Hawthorn’s midfield group has come in for criticism after going down to Gold Coast 109-56 at People First Stadium on Saturday night.
The Suns dominated in every aspect of the game with all of Noah Anderson, Sam Flanders, Touk Miller, Matt Rowell and Brayden Fiorini having more disposals than any Hawthorn on-baller.
The Suns won the overall disposal count 366-270 and dominated clearances 38-28.
But perhaps the most damning stat was that none of James Worpel (14 touches), Conor Nash (10 touches), Jai Newcombe (10 touches), Josh Ward (seven touches) or Cam Mackenzie (three touches) could muster more than 14 disposals.
Kane Cornes described those lacklustre returns as embarrassing and he discussed Hawthorn’s apparent regression in their 0-5 start with Riley Beveridge on AFL.com.au’s The Round So Far.
Beveridge: “Another really sorry night for Hawthorn’s midfield group as well.
“Have a look at this, Cam Mackenzie was subbed off with three disposals and these (James Worpel, Conor Nash, Jai Newcombe, Josh Ward and Mackenzie) are their five leading centre bounce players this year – none of them got more than 14 touches.”
Cornes: “That’s embarrassing, isn’t it?
“Sam Mitchell was scathing after the game and they’re in a bit of a hole.
“I’ve been really positive about the way Hawthorn play their football and the coaching that they’ve got and the game style that’s been implemented.
“But I think they’ve taken a step back this year.
“Albeit they were good last week, they seduce you against Collingwood but then they show up and perform like that.
“Yes, they’ve got challenges with personnel. Yes, they’ve got injuries to players that are out of the side … but it’s not enough of an excuse to perform like that.
“They nearly had 100 fewer disposals and their midfield couldn’t get their hands on it. Karl Amon was the only Hawk with 20 or more disposals tonight.
“They got genuinely smashed and beat up around the ball and not for the first time this year.”
The Hawks continue searching for their first win of the campaign when they face the Roos at Marvel Stadium next Sunday.
The 3-2 Suns next face Sydney at the SCG on the same day.
