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Hawthorn vs. American Terriers
Whitten Oval
Western Bulldogs 18.9 ( 117 ), d. Hawthorn ( 11.7 ( 73 ), d.
The contest ended.
Hawthorn’s center win Jai Newcombe faces a anxious wait for the fit review findings as European Bulldogs fresh gun Jordan Croft all but made himself a lock for the opening round.
The Hawks lost to Whitten Oval by 44 points in their last dress rehearsal on Friday nights, but worse could happen after the suit reviewer evaluates Newcombe’s handle on Ed Richards.
As Newcombe brought the Bulldogs playmaker to the ground, Richards ‘ right arm was pinched. The Hawk was penalised for a rope address after Richards ‘ head hit the ground though the sun on-baller was never hurt, took his blow and played out the match.
Richards may have broken his tumble with the ball’s completely and protruding left shoulder.
At Whitten Oval, Croft, another extremely regarded father-son major ahead, scored three objectives, all of them in the first quarter. The Bulldogs had the game won by the long split after booting seven objectives in the second quarter and were not threatened after half-time.
Sam Darcy, a Coleman Medalist, experienced pain in his leg and groin after receiving a knock in the back in the condition game. He put his name in the frame to face Brisbane on Friday during a powerful training session.
He had a controlled treatment earlier nowadays and had training,” according to Bulldogs growth coach Jarryn Geary. ” He’ll be assessed on Wednesday. He needs to pass that and wait to see how things turn out the following year.
Even with Darcy missing the practice match, the Dogs ‘ unpleasant threat was clearly visible, raising their pitcher for the touchdown before three-quarters.
Croft has all the characteristics of a potential dragon, measuring 201 centimeters. He can work, take a capture and is also a push at surface level. All of these qualities were evident in his first goal when he scored the winning goal full in the forward line against All American goalkeeper Josh Battle. Arthur Jones, a little forward, even impressed, scoring three objectives in a livewire performance.
The Hawks did less right in a achievement that will not include filled coach Sam Mitchell with assurance heading into their season-opener against Greater Western Sydney despite assistant coach Adrian Hickmott’s good post-match analysis.
The Hawks were invincible against a Bulldogs group that was cleaner and tougher, with just Tom Barrass and Karl Amon missing from their good opening team for the first round.
On the ground, they had problems in all three of the three areas. Their army was frequently opened up, their center, with the exception of Newcombe, was well beaten, and in invasion it was Jack Gunston or knock for much of the day.
The disappointment to safe Zach Merrett combined with Will Day’s damage struggles suggest Hawthorn will need major improvement from within for their midfield to beat the best teams. They still have work to do on this trip.
The precise moment
Jordan Croft’s athletic gifts were on show with his second goal. Croft had the speed to surpass the chasing James Sicily and the ability to convert from 35 meters out when he scored a pinpoint kick on the run back to goal. Players who are 201 cm tall are not supposed to play this.
The eye-catcher
Buku Khamis, the Bulldogs swingman, has had a slow start, but this might be the year it works out for him. In his 41 games, Khamis reveled in the responsibility of a crucial defensive role by acting primarily as a third-long option at either end of the field. He shut out Mitch Lewis and was also a force with his intercept marking and reading of the play to sag off his opponent and spoil as the third man in a marking contest. At the end of last year, Khamis was forced to leave when Carlton knocked in, but they were unable to reach a deal. If Khamis continues in this manner, the Dogs will find it to be wise business.
The injuries
Ryley Sanders, a dog girl, was concussed in a bizarre incident, which will make her miss the game against the Lions. What had been an impressive 26-possession game was ended by Sanders copping a ball to the face in a contest on the wing in the second half.
Hawthorn will assess Cam Mackenzie from a head knock sustained in a tackle.
What the coaches actually said
The pleasing thing about tonight was Jarryn Geary’s ] pressure and aerial presence, according to Jarryn Geary ( Western Bulldogs ). He’s a young player finding his way but showing promising signs and to hit the scoreboard and impact at ground level is quite promising for a guy of that stature”.
The conclusion
The Bulldogs could not have asked for much more in their final outing before the home and away season. They should head to Brisbane confident that an upset victory will set the season high.
The Hawks were a total dud, and they can find solace in knowing that they will be playing an undermanned Giants team next week instead of one of the other three northern clubs.
Melbourne v Richmond
Ballarat’s Mars Stadium
Demons 12.6 ( 78 ) vs. Tigers 6 7 ( shortened game )
The contest ended.
On a bizarre day in Ballarat, which saw lightning literally strike twice, eventually forcing the game to be abandoned midway through the third quarter, a smoother, slicker Demons outfit under Steven King provided entertainment and a discernible game plan against Richmond.
Melbourne’s fans have not been accustomed to the brand they have created, which means they consistently took risks with their ball movement through the middle of the ground. They looked potent up forward, particularly in the first quarter, which stretched to 74 minutes long because players were sent off the field when lightning struck nearby.
Without Clayton Oliver ( now at GWS), Christian Petracca ( Gold Coast ), or the injured Jack Viney, the Demons faced a new-look future.
Harrison Petty, a veteran cornerback in the premiership, looked strong alongside veteran Jake Lever and Daniel Turner, and it was a sight for sore eyes for Melbourne fans.
The Demons kicked seven goals in the elongated opening term, ending the match with 12 when time was called midway through what was supposed to be the third quarter. Key forward Jacob van Rooyen, who contributed three majors, was the shining light up forward for the Dees.
Tom Lynch, a veteran forward, finished with a score of 2.3 while Jayden Short, the Tigers ‘ leading disposal-getter, finished with 20.
The precise moment
When raw forward Koltyn Tholstrup tapped outside 50 meters and immediately announced his intentions, it was late in the first quarter.
While many Demons fans may not have thought he had the distance in him, the young West Australian used all his skill and power – and a slight breeze behind him – to boot an extremely impressive goal.
The eye-catcher
Melbourne fans can anticipate more surprises in 2026 when they watch speed demon Caleb Windsor spend more time in the middle of the field, despite 15 disposals and a goal not typically describing as an eye-catching performance. In the absence of Clayton Oliver, Windsor, who spent the entire previous year on the wing, was used more by King to provide much-needed speed through the middle of the field.
The injuries
Luker Kentfield ( concussion ). Walked off very groggy after a heavy collision while leading out of full-forward early in the game.
Sam Cumming ( shoulder ). With two minutes left in the first quarter, came off clutching his shoulder.
What the coaches actually said
Chris Newman ( Richmond ):” It was a little bit different, obviously we haven’t been in this situation too many times before ]sent off because of lightning], but the players reacted well. They were aware of the need to maintain flexibility with what the AFL deemed appropriate at this time. Safety is of the essence. They’ve tried to keep the energy up and after the first break we actually came out and played some pretty good footy, so it’s a testament to a young group that they can bounce back”.
The [midfield ] group’s ability to transition from a running power perspective has completely changed, according to Nathan Jones ( Melbourne ). We still value winning the ball, but the game has changed a little in terms of how well you can pressure, strip, and win it back as much as you can win the ball, explode, and explore on offense. We’ve put some time into that and we’ve exposed players to that and I think that’s evolving.
It’s exciting, but there is still room for improvement. Some of the boys there have a lot of upside and aren’t particularly experienced, but we also have some experience around them.
The conclusion
Lots to like from a Melbourne perspective, but to be honest, it’s hard to know how much to take out of a game that was quite literally abandoned. Dion Prestia, Noah Balta, and Nick Vlastuin, among others, were missing, and senior leadership will be required to steer the ship at Punt Road in 2026.
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