Beast built for finals; cheeky star ‘big with words and actions’ — Hawks player ratings

It looked shaky for a while there, but Hawthorn lifted late to secure a famous September road win over the Giants.

And there were several strong performances across the board, most notably Jai Newcombe’s dominant first half.

We rate every Hawthorn player out of 10 from their elimination final vs GWS.

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3. Jai Newcombe

Was in beast mode in the first half in the highest-rated half by a Hawk ever. Finished with a team-high 32 touches (17 contested) and equal game-high 12 clearances and eight score involvements. Garry Lyon noted in the first half Newcombe was playing a “final for the ages” and was “made for finals.” Playing in his 100th game, the star midfielder kicked the first goal of the match with a huge roost after drawing a 50m penalty. Not as good as in the second half, but is starting to prove himself as a September performer. 8

4. Jarman Impey

Continued his great form with 28 disposals — the second-most of any Hawk — from a game-high 964 metres gained, 10 rebound 50s and seven marks. A constant calm and reliable driving force out of Hawthorn’s defence. Garry Lyon noted he’d “had a massive couple of months.” 8

5. James Worpel

In the thick of things in the first half as one of Hawthorn’s best and an overall solid showing through the midfield, gathering 20 touches. 6

6. James Sicily

The skipper led from the front … from defence. A massive fourth quarter to help drag the Hawks over the line. Had 11 intercepts — the second most of any player. Real presence behind the ball and composure with it. 8

9. Changkuoth Jiath (sub)

Came on for Calsher Dear midway through the third term and had seven touches. 2

10. Karl Amon

One of Hawthorn’s best with great class and ball use behind the ball. Particularly strong 10-disposal second term to drive Hawthorn’s strong close to the half. Laid a big tackle on Jesse Hogan in the second term that saved a goal in a great defensive play. Ended with 23 touches from 721 metres gained, nine rebound 50s and a goal. 8

11. Conor Nash

Among the Hawks that set the tone early. Played a key role in Hawthorn’s huge defensive pressure around the contest. Finished with 24 disposals, six tackles and an equal game-high eight score involvements. 7

13. Dylan Moore

Not his usual influence but got better as the game went on and some smart touches in the forward half when his side needed composure under pressure. 5

14. Jack Scrimshaw

Part of a Hawks back six that stood up really well for most of the game including halting the Giants’ attacking spurts late. 6

15. Blake Hardwick

Some big defensive moments in the fourth term. As tough and reliable as the day is long. One of the Hawks’ best including tallying a game-high 14 intercepts. 8

16. Massimo D’Ambrosio

Solid performance from D’Ambrosio without really standing out or having any major moments. 5

17. Lloyd Meek

A good ruck battle with Briggs where both had their moments. Meek might’ve just gotten the better of his counterpart. The Hawks big ended with 18 disposals, five marks, eight tackles and 40 hit-outs. 7

18. Mabior Chol

Nailed a huge clutch goal in the fourth quarter that nailed the win and one more in the final 20 seconds to cap off a very handy cameo, Some decent stints in the ruck to provide some energy. 7

19. Jack Gunston

Kicked all three of his goals in the first half among eight disposals across the game. Jonathan Brown put it best: “You can’t beat experience.” 7

23. Josh Weddle

Hasn’t missed a beat! Looked comfortable back at the level in his return from injury including a massive third quarter with 10 disposals to lead Hawthorn’s charge. Looked dangerous in front of the ball and had some nearly moments in the fourth quarter. Was doing it on both sides of the ball too, laying a big tackle Callum Brown late in the first term. A fair effort for his game since Round 16… and in a final. 7

24. Josh Battle

Reminded the footy world why he was All-Australian. Some great defensive efforts including eight intercepts to go with 19 disposals. Underrated. 7

25. Josh Ward

A solid workman performance from Ward through the midfield, gathering 19 touches. 5

30. Sam Butler

Pretty ineffective in his return to the side from his limited touches, outside of a big tackle on Harry Himmelberg deep in the Hawks forward line leading to an important goal. 3

31. Connor Macdonald

Kicked two of his three goals in the first quarter including the team’s seventh in the period to really pile the pain on the Giants. A real sparkplug in attack all day. 7

33. Jack Ginnivan

Born to entertain. Two brilliant goals in the third quarter that appeared to break the Giants’ backs, before they responded with six-straight majors. Just knows where the goals are and everything he touches usually ends in something good. Ginnivan started slow, before lifting in the second term including a brilliant snap goal to break a run of three-straight Giants majors when momentum was with the visitors. “Big with his words, big with his actions,” Anthony Hudson said. 8

34. Nick Watson

Not the wizardry we’re used to seeing, but did some intangibles really well including producing seven score involvements. Curled through Hawthorn’s third goal of the day after drawing a free kick near the boundary and got a pivotal clearance that led to Mabior Chol’s critical goal in the fourth term. But overall not his best day. 4

35. Calsher Dear

Quiet early outside of a long-range set shot for Hawthorn’s fifth goal. Subbed out midway through the third term after having limited impact. 3

37. Tom Barrass

Was great early as a human wall in defence and kept Jesse Hogan quiet, until the star forward got off the chain in the second half during the Giants’ huge comeback. 5