A clutch last-minute goal from Darcy Fogarty handed the Crows their fourth straight win – this time by just three points – after a scare from Hawthorn at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston.
Entering the round, Hawthorn were 18th and wooden spoon favourites, while Adelaide were placed within the eight and in their best form since coach Matthew Nicks took over in 2020.
Darcy Fogarty (left), who kicked three goals, and Izak Rankine celebrate.Credit: AFL Photos
But it couldn’t have looked more even up until the frantic last minute, with less than a goal separating the pair and the Crows hanging on by the skin of their teeth, thanks in no small part to ex-skippers Taylor Walker, who kicked four goals, and Rory Sloane, who finished with a game-high 30 touches.
Hawthorn’s list lacks established talent compared to other teams, especially those vying for positions in the top eight. But the young Hawks demonstrated in Tasmania just how they’re able to stay in games, even if they can’t yet consistently find a way of winning them.
After witnessing Adelaide pile on eight of the first nine goals against Carlton in Gather Round the week prior, Hawthorn headed into Sunday’s match ready to defend with relentless pressure and thwart the Crows’ chances however they could. The answer: tackles. Lots of them.
The Hawks had their best quarter of tackles in five years with 32 (to the Crows’ 19), more than any other side this season for the opening term. By half-time they had 48 tackles registered and finished with 88 for the game.
Adelaide’s Taylor Walker is wrapped up on the way to the win.Credit: Getty Images
They didn’t release the valve, with a heated midfield battle between Adelaide’s Sloane, Rory Laird, Jake Soligo and Lachlan Sholl and Hawthorn’s Conor Nash, Jai Newcombe, Karl Amon and Cam Mackenzie.
The Crows entered the finals contention conversation after their 56-point demolition of Carlton last week, and their argument will only be strengthened by Sunday’s efforts.
The Crows will face top-eight sides Collingwood, Geelong and an invigorated St Kilda in the next month, which will provide a good indication of top-eight realities.
Hawthorn next face the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, who opened round six with a 49-point thumping of Fremantle. The Hawks then take on the Dockers.
Hawthorn’s Fergus Greene.Credit: AFL Photos
Greene answers Hawks’ need in the forward line
Hawthorn will be the first to admit they are under resourced in their forward line, particularly with the loss of Jack Gunston to Brisbane in the off-season and Mitch Lewis injuring his knee in the pre-season.
However, 25-year-old Fergus Greene, who Sam Mitchell plucked out of Box Hill Hawks’ VFL side after an impressive 2022 season, is emerging as a handy asset in attack.
He previously played five games for the Western Bulldogs in 2018 before being delisted in 2020 but is showcasing a newfound confidence in his new role at the Hawks.
He kicked the opening goal of the game, which capped off an exciting running chain involving multiple players up the ground, and finished with three majors. It brings his tally to 11 for the season so far.
Draftee Cam Mackenzie provides another bright spot for the future for Hawks fans as he continues to develop in the midfield.
More concussion concerns
Hawthorn ruckman Max Lynch got his first call-up for the year – replacing Lloyd Meek – but the 24-year-old was subbed off in the second quarter after failing a concussion test.
The head knock came after he received a hospital pass from teammate Mackenzie and went to ground, and marks his third concussion since round one last year. He was replaced by Jack Scrimshaw.
Adelaide: 2.3 5.7 8.9 11.13 (79)
Hawthorn: 2.1 5.4 8.8 11.10 (76)
GOALS
Adelaide: Walker 4, Fogarty 3, Dawson, Pedlar, Sholl, Rankine.
Hawthorn: Greene 3, Brockman 2, Reeves, Worpel, Macdonald, Nash, Amon, Scrimshaw.
BEST
Adelaide: Walker, Sloane, Laird, Soligo, Dawson, Rachele.
Hawthorn: Nash, Newcombe, Sicily, Amon, Impey.
VOTES
Conor Nash (Hawthorn) 8
Taylor Walker (Adelaide) 8
Rory Sloane (Adelaide) 8
Rory Laird (Adelaide) 7
Jai Newcombe (Hawthorn) 7
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