It was not a game where Hawthorn produced a highlight reel to salivate over. It was not a game where the opposition was uncompetitive going for the football. Yet when Guy McKenna looked at the scoreboard with a quarter to go, the Hawks had double his side’s score despite seemingly taking their foot off the gas during the third quarter. Perhaps an indicator is that 17 of their players finished with over 15 touches, a dozen with 20 or more. This is a team that can beat opponents in many ways and with many players. It was as near to a complete team performance as you will see.
2. Scrappy Suns
Gold Coast matched the reigning premiers physically early on. Clearances and contested possession numbers were fairly even and, with the exception of the second quarter, inside 50s were fairly even. Where there was a big difference between the sides was in errors, and their abilities to take advantage. On at least four occasions in the first half balls were allowed to get over the back of the Suns' defenders, leaving easy goals for Hawthorn’s frontline. Against the Lions last week the Suns had periods of scrappy handling but were not punished. The Hawks showed them the bad habits they have to lose if they are to make the leap to play in finals football.
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3. Top Gun(ston)
Commentator Matthew Richardson suggested Jack Gunston may be the surest kick in the AFL. It’s not the worst shout. He was the most accurate goalkicker (with a minimum of 40 goals) in 2013, which he capped off with four goals in the grand final, and did not look like missing against the Suns. Few set shots look as true as his and he also had the knack of positioning himself to take advantage of some sloppy Suns defending. Surprisingly he came into the game with 3.5 to his name this season - Saturday’s five-goal effort is likely to be a sign of things to come. He also showed his versatility by doing a turn in the backline in the third quarter.
4. Mooted Gary v Cyril contest doesn’t deliver
The talked about match-up between possibly the two most exciting players in the competition didn’t really come to fruition. Both had their moments. Ablett, despite being not at his best, still racked up 35 disposals and a fine goal making the most of a modicum of space in the Suns’ forward 50. Rioli scored a couple of goals but hardly touched the ball in the second half. You get the feeling if there had been more on the line in the final stages the two champions would have come to the fore.
5. Not a great day for Queensland football
Andrew Demetriou was in attendance at Metricon Stadium hoping, you would imagine, to see evidence of an expansion team coming of age. Instead, it capped a terrible day for Queensland. The Suns at least avoided (narrowly) a three-figure defeat, but they and the Lions combined for a 212-point deficit. How Guy McKenna’s side respond to this drubbing will decide whether the Sunshine State has a significant interest in football in the business end of the season.
3. Top Gun(ston)
Commentator Matthew Richardson suggested Jack Gunston may be the surest kick in the AFL. It’s not the worst shout. He was the most accurate goalkicker (with a minimum of 40 goals) in 2013, which he capped off with four goals in the grand final, and did not look like missing against the Suns. Few set shots look as true as his and he also had the knack of positioning himself to take advantage of some sloppy Suns defending. Surprisingly he came into the game with 3.5 to his name this season - Saturday’s five-goal effort is likely to be a sign of things to come. He also showed his versatility by doing a turn in the backline in the third quarter.
4. Mooted Gary v Cyril contest doesn’t deliver
The talked about match-up between possibly the two most exciting players in the competition didn’t really come to fruition. Both had their moments. Ablett, despite being not at his best, still racked up 35 disposals and a fine goal making the most of a modicum of space in the Suns’ forward 50. Rioli scored a couple of goals but hardly touched the ball in the second half. You get the feeling if there had been more on the line in the final stages the two champions would have come to the fore.
5. Not a great day for Queensland football
Andrew Demetriou was in attendance at Metricon Stadium hoping, you would imagine, to see evidence of an expansion team coming of age. Instead, it capped a terrible day for Queensland. The Suns at least avoided (narrowly) a three-figure defeat, but they and the Lions combined for a 212-point deficit. How Guy McKenna’s side respond to this drubbing will decide whether the Sunshine State has a significant interest in football in the business end of the season.
It wasn't a hot day for footy in the Sunshine State. Picture: AFL Media
