Hawthorn players make pledge to behave during bye round as Mitch Lewis nears return

Hawthorn players have made a pledge to each other during their bye round as the club continues their finals charge. Plus the latest on a key spearhead close to a return.

Mitch Lewis of the Hawks celebrates a 2nd quarter goal. Picture: Michael Klein

Hawthorn’s young side has pledged not to undo its good work with poor off-field decisions over the club’s mid-season bye as Mitch Lewis prepares to return for the club’s finals charge.

A club that had believed it might again be in the bottom four after a 0-5 start is instead shaping for a finals tilt after six wins in the past seven weeks playing a bold, aggressive style of football.

The maturity to be able to put Richmond to sleep despite Dustin Martin’s rousing opening goal in his 300th match was extremely impressive.

Now with finals in sight coach Sam Mitchell has driven home the message that those hard-earned gains should not be squandered over the bye.

Can the Hawks play finals? Picture: Getty Images

His line coaches broke the team up into their groups after the Richmond victory with the message that the bye was a chance to refresh body and mind, not make irresponsible decisions.

The players pledged to keep each other accountable ahead of a clash against a West Coast side in Perth that will have No. 1 overall pick Harley Reid returning from suspension.

Lewis played a half in the VFL after coming back from continuing knee issues and looks a good chance to take on the Eagles.

He pulled up well from that VFL clash and would need to get through another hard training session over the weekend after the players return to the club from their bye on Thursday.

Mitch Lewis could be back to play West Coast. Picture: Getty Images

The Hawks forward line has been humming so it will be a hard front six to break into.

Jack Gunston was subbed out after a quieter performance but had kicked 10 goals in the previous three games, while Calsher Dear has been impressive in his early games.

Mabior Chol was again impressive with strong marking and chase-down tackles to underline his critical role at Hawthorn.

Nick Watson’s 1.4 and two overall misses gave him 5.15 for the season after returning from the VFL but while his set-shot routine was all over the place he continued to get shots at AFL.

“He had seven shots on goal and everyone will talk about those, but he went back with the flight and halved some aerial contests,” Mitchell said.

“When you are in your first season there is a lot of pressure. He is not very tall, 19 years old, playing with that level of enthusiasm and joy.

“I am rapt with what he’s doing. I am not concerned about his goal kicking, that will come.

“I was pleased he was able to step up on the occasion and play an important role for us.”

Mitchell said he believed his side had the maturity to have some off at 7-7 and yet still come back with the driving passion to win again.

Mabior Chol kicked four goals against Richmond. Picture: Getty Images

“This week is a different challenge. We have time off. Normally you have 48 hours to feel how you feel (then move on). They are having some time off. It will be a different challenge for us but I have full confidence the players have a desperate desire to continue to improve.

“If we think 7-7 is great and we are a finished product we are not going where we think we should be.”

Mitchell said his side could not afford to think about finals given it was still so far off the likes of Sydney in many areas of its game.

“The challenge for us is we go into the bye now 7-7, reset our season and can a young group continue to drive?

“When the fixture came out I thought having the last bye was a challenge but if I am honest I am a bit disappointed we have got the bye. We have got a bit of momentum and belief. We are going to Perth to play West Coast and it will be another challenge for us when it comes.”

Originally published as Hawthorn players make pledge to behave during bye round as Mitch Lewis nears return