THE DISTURBING DROP-OFF OF HAWTHORN’S CHALLENGING MIDFIELD

Hawthorn is facing its poorest season start in over five decades, with a winless record of 0-5, marking their most lackluster performance since 1970. Under Sam Mitchell’s leadership, the team currently occupies 17th position on the ladder with a percentage of 63.8.

Their Round 5 match against the Suns on the Gold Coast ended in a devastating 53-point loss, representing one of their weakest displays under Mitchell’s guidance.

There has been considerable discussion regarding the struggles of the midfield unit in the 2024 season. In the absence of reigning best and fairest Will Day, who is recovering from a foot stress fracture, Hawthorn has appeared devoid of confidence and innovative attacking strategies.

Although James Worpel has performed admirably for the most part, victories in the Hawthorn midfield have been scarce, leaving little cause for celebration

Jai Newcombe and Connor Nash, who were key contributors for Hawthorn last year, have seen a decline in their performance compared to 2023. Despite their significant impact in helping the Hawks win seven games last season, they have struggled to replicate their success in 2024.

Last year, Hawthorn managed to finish third in center clearances across the competition, largely due to the emergence of Newcombe and Nash. However, in 2024, Mitchell’s team ranks at the bottom of this statistical category, averaging just 9.2 center clearances per game. This deficiency has limited their ability to maintain possession, as evidenced by their position third from the bottom for total disposals.

With Newcombe and Nash not performing at their previous levels, younger players have found it challenging to fill the void. While Cam Mackenzie has shown promise, Josh Ward has experienced inconsistencies, and Henry Hustwaite has had limited opportunities to contribute.

To better understand these shortcomings, we have compared some midfield statistics from 2023 to those of 2024, including the inclusion of Day and other key statistical performers from the previous season.

Hawthorn’s midfield struggles in 2024 can be illustrated through various statistical categories:

Disposals:

– In 2023, Worpel, Day, Newcombe, and Nash ranked among the top 50 for average disposals.

– However, in 2024, Worpel maintains a lower ranking at 36th, while Newcombe and Nash have dropped significantly to 105th and 137th, respectively. Karl Amon now holds the second-best average at the club.

Contested Possessions:

– Worpel and Newcombe were within the top 25 for contested possessions in 2023.

– In 2024, while Worpel remains competitive at equal 14th, Newcombe and Nash have fallen to 41st and 44th, respectively. Ruckman Lloyd Meek and Massimo D’Ambrosio have emerged as significant contributors.

Clearances:

– Worpel, Newcombe, and Nash were notable for average clearances in 2023.

– However, in 2024, their rankings have declined, with Worpel at 29th, Newcombe at equal 54th, and Nash at equal 59th. Meek stands out as the fourth overall contributor at Hawthorn.

Centre Clearances:

– In 2023, Worpel, Newcombe, and Nash ranked within the top 30 for centre clearances.

– In 2024, their rankings have dropped, with Worpel at equal 53rd and Newcombe and Nash at equal 78th. Meek has emerged as a significant contributor at equal 19th.

Inside 50s:

– Worpel stood out at 3rd for inside 50s in 2024, while Newcombe and Nash have seen declines in their rankings.

– Veteran Luke Breust has become a key player for inside 50s.

Score Involvements:

– Newcombe, Worpel, and Day were notable for score involvements in 2023.

– However, in 2024, their rankings have declined, with Worpel at equal 99th, Nash at equal 244th, and Newcombe at equal 266th. Dylan Moore has emerged as the top scorer involvement player for Hawthorn.

Metres Gained:

– Amon led in metres gained in 2023, with Worpel, Day, and Newcombe also contributing significantly.

– In 2024, Amon remains prominent, while Worpel maintains a presence in the rankings. However, Newcombe and Nash have seen declines.

Tackles:

– Nash was notable for tackles in 2023.

– In 2024, Nash remains competitive, while Worpel and Newcombe have seen slight declines in their rankings.

Dylan Moore, the co-vice captain of the club, acknowledged that the team hasn’t met the expected standards in 2024 and they’ve pledged to each other to improve. Both Moore and Mitchell hinted at a challenging week ahead on the training ground as they gear up for Sunday’s match against North Melbourne, who are also struggling.

The Hawks must make a strong impression at Marvel Stadium, and it begins with their midfield performance.