Hawthorn had an opportunity to solidify their position in the AFL over the past three weeks by taking on formidable opponents like Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Collingwood. Unfortunately, they fell short against all three teams, highlighting a noticeable gap in performance. In their recent match against Collingwood, the top team on the ladder, Hawthorn suffered a significant defeat, losing by 51 points, which has placed them in a precarious position as they vie for a place in the final eight.
Former player Matthew Lloyd remarked that Hawthorn needs a comprehensive reassessment of their strategies following these defeats. He discussed the team’s struggles on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, suggesting that if he were coach Sam Mitchell, he would acknowledge that the team was thoroughly outplayed, particularly in terms of their system of play. Lloyd emphasised the overwhelming performance of Collingwood, who consistently capitalised on Hawthorn’s weaknesses and demonstrated superior work ethic, as evidenced by the stark contrast in tackle counts—82 for Collingwood compared to just 38 for Hawthorn.
Lloyd also noted that Hawthorn’s inability to effectively tackle contributed directly to Collingwood’s scoring opportunities, indicating deeper issues within the team’s gameplay. He mentioned that Mitchell recognises the current limitations of the side and how they were clearly taught a lesson by one of the league’s top teams.
The road ahead is not promising for Hawthorn as they prepare to face two more strong teams: the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide, before a scheduled bye. With their recent performances raising concerns about their competitiveness, the next matches will be crucial for the Hawks to regain their footing and adjust their approach moving forward.