NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 8 wrap

By Michael DiFabrizio

Hawthorn 21.14 (140) def. GWS GIANTS 9.3 (57)

If there was one thing the GWS GIANTS needed to get out of their game against Hawthorn, it was signs of improvement on last week’s effort against Adelaide.

The four points never seemed in doubt for the Hawks, who got the first goal of the match then stayed ahead until the final siren. Sam Mitchell was easily best-on with 35 disposals while Jarryd Roughead – who kicked that first goal – finished with five.

Although the final margin of 83 points wasn’t that flattering, in the context of what some were predicting it was decent. In the context of how they’d played the week before, there was in fact a lot to like about the performance.

Against the Crows, no player had more than 24 disposals. Against the Hawks, three did (Stephen Coniglio, Taylor Adams and Callan Ward).

Against the Crows, the GIANTS laid 35 tackles, a stat they were beaten in. Against the Hawks, they laid 82 tackles, 26 more than their opponent.

Against the Crows, they struggled to convert and kicked 7.10. Against the Hawks, they kicked 9.3 and became – fun fact alert – the first team this year to kick only three behinds in a match.

It was also just the second time since last year’s Grand Final that Hawthorn had a lower disposal efficiency rate than their opponent.

Overall, there were a number of positives to take out of the game. Among the GIANTS’ best were Adams (nine tackles), Jeremy Cameron (four goals), Ward (six clearances), Adam Tomlinson (nine marks), Tim Mohr (holding Buddy Franklin to two goals) and Coniglio (28 touches).

Next week the GIANTS play the West Coast Eagles at Skoda Stadium.

Sydney Swans 11.4 (70) drew with Fremantle 9.16 (70)

Who would’ve thought on the same weekend we get a goal after the siren, via Nic Naitanui on Friday, we’d also get a draw? The Swans and Dockers will rue what could have been after a dramatic Saturday night at the SCG.

The Swans took an 18-point lead going into half time on the back of four first-half goals from Dan Hannebery. They continued to hold Freo at bay with the lead extending to as many as 27 points 11 minutes into the final term.

Then the Dockers rallied, levelling the scores with just two minutes left. They might have hit the front, too, if it weren’t for a Sam Reid pack mark on the line as the clock was winding down. As the siren sounded, both teams put hands on heads.

As far as draws go, this one was rare in that Sydney kicked two more goals than Fremantle. The Swans were far more efficient in front of goal (11.4) compared to the Dockers (9.16) and the inside 50 count (47-61) suggests the away team really did waste their opportunities.

But Sydney’s pressure and composure may have had something to do with it. They laid 90 tackles for the second time this season and despite it being a high-pressure game, they used the ball better – going at 74 per cent efficiency compared to Fremantle’s 71.

Best on ground for the Swans would have to go to Hannebery, who complimented his four goals with 27 disposals at an impressive 85 per cent efficiency. Josh Kennedy had 29 disposals at 83 per cent plus 11 tackles and six clearances. Kieren Jack had 33 disposals, 11 tackles and a goal.

Mike Pyke (29 hitouts) and Shane Mumford (22) also comfortably won the hitout battle. Reid took 11 marks.

For the Dockers, Nat Fyfe put up good numbers and had two goals, while Michael Barlow had 28 disposals and seven inside 50s. Luke McPharlin took 10 marks in defence.

Next week the Swans return to Friday night football, battling Collingwood at the MCG.

NSW/ACT Notes

One vote: Tom Hawkins (Finley). The Tomahawk kicked 4.0 and took seven marks as his Geelong side suffered its first loss of the season. Four goals was his biggest return of the season.

Two votes: Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills). 33 disposals, a goal, 11 tackles, six clearances … of course Jack was going to get another mention.

Three votes: Brent Staker (West Broken Hill). In his first game back since 2011, Staker was the hero of the Brisbane Lions’ upset win over Essendon. He won a free kick about 45 metres out in the dying stages. He kept cool, went back and kicked the match-sealing goal. With 12 disposals at 83 per cent and six marks, it was a handy return to footy.

Honourable mention: Anthony Miles (North Albury). Miles had his best game of the season for the GWS GIANTS on the weekend. He had 18 touches, seven tackles and a goal.

NEAFL (Round 9)

Aspley 16.16 (112) def. Tuggeranong 5.6 (36)
UWS GIANTS 7.6 (48) def. by Brisbane Lions 20.16 (136)
Hills Eagles 12.16 (88) def. by Belconnen 21.15 (141)
Sydney Uni 17.9 (111) def. Ainslie 9.15 (69)
Sydney Swans 23.13 (151) def. Queanbeyan 5.8 (38)
Eastlake – Bye