Autopsy Round 18, 2025: Hawks fall short

[Roger Rogerson]

Poor kicking cost us as much as the lack of fight in the last did. We just didn't execute in front of goal.

Not really used to seeing us take the foot off the gas for the final quarter when the game was on the line.

On a positive note Calsher added real bite to our forward line, he always looks dangerous.

Meek was huge, so too Amon.

Some solid performances from the usual suspects (Jai, Ward, C Mac).... but the midfield looked a little absent at times. We need something to change up in there.

I thought Sic and McKenzie were both better than the previous week. Something was up with Chol.

But mostly we just couldn't get the ball moving the way we wanted to, and didn't convert our dominant periods on the scoreboard.

Just bombed it in over and over, expecting Dear or Chol to take a big pack mark. Dear got close a few times.

Amon defensively was poor as well as a couple of decisions with the ball in hand. Cost us multiple goals.

 

[westhawk]

I'm not throwing the toys over this one.

Our first 3 quarters were solid.

Our deficiencies and some players not in top form got us in the end.

CJ can't survive that one. It does though open another problem down back. No Weddle and no CJ means limited dash from the back half again.

No Day means no X factor in the midfield and it shows.

Calsher looked lively early which was great.

I don’t think CJ offers much run anyway, and when he does he usually stuffs it up.

 

[ahhhhhh]

I don’t think CJ offers much run anyway, and when he does he usually stuffs it up.

Agree. We dont lost any run replacing CJ with Scrimshaw. Maybe the appearance of dash, but Scrimshaw can move the ball quicker and more precisely than CJ can run.

He is exactly what we need in the team. Self-assured with ball in hand and has a bit of c*nt in him.

 

[5ammy]

On a positive note Will Day is down to 1-3 weeks on the injury list

View attachment 2366456

Heard Sam say on SEN during the week that Will looked cherry ripe during match sim, realistically a Round 20 return but he said he looked ready to go. TFFT!

 

[JRH]

I feel sorry for harry Morrison

1

Harry Morrison

Age

27

Ht

184cm

Wt

79kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.1

4star

K

8.5

3star

HB

5.6

4star

M

4.3

4star

T

2.9

4star

CL

0.9

3star

D

13.4

3star

K

9.8

4star

HB

3.6

2star

M

4.2

4star

T

1.6

3star

CL

0.8

3star

D

18.4

5star

K

11.4

4star

HB

7.0

5star

M

5.4

5star

T

2.2

4star

CL

2.0

4star

. Really had to stretch his role to stay in it and we kicked it to him in contests like he is Tony Lockett

Tony Lockett

Age

60

Ht

191cm

Wt

108kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.2

3star

K

8.4

3star

HB

1.8

2star

M

6.3

5star

T

0.5

3star

G

4.8

5star

No current season stats available

D

8.2

2star

K

5.6

3star

HB

2.6

3star

M

4.0

4star

T

0.0

1star

G

1.4

5star

.

 

[Noel Gallagher]

Super proud of the boys. Threw everything at Freo and ran out of legs in the last quarter. Sam would have learnt a lot from last night.

Still confident we make the 8 once Lewis and day are back in. Dear is only going to get better. Midfield is still the Achilles heel. Can’t rely on just Day coming back to fix that area. Still think McKenzie will become elite just needs more time. Some very tough calls with selection this week

 

[Sonny Hayes]

Why does everyone think if Lewis comes in a big guy has to go out? We had Buddy, Roughie, Hale and Gunna all in the same forward line when we were winning flags!
I would bring in Lewis to FF put Chol HF- he has the pace to go with half backers and will destroy them in the air, Gunston FP and Dear to CHF.
Scrimmers in for CJ
Moore to sub

1 that was 10 years ago, 2 no one in our current team is Buddy, or even Roughie. We are already so tall, adding to it isn’t going to be the answer

 

[DogDaySonny]

Well, that’s sucked.

The Scrim Reaper for CJ
Lewis for Chol
Finn for Mackenzie until Day is ready

If Joe Peddle heals up for finals then we’ll see where to insert him, I guess.

That’s our list, I reckon. Run with that and we see how we go. It looks like the magic isn’t quite on this year.

 

[AlwaysHawks15]

We can definitely take it up to the Pies, they are in the middle of a form slump right now (and will get done by Freo next week) but Adelaide in Adelaide could get ugly for us

Crows are due for a poor performance, they have been pretty consistent all year haven't really had a shocker, wouldn't be surprised with top 4 there for the taking they get the wobbles.

 

[Hawthorn23]

Problem with Chol is he’s been awesome, but in every big game we played last couple of years he’s layed a goose egg. He was uncompetitive in both finals last year. Tricky selection with Lewis fit

That last month of footy will probably show whether he makes the cut or not in September (if we make it). Literally 3 finals type games where we need 100% competitiveness

 

[danielG]

We are risking us scoring more than the oppo overall knowing we will get opened up badly at times.

Saints easily could have beaten us last week and last night really we should have won if we kicked a bit straighter but more so freo didnt. Our DE was down last night and that hurt us too. A few critical turnovers and missed shots at goal and we retain control.

It’s a risky game plan based on us winning more ball and retaining it to set up scores. I think it shows in selection with McKenzie getting a gig two weeks in a row despite poor form and Finn not coming in to tag.

it’s so clear to the eye we need breakaway speed in the centre square but we refuse to change it up. And we need more zip at half forward. It’s a tough watch at present.

Our midfield mix is not going to get it done.. McKenzie needs the rest of the year at BH to hone his craft.. He doesn’t dominate at the lower level and when he makes a mistake at senior level it’s generally followed by a worse mistake then goes into his shell.He doesn’t believe in himself at the level.. you can see it in his face.. He needs time to find that belief..
Sicily, not half as bad as most make out last night. Not the player of years gone by but pretty good defensively at least and disposal was better with the exception of that first howler.: Def most affected by Barass and battle recruitment… (with the exception of Frost whose senior career was ended)..
CJ. Sorry that’s not going to cut it.. The tackle on Fredrick or lack of tackle was a really feeble effort.. and his two fumbles followed by an oppo goal at half back was not to the level.. Sam will not forgive that.
Scrim and Lewis are senior players who don’t need any more VFL time..The mix is tricky up fwd, but maybe Gunston gets a rest and if Chol doesn’t perform next week he goes out for Gunston the following week.. Dear stays forever, love the way he plays.. This team is a different team with Day in over

 

[The Jet From Poowong]

I never get involved in this stuff, but there is some truth to the comment.

Can't really blame anybody but ourselves, however the umpiring as beyond atrocious all night and extra poor in the final quarter.

It was very one sided in the second half where we received a total of 3 free kicks. The last quarter was like a cop in Bourke street waving one way.

Mckenzie brings the pressure on himself - so often he did the hard work to get the ball then hesitated that bit moving it on ( which has to be spit second , verging on instinctive at this level) and was caught. when did get to space used it ok as a rule.

McKenzie suffers from not having a left side, with hand or foot. Same with Worpel. It is why they get caught too often.

Quick left hand pass in most situations and we are away.

 

[Buttonsticher]

Bummer we lost of course but it's hardly a hanging a hanging offence. A few guys need to re-evaluate the distance they can accurately kick on goal. The inside 50 money kick could use a little more circumspection. It's not only us but whenever any player rushes the last kick inside 50 it always reminds me of John Cleese's sex ed. character in The Meaning of Life, "Whats wrong with a kiss boy, no need to go stampeding straight for the clitoris"
Of some concern is, IMO, wilting under pressure. The leadership group should take responsibility around this, there are no bad soldiers, only bad officers. We'll smash Port and the Blues and reckon we have the Crows measure. Daisy and Mitch still to come, maybe Weddle fingers crossed. Future is bright.

 

[DearJai]

Amon defensively was poor as well as a couple of decisions with the ball in hand. Cost us multiple goals.

So you're saying no Amon, and we win?

It's lucky everyone else played a perfect game I guess.

 

[Hawked Wings]

Very flat this morning

 

[OhhhhhCyril]

Let’s be honest, that game last night pretty much sums up our season. It’s been average without being great. I think outside the Dogs, Swans, GWS and crows game (north doesn’t count) we have just been ok..

We really lack polish and skills under pressure and silly little mistakes cost us every damn week. How many skill errors last night cost us? I think I counted 6 goals from turnovers, that’s just not good enough.

Guys like Moore, Mass, CJ, McKenzie, (Harry to a lesser extent, I think been ok this year) have all played well below their best, and unfortunately without Day our midfield just gets smacked most weeks.

outside the obvious of getting a few players back, Scrim, Lewis, and maybe a Weddle , we clearly need to hit the draft and find ourselves a gun midfielder.

disappointment is the best way to describe this, an opportunity lost.

 

[Atch]

James worpel

29

James Worpel

Age

27

Ht

186cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

23.5

5star

K

12.2

5star

HB

11.3

5star

M

2.9

3star

T

4.5

5star

CL

5.1

5star

No current season stats available

D

15.6

4star

K

6.2

3star

HB

9.4

5star

M

1.0

1star

T

3.2

5star

CL

1.8

4star

- ankle injury dissprupted he's season. He's now back in the team but here's the worse thing. He's in two minds. Sure he still likes the club and he's mates with plenty of the players. Half he's mind is hoping this team makes finals and sees he's mates do well. The other half is thinking about Geelong next year. Two minds is an age old problem, not a good place to be but especially not on a footy field. Looked good at the very start of the year but the injury along with the contract noise, he's far from the midfielder we need. That half heartedness rubs of on Nash and Mackenzie and others aswell.

Cj the DJ, it's been a fun ride but that was your last set brother.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

Ginnivan was excellent, again. Great season from him.

Meek busted his arse.

Great to have Dear back and kicking 3.

Midfield, outside of Newcombe is really average. But that's not new to anyone.

The Wiz doesn't mind a second half disappearing act. CJ is too inconsistent.

Funny thing is that for all his reputation as a party boy Ginni would be one of the top five most professional players on our list in regards to the effort he puts in on a weekly basis. He busts his ass every single week.

He has been fantastic for the club since he came over, what a great trade that was.

Meek as well is developing into a player you can bank on a gut busting performance week in and week out. The big unit had 13 tackles last night!

Imagine getting tackled by that walking refrigerator 13 times, you'd be as flat as a pancake by the end

 

[DearJai]

We are risking us scoring more than the oppo overall knowing we will get opened up badly at times.

We've been doing this for a lot more than this year. This is not new.

 

[Leather Poisoning]

Our midfield mix is not going to get it done.. McKenzie needs the rest of the year at BH to hone his craft.. He doesn’t dominate at the lower level and when he makes a mistake at senior level it’s generally followed by a worse mistake then goes into his shell.He doesn’t believe in himself at the level.. you can see it in his face.. He needs time to find that belief..
Sicily, not half as bad as most make out last night. Not the player of years gone by but pretty good defensively at least and disposal was better with the exception of that first howler.: Def most affected by Barass and battle recruitment… (with the exception of Frost whose senior career was ended)..
CJ. Sorry that’s not going to cut it.. The tackle on Fredrick or lack of tackle was a really feeble effort.. and his two fumbles followed by an oppo goal at half back was not to the level.. Sam will not forgive that.
Scrim and Lewis are senior players who don’t need any more VFL time..The mix is tricky up fwd, but maybe Gunston gets a rest and if Chol doesn’t perform next week he goes out for Gunston the following week.. Dear stays forever, love the way he plays.. This team is a different team with Day in over

I agree with a lot of this.

Our midfield too easy to shut down without Day in it. Ward tracking really nicely but he's not at peak powers yet, and McKenzie was looking awesome but has regressed slightly. There's three big areas of improvement but not there yet.

Sicily is clearly limited by a groin situation. You can see it when he tackles - he can't twist and put power into it. He also can't hit those darts that go 45m on an angle and open the game up.

CJ is CJ. Has a huge crack and is a great squad member. If we want running creative power from the back half that can also provide aerial defence then we prob have a hole to fill on the list if we aren't putting Scrimshaw in for it.

Chol is a tricky one - he's been so so awesome. That game didn't suit him and he was probably instructed to take a very defensive role to open up room for Dear and Gunston. And for a period of time it worked perfectly. I'm glad I don't have to make the call over which three of Dear, Lewis, Chol and Gunston get to play.

 

[Lickmesocks]

He looked less confident in his shoulders last night than he did last year.

I've been patient, but i'm officially concerned now. Don't reckon we'd lose anything if we replaced him with Scrimshaw for the rest of the season.

If he wasn’t Captain, I feel he would have had a stint at Box Hill this season.

 

[unitedhawk2]

Finn busted his arse and was excellent. So yes, drop him

Or start him to shut someone down.

But FFS, don't use him as sub.

 

[Lickmesocks]

Let’s be honest, that game last night pretty much sums up our season. It’s been average without being great. I think outside the Dogs, Swans, GWS and crows game (north doesn’t count) we have just been ok..

We really lack polish and skills under pressure and silly little mistakes cost us every damn week. How many skill errors last night cost us? I think I counted 6 goals from turnovers, that’s just not good enough.

Guys like Moore, Mass, CJ, McKenzie, (Harry to a lesser extent, I think been ok this year) have all played well below their best, and unfortunately without Day our midfield just gets smacked most weeks.

outside the obvious of getting a few players back, Scrim, Lewis, and maybe a Weddle , we clearly need to hit the draft and find ourselves a gun midfielder.

disappointment is the best way to describe this, an opportunity lost.

Been a tough year. Supporters were hoping we would continue on from last seasons form where we steam rolled teams in the second half of the year and it hasn’t happened.

So many players form has dropped right off from last year which for me has been tough.

If the season stopped now would this be our top 5 in the crimmo medal?

Newc,
Amon
Battle
Meek
Gunners/Ginny

 

[ahhhhhh]

Well, that’s sucked.

The Scrim Reaper for CJ
Lewis for Chol
Finn for Mackenzie until Day is ready

If Joe Peddle heals up for finals then we’ll see where to insert him, I guess.

That’s our list, I reckon. Run with that and we see how we go. It looks like the magic isn’t quite on this year.

The calls for Chol to be dropped are astonishing.

 

[Roger Rogerson]

So you're saying no Amon, and we win?

It's lucky everyone else played a perfect game I guess.

Not at all but his game was unbalanced.