Hawthorn’s coach, Sam Mitchell, delivered a powerful message to his players at the end of the third quarter during Saturday night’s win against the previously unbeaten Western Bulldogs. The match had seen the Hawks concede three goals in quick succession, allowing the Dogs a chance to make a comeback when they should have been well out of reach. As a former captain turned coach, Mitchell made it clear to his team that their performance in those final moments was unacceptable.
Mitch Lewis, one of Hawthorn’s key forwards, later shared details of the intense discussion that followed. “That was pathetic… that last five minutes,” Mitchell reportedly said. “If you want to keep playing like that, we’re going to lose this game. I don’t care if you’re tired – bring energy back into this game.”
Mitchell was questioned about his approach after the game, and he didn’t seem overly apologetic, given that the strategy clearly worked. “We were nowhere near our best and we looked like we were inviting them back into the contest, so at three-quarter time we addressed that – I addressed it reasonably strongly,” he explained.
There may be one small regret for Mitchell: young leader Jai Newcombe, who is in his first season as co-captain, was ready to step up and deliver a similar message. “I think Jai was about to do the same thing and I didn’t realise it at the time, and I think I cut his lunch,” Mitchell admitted. “He didn’t mention it to me until after the game and he was a bit disappointed. I’m not sure how many times he’s given a big spray but he was ready, so maybe I should have let him do it.”
Mitchell was also honest about the victory, acknowledging that some of the opposition’s missed shots may have helped his side. “I think we got a little bit lucky with some of their scoring shots,” he said.
Another concern for Hawthorn is the fitness of Mabior Chol, a fan favourite and key forward. Chol left the game with what appeared to be a left hamstring strain. While the club has depth in that position, Chol has been a crucial partner for Jack Gunston this season. His absence could be a significant blow if he ends up on the sidelines for any length of time.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Strong leadership: Mitchell’s decision to address the team at three-quarter time was a decisive move that helped turn the game around.
- Team dynamics: The incident involving Jai Newcombe highlights the importance of communication and trust within the squad.
- Unlucky breaks: Some of the Bulldogs’ missed opportunities may have played a role in Hawthorn’s narrow victory.
- Injury concerns: Mabior Chol’s potential injury is a worrying development for the Hawks, especially given his role in the attack.
Looking Ahead
With the next round of matches approaching, Hawthorn will need to focus on maintaining their intensity and ensuring that such lapses in concentration don’t happen again. The team’s ability to adapt and respond under pressure will be crucial as they aim to build on this hard-fought win.
The Hawks’ performance in this match serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football. While the victory is a positive outcome, there are areas that require improvement. Mitchell’s leadership and the team’s resilience will be tested in the coming weeks as they look to solidify their position in the league.
