Hawthorn Hawks defeat the Greater Western Sydney Giants at the MCG, but lose Nick Watson, “the Wizard”, to injury
Hawthorn overcame slippery conditions and produced a spirited GWS challenge to clinch a hard-earned victory on a bitterly cold Friday night at the MCG, but all eyes will quickly turn to superstar striker Nick Watson.
The Hawks were never able to completely shake the Giants, but they always seemed to have the extra gear when the contest called for it. Even as momentum threatened to waver despite the visitors’ injured wards growing, Sam Mitchell’s side consistently found answers and nearly ended the battered and bruised Giants team’s season.
The game took a dramatic turn in the second term when the Giants were dealt two injury blows within minutes of each other. Livewire forward Brent Daniels limped off the field with a calf injury, while young forward Max Gruzewski suffered a dislocated kneecap, leaving Adam Kingsley’s side desperately short on rotation and key personnel.
The Hawks lost their own disruptor at halftime.
Watson was the most effective player on the field throughout the first two quarters; He ignited the fight with his speed, pressure and goal-oriented creativity. However, the exciting small forward did not return at halftime due to “hamstring awareness”.
Without Watson, the Hawks relied on the strength of their midfield and once again it was the stars who achieved success.
Jai Newcombe and Will Day controlled the game in stoppage time, pushing the Hawks forward repeatedly and allowing the Giants to spend long stretches of time on defense. When GWS threatened to close the gap, Newcombe’s racing work and Day’s lesson in possession kept the home side afloat.
They were well supported by Cam Mackenzie, who put in one of the best performances of his young career. The towering midfielder was calm in traffic, used the ball efficiently and consistently linked Hawthorn’s defensive and attacking chains in a flamboyant four-quarter performance.
To the Giants’ credit, they refused to give up despite mounting setbacks. Finn Callaghan was outstanding, carrying most of the midfield responsibility and getting his team back into the fray time and time again with his strong running and clean ball handling. His performance ensured the lead remained within striking distance deep into the second half, but GWS ultimately lacked the polish and manpower to complete the comeback.
Toby Greene, whose contract has expired and has been talked about a lot, occasionally showed his best performance among the forward 50 and finished the match with 24 disposals and two goals.
The Hawks weren’t at their best, but they were effective, disciplined and looked on the better side for most of the night. On a frigid evening in a game that could never be a classic, the Giants were left to lament both the result and the injury list that continues to grow, as Hawthorn accumulated a crucial four more winning points.
Sam McClure is an award-winning AFL journalist and broadcaster.Connect with: X or email.
