Mitchell, Hawks again get last laugh against West Coast
In what was billed as a grudge match between the two sides, the Hawks looked every bit like the premiership contenders while the Eagles played like a last-placed outfit.
And yet the 16.16 (124) to 11.8 (74) margin almost flattered West Coast, who were outclassed and out-played across four quarters.
It consigned the Eagles to a ninth consecutive defeat — tied for the second-longest streak in club history — and marks the fourth time since the start of 2022 they've lost nine games or more in a row.
The Eagles gave up 61 more uncontested possessions, 23 marks inside 50 to their six, while despite not getting their hands on the footy they laid 15 less tackles than the Hawks.
James Worpel (24 disposals, nine clearances and a goal) was the catalyst at the contest for the Hawks, while down back Josh Battle (29 disposals) and captain James Sicily (23 disposals) controlled the tempo of the game to hold the Eagles at bay when they went forward.
All eyes were on where Eagles co-captain Oscar Allen would line up upon his return from being managed against Essendon and there was little surprise when spearhead went straight into defence and matched up on Mabior Chol (three goals).
Defender Brady Hough (23 disposals and six tackles) went into the first centre bounce, starting off the back of the stoppage and looked more than comfortable despite his lack of exposure there previously. Hawthorn's Nick Watson comes face-to-face with West Coast's Harley Reid. Credit: Morgan Hancock / Getty Images
Unfortunately, West Coast had little intensity about their game early, as the Hawks attacked them with reckless intent.
Hawthorn played on at all costs and almost arrogantly took on their opposition, arching their backs out of congestion to put the Eagles' defence under overwhelming pressure.
It was a near faultless first quarter for the Hawks, who were only let down by their goalkicking which kept West Coast somewhat in the match.
West Coast's intent with the ball in hand was clear as they looked to go through the corridor and go forward as much as possible.
It left them exposed on the turnover however and the Hawthorn small forwards were a constant threat as a result. Hawthorn's Jai Newcombe takes a big mark. Credit: James Wiltshire/AFL Photos / AFL Photos via Getty Images
Hawks coach Mitchell tried to ensure take a tactical advantage when West Coast pushed a forward up to the stoppage, freeing up ex-Eagle Tom Barrass as much as possible.
It was Chol who set the tone in the second term, giving Allen a nightmare first three minutes, kicking two goals including one after the Eagles skipper not only dropped a defensive mark but couldn't stick an important tackle.
In the middle of the ground the Eagles were having all sorts of issues as Lloyd Meek (57 hit-outs and 19 disposals) put on a ruck clinic for the Hawks, feeding his midfielders with silver service.
The Eagles defensive pressure was almost non-existent as the Hawks kicked the first four goals of the second quarter before Jake Waterman (two goals) broke the streak an accurate, long-range set shot.
It was momentary relief for the Eagles, who couldn't stop Hawthorn's surge mentality and were down by 35 points at the main break. West Coast's Elijah Hewett and Matt Flynn contest the ball against Hawthorn's Cam Mackenzie. Credit: Morgan Hancock / Getty Images
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter was desperate to get one of his main men into the game, sending Harley Reid into attack after only three touches in the first half.
And it worked, with Reid kicking two goals as a forward threat.
The Eagles managed to get the better of the third term, kicking consecutive goals for only the second time in the match to finally put on some scoreboard pressure.
A goal to Jack Gunston (four goals) with only five seconds left in the third term ensured the Hawks won the quarter though in a disappointing result for the visitors.
Mitchell had a sense of theatre in the game, sending Barrass to full forward to start the final term where he lined up on Allen.
Unfortunately, Barrass couldn't kick just the second goal but the Hawks kicked away late to grab another comprehensive victory.
HAWTHORN 2.8, 9.10, 12.14, 18.16 (124)
WEST COAST 2.1, 4.5, 7.7, 11.8 (74)
Goals – HAWTHORN: J Gunston 4 M Chol 3 J Ginnivan 2 C Macdonald 2 B Hardwick D Moore H Morrison J Newcombe N Watson J Weddle J Worpel. WEST COAST: L Ryan 3 H Reid 2 J Waterman 2 J Cripps N Long M Owies J Williams.
Best – HAWTHORN: L Meek J Worpel J Battle H Hustwaite J Gunston C Mackenzie. WEST COAST: B Hough L Baker R Maric J Graham L Ryan J Hutchinson.
Injuries – HAWTHORN: J Scrimshaw (concussion) K Amon (concussion).
Umpires: N Jankovskis L Fisher P Rebeschini E Tee. Crowd: 26,425 at Marvel Stadium.
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