seem as daunting again.

VOTES

3. Dylan Roberton (St Kilda)

2. Jack Steven (St Kilda)

1. Koby Stevens (St Kilda)

BEST

St Kilda: D.Roberton, J.Steven, K.Stevens, S.Ross, J.Steele, J.Newnes, N.Riewoldt, L.Montagna, J.Carlisle, M.Weller

Hawthorn: B.McEvoy, T.Mitchell, L.Hodge

Dylan Roberton was commanding across half-back for the Saints.

Koby Stevens impressed in his first game for St Kilda.