Latest news with #Hawks
Mercury
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Mercury
Hawthorn v North Melbourne AFL round 16: News, updates, result
North Melbourne have been disgraced by Hawthorn at their home away from home in Tasmania. And even when the Devils enter the AFL in 2028, don't expect the Hawks to step aside. Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Hawthorn's mid season revival clicked into another gear as some magic from 'The Wizard' and evergreen Jack Gunston continued to turn back the clock after they spearheaded the Hawks to a 23.12 (150) to 9.11 (65) win over North Melbourne at Launceston on Saturday. Fellow forward Mabior Chol also delivered one of his best AFL games with five goals, including a belter from the boundary, as the Hawks confirmed they're returning to their best. Gunston kicked a career-best seven goals in his 272nd game, and Watson's starring first half included a goal of the year contender in Hawthorn's ruthless win. Jai Newcombe (27 touches, nine clearances) and Karl Amon (33 touches) also ran rampant for Hawthorn as the Roos took a couple of giant strides backwards after building up plenty of goodwill in a strong last few weeks. Hawthorn has beaten North Melbourne by a combined 209 points in their past two clashes at Launceston. The Hawks booted 26 goals in a 124-point victory over the Roos in the final round of last year. 'We needed to get going. We've been playing some good footy the last couple of weeks, but it was time to put the foot down,' Gunston told Fox Footy. 'I think we had a really good spread of goalkickers and spread the load. It was good to kick straight for once.' — Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) June 28, 2025 Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said Gunston is now reaping the benefits of his 'selfless' work being a virtual coach on and off the field the past two years. 'I'm really rapt for him because he's put in an enormous amount of work without reward,' Mitchell said. 'The work he's done the past couple of years, he's committed to helping other people. (Even today) he gave away two kicks inside 50 when he had kicked six, and everyone was very well versed he'd never kicked seven before. 'I was pretty happy for him when he did get there. He played in a manner which is very coach-like in helping players around him, and he's getting the reward for the selfless work he's done the past couple of years.' The Hawks face the welcome prospect of fitting an embarrassment of riches in their forward line after Mitch Lewis impressed in his first game for Box Hill on Saturday since injuring his ACL in round 17 last year. Calsher Dear was also a standout in the reserves after stress fractures in his back delayed his start to the season, while Max Ramsden stood up in the seniors with three goals. 'It's a selection squeeze for down the road but I won't be thinking about that tonight, that's for sure,' Mitchell said. Searching for a ninth straight victory at UTAS Stadium, the Hawks belted the Roos in every effort statistic to set up a match-winning 51-point halftime lead. North Melbourne's contested and clearance numbers have been strong recently in winning three games and drawing another against Brisbane its past six games. But in the first half Hawthorn smashed them in inside 50s (36-18), clearances (27-18) tackles (32-18) and contested possessions (73-52) on their way to a third straight win. The Roos were only slightly more competitive in the second half in another brutal reality check for their long-suffering fans. The Hawks are now fourth on the live ladder after one of their best displays of the season. On the other hand North Melbourne was meek and uncompetitive, especially in the first half, as the Hawks seemingly found space whenever they liked in an emphatic performance. The Roos also lost to Hawthorn by 124 points in the final round of last season at Launceston, and their recent form line suggested a much more competitive performance was in store. Instead they delivered arguably their most disappointing display of the year so far. After a mid season hiccup where they dropped games against Gold Coast, Brisbane and Collingwood, the Hawks look to have regained their mojo with subsequent wins over the Bulldogs, Adelaide and North Melbourne. Their transition from defence to attack was electric at times against a North Melbourne side who offered little defensive resistance. WIZARD CONJURES GOAL OF THE YEAR CONTENDER They call Nick Watson 'The Wizard' for a reason. He kicked one of the goals of the season in the first quarter after bursting out of a centre bounce and handballed to Jai Newcombe, before icing the deal after getting it back from his star teammate. But he showed how enigmatic he is by missing another first quarter shot from 25 metres out straight in front after receiving a dubious free kick. The goalsneak brushed that off to kick another two goals before halftime and help slam the door shut on the Roos. Jack Gunston's incredible season also shows no signs of slowing down after he kicked an equal career high six goals. Mitch Lewis made his return from injury in the VFL on Saturday, but Gunston, Mabior Chol (five goals) and Watson could make him work hard to break back into the forward line. WARDLAW'S DRAMAS CONTINUE North Melbourne's forgettable day was exacerbated further after prime mover George Wardlaw was forced off after suffering a suspected concussion. Wardlaw was subbed off in the second quarter after he was hit be a legal Conor Nash bump. It's the 21-year-old's third concussion the past two years, and the Kangaroos will take every possible precaution with one of their most valuable assets. Asked if Wardlaw may need a longer break, Roos coach Alastair Clarkson said: 'It's not up to me to decide that, the medicos will work that out with his recovery. 'He's combative in the way he plays and it's going to happen from time to time. 'He's OK, I spoke to him in the rooms and he can remember the game and that sort of stuff. 'The protocols suggest he had to come out of the game so he'll miss the Bulldogs game which is unfortunate, but hopefully he gets back on the park pretty soon.' It added an exclamation point to a dirty afternoon for the Roos, who simply didn't compete with Hawthorn. After several weeks of strong form many felt they may have finally turned a corner, but the result exposed the still sizeable gap between them and the AFL's best teams. The display is horrible timing before their 100th birthday celebrations against the Bulldogs on Thursday night. LAUNCESTON TENURE SET TO CONTINUE Hawks fans will be happy to know their team's ultra successful time playing in Launceston doesn't look like ending soon. Just before the first bounce on Saturday, Tasmania premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the Liberals would guarantee a minimum of six AFL games per year post 2027. The Hawks' current deal expires after that season, just before the Tasmania Devils are scheduled to enter the league in 2028. It will include delivering a minimum of six Tasmania Devils/Hawthorn AFL games, as well as AFLW games and a number of Devils VFL and VFLW games. The Hawks have always maintained they would love to keep a blueprint in Tasmania even after the Devils begin playing. And why not after just securing a ninth straight win at UTAS Stadium? From a personal point of view I definitely want to keep playing here,' Mitchell said. 'We feel like it's a homely place, I brought my family down for this trip coming into school holidays. 'Being able to experience Tassie is an important part of what this club has done for a quarter of a century, and I hope we can continue to do that. 'I know everyone's very positive about this new team, but they're still going to be the enemy.' SCOREBOARD HAWTHORN 5.5 13.8 17.11 2312 (150) NORTH MELBOURNE 2.3 5.5 6.7 9.11 (65) GOALS Hawthorn: Gunston 7, Chol 5, Watson 3, Ramsden 3, Ginnivan 2, Macdonald 2, Moore, North Melbourne: Larkey 5, Fisher, Curtis, Hansen Jnr, Konstanty BEST Hawthorn: Gunston, Chol, Newcombe, Amon, Watson, Meek North Melbourne: Davies-Uniacke, Larkey, Parker, Xerri, McKercher, Daniel Injuries North Melbourne: George Wardlaw (concussion), Luke McDonald (AC joint) Hawthorn: Nil Crowd: 13,827 JON TUXWORTH'S VOTES 3 Mabior Chol 2 Jack Gunston 1 Jai Newcombe Originally published as Hawthorn destroy North Melbourne by 85 points in Tasmania AFL Melbourne will be sweating on the availability of Steven May after his arm collected Ben Ainsworth in the head. Plus a Swan has been banned after Friday night's fiery contest. AFL A young Demon copped a stray elbow from an umpire on a bloody and bruising day for Melbourne against the Gold Coast Suns.
Chicago Tribune
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Who did the Chicago Blackhawks select in the 2025 NHL draft? Here are the latest picks.
The Chicago Blackhawks made three first-round selections Friday in the 2025 NHL draft. The Hawks drafted the top-ranked international player with the No. 3 pick in the NHL draft — Swedish forward Anton Frondell. They also selected Czech winger Vaclav Nestrasil with the No. 25 pick. Shortly after choosing Nestrasil, the Hawks traded with the Carolina Hurricanes to acquire another first-round pick at No. 29. They gave up two second-round picks, Nos. 34 and 62, plus a fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft. They used the No. 29 pick on Mason West. All told, the Hawks have had 11 first-round draft picks over the last four years. Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson said that it hasn't happened by chance — it's intentional. 'The more you pick early … you're more likely to succeed,' Davidson said. 'And so we've taken that philosophy and tried to hit it with volume. 'But I also believe that some of these players are getting to the NHL, some of them are on their path. But from our assessment, an objective assessment, we feel their development so far, we are ahead of the odds in some way — I think we are beating the odds and getting a few more players out of drafts than you know, the odds may dictate.' Blackhawks' 2025 draft picks It all started with a pair of pink figure skates. 'It was the first time I stepped on the ice,' Swedish forward Anton Frondell, 18, said on Friday's ESPN broadcast of the NHL draft. 'Dad just found some pink figure skating skates. I actually skated with them for a year until he (found) out, (and said) 'Oh, Anton, he loves the sport. He wants this.' 'Then he bought me my real first skates. He really wanted me to be a tennis player when I was younger. But I didn't fall for the sport.' NHL Central Scouting regards Frondell as a skilled player with strong legs and a quick stick. '(He) has a nifty wrist shot and his release is solid and accurate. His hockey IQ shines with intelligent moves, with or without the puck. Likes to set up teammates using small moves and tricky passes.' Frondell said he'd like to play in the NHL next season, but it's more likely he'll return to Sweden to play in the men's league. However, Davidson said he'll be able to play in the Hawks' training camp. Davidson said of Frondell, 'He's a really smart hockey player. He uses his body very effectively, especially in battles along the wall. He just has a really projectable game to the NHL.' 'Barkov's probably a few inches taller. … I would say he's probably between a Barkov and an Anton Lundell … he's a big, detail-oriented center with a brain.'—Blackhawks scouting director Mike Doneghey on Anton Frondell and comparisons to Aleksander Barkov — Phil Thompson (@ 2025-06-28T04:16:41.753ZWinger Vaclav Nestrasil is a 6-foot-5, 187-pound native of Praha, Czechia, who produced 19 goals and 23 assists in 61 games for UHSL Muskegon en route to this year's Clark Cup championship. NHL Central Scouting calls the 18-year-old 'a very skilled power forward. Has a nose for the net and when he uses his size, he's tough to handle. (He) possesses a hard shot and quick release, making him a scoring threat every time he enters the offensive zone.' 'You like the physical attributes where (he's a) big, athletic guy that can really move. I think he's got some talent, and some really good hockey sense. And again, a raw package,' Davidson said of Nestrasil. Mason West is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound rising senior at Edina (Minn.) High School. A Division I college football recruit, he has committed to play college hockey at Michigan State — but not until he finishes his final season as a high school quarterback. 'He's behind the curve; he's not quite dedicated himself 100% to hockey,' Davidson said of West, who will turn 18 in August and is one of the youngest players eligible for the 2025 NHL draft. 'But at that size, that athleticism, that skating ability, that talent, the sky is the limit. … I just really wanted to get back into the first round and take what I thought was a Grand Slam hack. I was swinging for the fences and figured, why not?'
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hawks Roster, Projected Starting Lineup After Kristaps Porzingis Trade
Hawks Roster, Projected Starting Lineup After Kristaps Porzingis Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Atlanta Hawks added an experienced frontcourt star to their roster on Tuesday. The Hawks had a three-team trade with the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets to acquire veteran star Kristaps Porzingis. With this move, the Hawks solved their upcoming frontcourt problem. Advertisement The Hawks have a promising young group with Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher. Together with All-Star guard Trae Young, Atlanta could have a promising group for the 2025-26 season. On top of that, they acquired a championship-tested player in Porzingis. After missing the playoffs for two straight seasons, the future might be bright for Atlanta. With the single move they made to acquire Porzingis, they're likely to be a playoff team next season. Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks during the second Jairaj-Imagn Images Atlanta Hawks Updated Roster & Projected Starting 5 After Trading for Kristaps Porzingis C - Kristaps Porzingis, Onyeka Okongwu, Clint Capela (free agent) Advertisement PF - Jalen Johnson, Larry Nance Jr. (free agent), Mouhamed Gueye, Dominick Barlow (free agent) SF - Zaccharie Risacher, Caris LeVert (free agent), Garrison Mathews SG - Dyson Daniels, Vit Krejci PG - Trae Young, Kobe Bufkin The Hawks look secure in their frontcourt, especially now that Onyeka Okongwu will get help from Porzingis. Clint Capela is expected to leave Atlanta in free agency, which leaves the team the option to pursue a third-string center. One of the priorities for the Hawks this summer is to re-sign upcoming free agents Caris LeVert and Larry Nance Jr. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, both players have proven their worth. Advertisement "After acquiring LeVert in a trade before the deadline, Hawks coach Quin Snyder valued his impact in the locker room, secondary playmaking ability, and scoring, including 14.9 points on 48.2 percent shooting from the field in 26.6 minutes," Scotto wrote about LeVert. One of the main concerns for the Hawks this offseason is the backup point guard for Young. Last season, Kobe Bufkin was limited to 10 games after he was ruled out for the rest of the campaign after undergoing a season-ending shoulder surgery. The Hawks hold the No. 13 pick in the 2025 NBA draft and could use it to draft a young facilitator. Recent mock drafts suggest that Atlanta should make a move to acquire a big man. However, that could change after they traded for Porzingis. Related: Trae Young Reacts to Tyrese Haliburton's Injury in Game 7 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Chicago Tribune
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago Blackhawks select Swedish forward Anton Frondell at No. 3 in the 2025 NHL draft
Life just got a little Swede-r for the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks drafted the top-ranked international player with the No. 3 pick in Friday's NHL draft in Swedish forward Anton Frondell, a 17-year-old who, after graduating to Djurgårdens' junior team to Sweden's second division, stood out with 11 goals and 14 assists while competing against men. In 2023-24, at the junior level, he averaged more than a point per game: 39 points (18 and 21 assists) in 29 games. Former NHL scouting executive and SportsNet analyst Jason Bukala said Frondell looked better against the pros than his own peer group. 'Listen, this guy could play the center, he can play the wing, he's arguably the best shooter from the flank on the power play in the entire draft class,' he said. 'He absolutely rips pucks, so I really like Frondell a lot.' NHL Central Scouting regards Frondell as a skilled player with strong legs and a quick stick. '(He) has a nifty wrist shot and his release is solid and accurate. His hockey IQ shines with intelligent moves, with or without the puck. Likes to set up teammates using small moves and tricky passes.' Coincidentally, last week the Hawks acquired former Seattle Kraken forward André Burakovsky, who grew up in Malmö, Sweden. In other Swedish connections, Anders Sörensen, last season's interim head coach, remains on staff as an assistant, and the roster includes Arvid Söderblom. The Hawks also have the No. 25 pick in the first round of the draft. Subsequent rounds will be drafted on Saturday.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hawks rumors: Atlanta actively looking to ‘capitalize' on $25 million trade exception
The post Hawks rumors: Atlanta actively looking to 'capitalize' on $25 million trade exception appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Atlanta Hawks' season finished in underwhelming fashion. As general manager Onsi Saleh prepares for his second offseason in Atlanta, the team will start trying to improve their roster. According to rumors, the Hawks have made it clear that Trae Young is not going anywhere. He and Jalen Johnson formed an effective duo before the wing went down with injury. Saleh is on the hunt for players to complement them. Advertisement One of the biggest assets that Atlanta has this summer is a $25 million trade exception. According to Stein Line insider Jake Fischer, the Hawks are planning to use the exception they received in the Dejounte Murray trade to net them another star. 'Sources say Atlanta, meanwhile, is actively exploring ways to capitalize on a $25 million trade exception it still possesses as a vestige from last summer's Dejounte Murray trade to New Orleans,' Fischer said. 'Hawks in play for some potential sign-and-trade scenarios once the offseason begins' That is good news for an Atlanta fan base that has not seen their team make the playoffs since 2023. While the trade exception cannot be used to sign a free agent outright, the Hawks are still in good position. Sign-and-trade candidates around the NBA include names like Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Jonathan Kuminga. All three of those players would be upgrades for Atlanta. However, Saleh needs to pick the one that fits best alongside Young and Johnson. Advertisement Ironically, one of the Hawks' top offseason targets is still playing. Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is near the top of the Hawks' and other teams' list of potential additions. How he plays in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and the games result could have a big impact on his future. In the meantime, Atlanta needs to make the most of the $25 million exception they got in exchange for Murray. They could try to bring in another guard that fits better than Murray did, but they are spoiled for options. Saleh faces a big decision in his first summer as the Hawks' full-time general manager. The moves he makes this summer will go a long way in determining just how successful next season is. Related: Dyson Daniels gets real on Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals Related: Atlanta Hawks' perfect outcome for No. 22 pick in 2025 NBA Draft
