Hawthorn’s senior coach Sam Mitchell is acutely aware that the Hawks’ home-and-away season now demands nothing short of perfection. This realization comes as the club grapples with a 14-point loss to the Adelaide Crows on Friday night, a setback that complicates their path to the finals.
Following this crucial defeat, the Hawks’ remaining schedule appears daunting. They are set to face formidable opponents, including Collingwood and Melbourne at the MCG, before traveling to Brisbane for a clash with the Lions in Round 24. Despite the challenging road ahead, Mitchell remains optimistic, viewing these high-stakes games as valuable opportunities for his team to prove themselves.
Mitchell’s Optimism Amidst Challenges
In his post-game remarks, Mitchell expressed a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the remaining games to secure a spot in the finals. “The season is in our hands, we have three games to go. We’ll need to win those to see you in September. That’s what we have to focus on now. Hopefully we see Adelaide again,” he stated.
Mitchell highlighted the significance of playing in marquee fixtures, noting that the club has been working towards this position for years. “Adelaide in Adelaide and then Collingwood at the ‘G, these are the games we want to play in. We’ve been talking about getting to this position as a football club and organisation for a few years,” he added.
Despite the loss, Mitchell believes the Hawks demonstrated their potential. “I don’t think anyone walks away from tonight saying the Hawks aren’t very good… but good is a challenge because we need to be great,” he remarked.
Areas for Improvement
While acknowledging the Crows’ superior play, Mitchell also identified areas where the Hawks need to improve, particularly in defense. “There’s some areas that need tightening up. The defensive 50 stoppages were a bit of a concern, conceding four goals is going to be tough,” he admitted.
He praised the team’s ball movement and forward play, citing a notable contest between Thilthorpe and Tom Barrass. “I thought we moved the ball okay at different stages tonight and gave our forwards pretty good looks,” Mitchell noted.
However, he acknowledged that some mistakes were self-inflicted. “There were some parts of our game that we let it slip from things that were in our control, so we’ll be very focused on those,” he added.
Health Concerns for Key Player
The game also raised fresh health concerns for Hawthorn, particularly regarding star midfielder Will Day. Play was temporarily halted in the final minutes as Day left the field with apparent cramping. The injury-prone player had just returned for his second game after a major foot injury, contributing 19 disposals, seven clearances, and a goal.
Mitchell addressed Day’s condition post-game, expressing uncertainty about the severity. “I don’t have an answer yet. He was cramping, he had ice on most parts of his lower body as plenty of the players do, so unsure just yet,” he said.
Adding to the concern, 7 News’ Mitch Cleary reported that Day returned to Melbourne with a “heavy limp and moon boot” on the same foot that required surgery earlier this season. He is set to be assessed over the next 48 hours.
Looking Ahead
The Hawks’ upcoming matches will be critical in determining their season’s fate. As the top eight positions tighten, every game becomes crucial. The team’s ability to address their defensive issues and manage player health will be key factors in their pursuit of a finals berth.
Mitchell’s leadership and strategic adjustments will be under the spotlight as Hawthorn aims to navigate this challenging period. The outcome of their next few games will not only define their current season but could also shape the club’s trajectory for years to come.
As the Hawks prepare for their next encounter, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds to the adversity they face.
