1. Firstly, credit to the Hawks who were hungrier and better than West Coast in every facet of the game at Optus Stadium, in what was a disappointing step backwards for the home side. From the opening passages of play there were warning signs for the Eagles, and the deficit would have been much greater than 17 points at the first change if Hawthorn took its chances. Unfortunately, things didn’t improve the longer the match progressed, and the key statistics were completely one-sided, with Hawthorn’s midfield dominating proceedings. The Hawks finished with 148 more disposals, won clearances by 17, contested possessions by 24 and their inside 50 count was nearly double (60-33) the Eagles’ forward excursions. As coach Adam Simpson pointed out post-game, this defeat was about the collective failure to match Hawthorn, whose hunt and pressure overwhelmed West Coast.
2. There were very few positives to take from the match, but the performances of key defensive pillars Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass were exceptional. Without the backline duo at the top of their games the margin would have ballooned beyond 61 points. McGovern could be on track for a fifth All-Australian blazer and continued to put his body on the line for the greater good, leading through actions and finishing with 20 disposals, nine marks – three contested and six intercept – and 560 metres gained, second only to Liam Duggan (738). Not to mention he was one of only four goalkickers with his first major since round nine, 2022. Barrass was equally impressive with his 14 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, nine marks – also including six intercepts – and six spoils. They saw far too much of the footy for their liking but couldn’t have done any more to limit the damage.
3. It was brave for Eagles star Elliot Yeo to take the field just six days after the passing of his father Craig and the emotional impact of an incredibly difficult week meant it was never going to be easy for him to be at his best. Understandably, Yeo couldn’t reach the incredible heights he has achieved so far this season in a remarkable form resurgence, but just to be out on the park against Hawthorn was a courageous effort. The two-time John Worsfold medallist's desire to always give everything he has got for the club and his teammates is undeniable.
4. A tough watch was made even worse by the sight of ruck recruit Matt Flynn finishing the match on crutches. The 26-year-old hasn’t had a fair run at claiming the No.1 ruck spot since crossing from Greater Western Sydney, with a pre-season setback delaying his club AFL debut until round 12, before the mid-season bye halted his momentum after only two games. The Eagles have got their fingers crossed for a positive outcome after Flynn turned his ankle as he was about to launch into a marking contest early in the third quarter.
5. It was something we already knew but appreciated even more on Sunday when 49,454 members and fans turned up to Optus Stadium to show their support for the team - that the blue and gold army are simply incredible. The second-largest non-RAC Derby home crowd for the season deserved a better performance than the Eagles mustered. The beauty of football is that the team gets an opportunity to work hard at training, get better and bring an improved version to their only MCG visit for 2024 against Melbourne on Sunday.
