Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was delighted with his side’s consistently high output after a commanding win against the Western Bulldogs, but he still had to deliver a decent spray along the way.
The impressive Hawks led by as much as 44 points in the third quarter at Adelaide Oval, but conceded the last three goals of the term, and their lead could have been smaller than 21 points had the Dogs kicked straight in front of goal.
With the undefeated Bulldogs having seized the momentum, an animated Mitchell jogged onto the ground, demanding his players join him promptly in tight at the three-quarter time huddle where he expressed his displeasure in no uncertain terms.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Watch every match of every round of the AFL Premiership Season LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
“There was a period we obviously played really good footy in the third, we got a bit of a lead, and then good sides they continue to come, and we opened the door for the Dogs, I thought,” Mitchell said.
“There was a 10-minute period where we were nowhere near our best, and we looked like we were inviting them back into the contest.
“So, at three-quarter time I addressed it reasonably strongly.
“I think (co-captain) Jai Newcombe was about to do the same thing, I didn’t realise it at the time, but I think I cut his lunch.
“I think he wanted to do that, and I ended up doing it for him, but I was really pleased with the boys’ progress in the last quarter to make sure that we put the game to bed.
“(Newcombe) didn’t mention it to me until after the game that he was a bit disappointed … because 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.”
READ MORE AFL
‘UNHEARD OF’: Beveridge in dark on star’s injury as loss exposes ‘tenterhooks’ flaw
Horror injury adds salt to the wound | 10:20
Jack Gunston and Mitch Lewis both added their third goals of the game as the Hawks kicked away in the final term.
Newcombe finished with a career-high 14 clearances, helped by the dominance of Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek in the hitouts, won 64-17 in the absence of injured Bulldogs star Tim English.
One of few negatives on the night was a hamstring injury suffered by Mabior Chol in the first quarter.
“There’s a small part of me that hopes it was really precautionary and he’s just cramped up or something,” Mitchell said.
“But you know when a guy who’s as big and as strong and as powerful as him comes off grabbing his hamstring, then doesn’t come back on, you wait for scans and get a vibe for that over the next few days.”
Discussion about this post