Sicily to face MRO heat for this incident
Hawks skipper James Sicily is looking at a week on the sidelines for an off-the-ball gut punch after his side clawed their way to a three-point win over a brave Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.
And his teammate Dylan Moore is also facing MRO scrutiny for a similar action.
Interestingly, they both hit the same guy, Port’s Logan Evans. Has this ever happened before? Two players copping a match for a gut punch on the same opponent?
It is hard to understand their motives. The AFL has made a big deal about cracking down on these ill-disciplined acts this year, and as we all know, there are cameras everywhere.
Sicily’s act resulted in a down-the-field kick for Port right in front of goal on the three-quarter-time. Jordon Sweet pushed the shot to the left to level the scores.
“I find it incredibly frustrating when I watch acts of ill-discipline or petulance like that,” Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy.
“The fact is, those players may find themselves out for a week for something that minor. They know what the rules are.”
Hawthorn play the Gold Coast Suns in Launceston next Saturday.
The Power clearly served it up to Hawthorn this afternoon at Marvel Stadium, taking a six-point lead in the final term thanks to a Jase Burgoyne goal before relinquishing the lead.
Maybe the Hawks were frustrated because they expected a walk in the park.
‘Chook lotto’: Hardwick unloads after great escape
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has taken aim at what he deemed an inconsistent interpretation of the AFL’s holding the ball rule after the Suns just held off an inspired Essendon.
Christian Petracca (three goals, 25 disposals) starred in his return from injury while Matt Rowell (35 touches) was dominant in his first pairing with the Demons recruit at Carrara.
But still their midfield was undone 37-29 at clearances – 20-15 at centre bounces – by a Bombers side that twice rallied to lead, before falling 17.17 (119) to 17.8 (110) in front of 19,039 fans on Saturday.
Darcy Parish (30 disposals) had 11 clearances of his own as Brad Scott’s side – the league’s last-ranked clearance outfit – threatened to follow up last week’s drought-breaking defeat of the Demons that stopped a run of 17 straight losses.
Jordan Dawson is not playing tonight
Adelaide will be wearing black armbands tonight in memory of Jaryd Dawson, the older brother of Crows captain Jordan, who died earlier this week.
Jordan isn’t playing tonight, but is in the rooms in the pre-game – surrounded by his teammates and Adelaide club figures.
FT: Hawthorn win a thriller
Hawks are home – winning by three points.
Port forward Mitch Georgiades had a kick to take the lead inside the final minute, but missed to the left for a minor score.
Hawthorn were then able to control possession when they brought the ball back in, and wound down the clock.
What a match. Hawthorn were expected to dominate this clash, but Port were super brave.
Oh no, the ARC plays a part… again!
The Hawks have taken a 10-point lead after the controversial AFL review system fails to overrule a goal umpire’s call.
A scrambled kick by Calsher Dear was initially ruled a touched behind after it rolled through a cluster of players, but replays failed to show how or where the ball had been touched.
Still, the ARC said there was insufficient evidence to overrule. It is a big call. Or a big lack of a call. If it was ruled a goal, the Hawks would lead by 15 points instead of nine.
The ball is then quickly moved up the other end of the ground and Port’s Lachie Jones boots a goal from general play.
It is a four-point margin to the Hawks with two minutes remaining.
‘Wizard’ re-enters the battle
Good news for Hawks fans: Nick Watson is back on the ground.
He has had his thumb heavily strapped. The Hawks need some magic here – they lead by eight points with just six minutes remaining.
They should be further in front. Josh Weddle took a strong mark about 30 metres from goal but completely butchered the kick.
Hawthorn 13.9 (87) lead Port 12.7 (79)
‘Wizard’ injury worry in Marvel thriller
The damaging Nick Watson has left the ground with what appears to be either a finger or a thumb injury.
He looks to be in a lot of pain. It’s hard to see whether it has been dislocated. We certainly hope it is not a break.
“The Wizard” has kicked five and is the potential match winner.
The Hawks have taken a seven-point lead.
They have kicked two in the final term off the boots of Will McCabe and Mitch Lewis, who now has three for the afternoon. Port’s only final-term goal came from Jase Burgoyne.
Sicily to face MRO heat for this incident
Hawks skipper James Sicily is looking at a week on the sidelines for an off-the-ball gut punch after his side clawed their way to a three-point win over a brave Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.
And his teammate Dylan Moore is also facing MRO scrutiny for a similar action.
Interestingly, they both hit the same guy, Port’s Logan Evans. Has this ever happened before? Two players copping a match for a gut punch on the same opponent?
It is hard to understand their motives. The AFL has made a big deal about cracking down on these ill-disciplined acts this year, and as we all know, there are cameras everywhere.
3QT: A thriller is unfolding at Marvel
James Sicily, what are you doing?
He has handed Port Adelaide a shot at goal right on the three-quarter-time siren.
But the Power miss, and the scores are level at 72 points apiece.
The stage is set for a thrilling last term here.
An undisciplined Sicily gave away a free kick off the ball with just 15 seconds on the clock in the third term.
Hawks gain the upper hand
Hawthorn have clawed back the lead at Marvel Stadium, but they are far from out of the woods.
They lead by a point with the match closing on three-quarter-time.
Everything is wrong, says Hawks coach
Sam Mitchell leaves nothing up to the imagination.
He is asked on Fox Footy what has gone wrong in the second quarter against Port Adelaide, and he says “everything”. He also credits Port’s aerial dominance.
As the second half kicks off, Hawthorn’s pressure is immediately dialled up.
They also kick the first two goals of the third term through Nick Watson. He has five for the game.
But his first comes from a controversial free kick. Watson attacks the ball and runs head first into Darcy Byrne-Jones. The umpire rules it high contact.
Hawthorn 9.5 (59) lead Port 9.3 (57)
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