Pies’ Star-Studded Injury Woes as Hawks Reign Supreme

Brownlow favourite hurt as Hawks stun ladder-leading Pies

August 5, 2023

Collingwood’s hopes of securing the minor premiership took a significant hit on Saturday night as they suffered a surprising 32-point loss to Hawthorn at the MCG. The Hawks, wearing their retro Ansett Cup kit from 1999, delivered one of the biggest upsets of the season, kicking the first five goals of the game and maintaining their lead throughout.

Hawthorn’s brilliance and Collingwood’s struggles

It was a game marked by Hawthorn’s exceptional play and Collingwood’s inability to match their intensity. Hawthorn’s James Sicily set the tone for his team, accumulating an impressive 37 disposals, 19 marks, and 515 metres gained in a defensive masterclass. The Hawks‘ engine room, led by Jai Newcombe and Will Day, outperformed Collingwood’s fancied midfield.

Collingwood, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. After a string of injuries and consecutive losses, their grip on the minor premiership appears to be loosening. The team’s woes were compounded by injuries to star players Nathan Murphy, Nick Daicos, and Tom Mitchell, who all finished the game on the bench.

A tale of two halves

The game began with an impressive display from Hawthorn’s Dylan Moore, who kicked the first two goals of the match. The Hawks continued to dominate, with Josh Weddle and Luke Breust adding to the scoreboard. By the end of the first quarter, Hawthorn had a commanding lead, leaving Collingwood struggling to keep up.

Collingwood fought back in the second quarter, reducing the margin to under a kick with four consecutive goals. However, Hawthorn’s Finn Maginness successfully neutralized Nick Daicos, restricting his impact on the game. Maginness’s stellar performance showcased his talent as one of the best taggers in the league.

Implications for the Brownlow Medal

Collingwood’s Nick Daicos entered the game as the Brownlow Medal favourite. However, he was limited to just five disposals by Maginness’s exceptional tagging. While it remains to be seen if Maginness’s efforts will be enough to earn him Brownlow votes, his performance is sure to be recognized in the Peter Crimmins Medal, which honors the best and fairest player at Hawthorn.

Hawthorn’s rising stars

The win showcased the strong talent emerging from the Hawthorn camp. Brandon Ryan, who hadn’t played a VFL game since March, kicked three goals and made a significant impact against Collingwood. His performance highlights the Hawks‘ ability to find hidden gems in the mid-season draft.

This victory follows the team’s recent shock win over Brisbane and signals a promising future for Hawthorn’s rebuilding efforts. The club’s trade strategies, including offloading key players like Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara, have allowed younger talents like Jai Newcombe, Ned Reeves, and James Blanck to shine.

Editorial: A Game of Surprises and Setbacks

The unexpected result of the Hawthorn versus Collingwood match has sent shockwaves through the AFL community. Collingwood, once leading the ladder and seen as strong contenders for the premiership, now face a series of challenges with injuries to key players and consecutive losses.

The game highlighted the unpredictability of Australian Rules Football, where even the most dominant teams can be brought to their knees by an underdog. It serves as a reminder that in this sport, anything can happen.

For Hawthorn, this win represents a significant step forward in their rebuilding journey. Under the guidance of coach Sam Mitchell, the team has shown resilience and the ability to compete with the best. Their success is a testament to the strength of their young talent and the effectiveness of their game plan.

Collingwood, on the other hand, must regroup and find solutions to their injury woes. The absence of key players will test their depth and require other members of the team to step up. It is a challenging time for the Magpies, but they have shown in the past that they can overcome adversity.

Advice for Collingwood

Addressing injuries

The immediate concern for Collingwood is the health of Nathan Murphy, Nick Daicos, and Tom Mitchell. It is crucial for the team to prioritize their recovery and provide them with the necessary medical attention and support. Collingwood’s medical staff must work closely with the players to ensure their rehabilitation is managed effectively.

Strengthening depth

With several key players sidelined, Collingwood must rely on their depth to fill the gaps. This is an opportunity for younger or less experienced players to prove themselves and contribute to the team’s success. The coaching staff should provide guidance and support to these players, enabling them to step up and make an impact.

Maintaining morale and focus

A series of setbacks can significantly affect team morale. It is essential for the coaching staff and senior players to maintain a positive and focused environment. By instilling confidence and a strong work ethic, Collingwood can overcome the challenges they currently face and emerge stronger as a team.

Learning from the defeat

Every loss presents an opportunity for growth. Collingwood must carefully analyze their performance against Hawthorn and identify areas for improvement. This self-reflection will allow the team to make necessary adjustments to their game plan and ensure they are better prepared for future matches.

Overall, Collingwood must remain resilient and determined in the face of adversity. These challenging times will test their character, but they have the capability to overcome these setbacks and continue their pursuit of success in the AFL season.