West Coast v Hawthorn: Early aerial dominance sets up Eagles’ comfortable victory over Hawks
They were always going to be up against it facing the might of West Coast but, despite the loss, Hawthorn’s new youth dawn has begun with a tick, the likes of Will Day and Conor Glass providing hope for the future.
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Hawthorn brought effort, intensity and desperation to Perth Stadium, but it was not enough to overcome a massive gulf in class as West Coast returned to the top four with its seventh consecutive win on Sunday.
The Eagles lacked their sharp edge but were never seriously challenged, building a 26-point lead in the first half and cruising home to win 12.9 (81) to 7.7 (49).
The premiership favourites, who dominated in the air, sit ominously in fourth spot with a game in hand on the rest of the top four after having their bye in round 10.
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They won without top-line midfielder Elliot Yeo, who was withdrawn pre-game with groin soreness, and were further unsettled by the absence of in-form regulars Liam Duggan and Jake Waterman.
Liam Ryan put on a show, taking three big pack marks and kicking three goals, while tall defenders Jeremy McGovern, returning from a thumb injury, and Tom Barrass combined for 17 marks.
The loss was soured for Hawthorn by a leg injury to important defender James Sicily, who was helped from the ground by trainers in the final minutes.
HAWKS’ NEW DIRECTION
Coach Alastair Clarkson held his ground at the selection table and drip-fed new blood into the 22, with elevated rookie Changkuoth Jiath and Irishman Conor Glass selected for their first games this season.
Jiath was particularly eye-catching early, providing run off halfback and commitment to the contest before fading to finish with 12 disposals.
Glass rotated between the midfield and half-forward, kicking a goal in the third quarter and finishing with 12 disposals and seven marks.
Draftee Will Day provided more glimpses of his undoubted talent and courage.
The Hawks now embark on four games in 15 days between rounds 13 and 16 while based in South Australia, providing an ideal opportunity to give more players opportunities.
EARLY SKY-SHOW SETS TREND
Hawthorn won the inside 50 count 15-12 in the first quarter, but continually bombed long to tall pair Barrass and McGovern who shared nine marks and six intercepts.
It was a dominant start from the pair, who held Hawthorn to its second scoreless quarter and fifth goalless term this season.
But it wasn’t just the defenders controlling the air.
Forward Liam Ryan took two big pack marks inside 50 and booted two early goals as the Eagles made the most of their forward entries.
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Hawthorn’s midfielders did their job at ground level, winning the clearances 8-7, but their delivery forward was poor, allowing the Eagles to break away to an early 22-point lead at the first break.
NIC NAT MAKES HIS CASE
West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui is making a compelling case to win his first All Australian blazer since 2012 and he added to his argument on Sunday, giving his team a hitout advantage of 46-17.
The big Eagle was brilliant again, controlling stoppages and working the ball to his midfielders, who eventually got on top to win the clearances 35-33.
Naitanui continues to flourish under the 6-6-6 rules and he plunged a dagger into Hawthorn’s heart in the opening minute of the third quarter when the game was on the line.
The 30-year-old powerhouse took the opening centre bounce, won his own clearance and burst forward out of the centre square, kicking long to Josh Kennedy, who sent the margin out to 32 points.
It was a big moment, which is when Naitanui stands up. Other ruckmen have better stat lines, but Naitanui’s influence this season can’t be understated.
SCOREBOARD
WEST COAST 3.4 6.5 11.7 12.9 (81)
HAWTHORN 0.0 2.3 5.6 7.7 (49)
GOALS
West Coast: Ryan 3, Kennedy 3, Darling 2, Cripps, Allen, Sheppard, Reid
Hawthorn: Gunston 2, Shiels, Burgoyne, Glass, O’Brien, Worpel
BEST
West Coast: Barrass, Naitanui, Ryan, Kennedy, McGovern, Gaff, Sheppard
Hawthorn: Mitchell, O’Meara, Shiels, Scrimshaw, Day, Worpel
INJURIES
West Coast: Elliot Yeo (groin) replaced by Jarrod Brander, Redden (leg)
Hawthorn: James Sicily (leg)
VENUE
Optus Stadium
VOTES
3. Tom Barrass (West Coast)
2. Nic Naitanui (West Coast)
1. Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn)
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