HAWTHORN’S Head of Development Academy Rob McCartney and Development Coach Chris Newman review every Hawthorn-listed player’s performance in Box Hill’s 37-point win over Werribee.

VFL

ANGUS LITHERLAND – 26 disposals, one goal, nine marks

“Angus had an outstanding game, he was probably our best player on the day. The best thing about his game was his communication behind the ball – his leadership was really important for us. The way he used the ball was great and used his speed to good effect. He kicked a goal as well which is great – we love to see his offensive flare and that’s a big tick for him.” CN

DANIEL HOWE – 21 disposals, five marks, six clearances

“Had a great game considering he only played three quarters coming off an injury. Had 21 disposals in three quarters including 12 contested as well as six clearances which were crucial for us in the middle part of the game and set us up going forward. Played a massive part in our victory in terms of doing the grunt work.” CN

JACK FITZPATRICK – 19 disposals, three goals, nine marks

“Another really strong performance from Jack after his return game the week before. Proved a real handful for the defenders with 19 touches. He varied his leading patterns and ended up kicking 3.1 and a couple of other shots which didn’t quite make the distance. He had a real influence on the scoreboard and also played in the ruck.” RM

DALLAS WILLSMORE – 22 disposals, eight marks

“Dallas had a quiet first quarter which is unlike him. But to his credit he fought his way back into the game which is a testament to his physical and mental attributes. He went behind the footy and played off half back which is an unfamiliar position for him but he had a real impact which was outstanding. Used the ball better than almost everyone on the ground at over 80% efficiency.” CN

BILLY HARTUNG – 18 disposals

“Provided some real dash for us but had six contested possessions as well which is something he’s been working on as well as his outside game. He had a tag on the day which tested him but he worked through that really well. Had a shot on goal which would have been goal of the year if he’d kicked it – after getting the ball at half back he ran forward and missed, so he kicked point of the year.” CN

ALEX WOODWARD – 18 disposals, one goal, five tackles

“Woody was good again. We love what he brings in the centre of the ground and the toughness he brings around the ground. Alex is very clean below his knees and can always rely on him when he gets the ball. He’s missed a lot of football so he’s starting to feel really good in himself and he’s starting to trust his body and fitness.” CN

KIERAN LOVELL – 17 disposals, four clearances

“He’s another player who gives us some real grunt. Finished with eight contested possessions which we expect from him. Lovey plays at his best when he uses his agility and he has the ability to be really damaging with ball in hand when he tries to break a line. Worked pretty hard throughout the day and looks to be forming a nice combination with Alex Woodward.” CN

RYAN BURTON – 16 disposals, three goals, nine marks

“Ryan had a real impact in his first full game as a forward this week. Started the game well by taking marks early, didn’t quite have his radar on and had four behinds to his name in the first half but really burst into the game in the third term with three goals and he got those in a variety of ways. A really pleasing performance from ‘Burto’.” RM

TEIA MILES – 16 disposals

“Teia was playing a really good game up until half time, he unfortunately broke his collarbone at the start of the third quarter going back with the flight of the ball and had surgery on that today which is disappointing for him as he will miss the rest of the season. It’s a real blow for him as he’s had an outstanding season and has been one of our most consistent players. He should be pleased with the year he’s put in.” CN

BLAKE HARDWICK – 15 disposals

“Consistency is the key for Blake. He was a bit quiet in the first half but was a significant performer after half time having 12 disposals. Played predominantly as a medium-size forward and had a few opportunities around goal in the last quarter but didn’t take them which is something he’ll work on next week.” RM

ZAC WEBSTER – 13 disposals, two goals

“Zac started the game as an inside midfielder, which was a nice change up as it got him into the game early. He was able to get his hands on the footy but his pressure on the opposition was significant and he caused a few turnovers which were important for us. Kicked a goal in the last quarter and finished with two for the day.” RM

MARC PITTONET - 13 disposals, 18 hitouts

“Pitto’s impact around the ground was what we expected from him. He got back inside defensive 50 and competed hard in the ruck all day. Had 18 hitouts but four tackles as well which shows he was doing some good follow-up work once the ball was on the ground. Hasn’t troubled the scorers yet in terms of goals this season but he’s getting shots on goal which is a positive.” CN

KADE STEWART – nine disposals, one goal, five tackles

“A quiet day in terms of getting his hands on the footy, finishing with nine disposals, however his pressure was his huge strength finishing with five tackles and pressuring the opposition in our front half. He caused turnovers on a number of occasions which allowed us to go back and score. Kicked a clever goal early in the game from a forward stoppage.” RM

LUKE SURMAN – six disposals, one goal

“Luke started the game with a goal and performed some smart ruck work in our forward line which gave Kade Stewart his goal. He was involved in a number of contests but just couldn’t clunk the marks as he did in the previous couple of weeks so he’ll be working on that this week.” RM

 

DEVELOPMENT

JERMAINE MILLER-LEWIS – 16 disposals, five goals, 10 marks, five tackles

“Jermaine has been playing forward in the last few weeks after training all pre-season as a defender and playing most of the year in defence. We thought we’d release the shackles a bit and give him a go forward and he’s really thrived in the last two weeks. He was a really dangerous forward in that he could lose his opponent and hit up at the ball. His time down back has also given him a really defensive edge as well which is great.” RM

LACHLAN LANGFORD

“With a couple of taller forwards back in the development side this week Lachie had to play a bit higher up the ground this week. He had to be more of a hit up player rather than a deep forward. He got some good connections early and was able to find Jermaine on one of those. Was a little bit quiet in the middle part of the game but had eight disposals and four marks in the last quarter.” RM

CONOR GLASS

“Started the game down back but because we controlled the game it was hard for him to get opportunities to compete. What we did notice with him is some of the attributes he’s bringing from his Gaelic footy to our game. He keeps his feet really well in aerial contest and is one of the first back on his feet in a contest. We played him on the wing in the last quarter which allowed him to be more of an offensive player.” RM