Round 4 – Hawthorn v St Kilda: Great Efforts and Nearly Win

Saturday, 16 April 2016
Aurora Stadium, Launceston
2:10 pm (1:10 pm on author’s watch)

After being labelled a prank call by Mark Finey on his post footy show two weeks ago, I had prepared well to have better discussion and attempted to call SEN on the previous night.

The topic would be how St Kilda players would create space to do better ball works that would score goals. I would demonstrate from previous week’s two games from both sides (I watched a part of the Bulldogs vs Hawthorn match).

But lack of Skype credit, I could not afford to make a phone call, so I used Viber. However it did not work and instead I sent SMS from my Skype that seemed not to deliver to SEN. Or Finey was too busy talking about Richmond’s performances, game plans and other issues? My message was not shouted out on Final Siren.

My efforts did not bring the best result. Oh it is sad!

Then the game day arrived. As always I got excited.

However my excitement eased because I was pointed out my work mistakes or tasks that I forgot to do. My responsibilities of being a St Kilda supporter may not meet the club’s criteria??

Once again on Final Siren program the night before, Finey said something like “People could change the job and potentially wife, but not the footy club”. He is right about choosing the club. Past St Kilda membership slogan “Loyalty unites us” has been in my spirit all the time. I always pick the mighty Saints on my footy tipping with my friend and his family.

Just before the first bounce, again I was pointed out a work mistake so I had a slow start at the game supporting Saints.

But once I got into the match through watching AFL App, all my attention was paid towards supporting the mighty Saints.

My boys seemed to have a slow start and allowed the opponent to touch footy. At 13:35 remaining at the first quarter, Savage was not able to tackle the 2015 Almanac cover boy (Cyril Rioli) who kicked the Hawthorn’s second goal. My worry started like last week when the opponent kicked two goals in a row at first.

Then Weller kicked the ball long and Riewoldt took a brilliant mark inside 50 that is classic Nick. He scored our first goal.

But the first quarter ended with the 18-point margin thanks to Hawthorn’s skilled ball works and Ceglar’s straight kick from inside 50.

Where were St Kilda’s good efforts that we showed in every game apart from when we played Bulldogs?

At the beginning of the second quarter, midfield boys started their engines properly. Even our former teammate Ben McEvoy touched the ball, our players greeted him well by picking the ball. Weller and Armitage were doing well with possessions. Also Steven passed the ball well to Armitage who kicked the goal from 50.

Later in the second quarter, Arcs kicked the ball long and it was caught by Riewoldt just behind the goal. As no one was around, Nick produced an easy goal to set the score level.

Meanwhile St Kilda’s organised ball works, especially in the midfield came back and we were in front.

However at 6:12 remaining, young O’Brien caught the ball from the light congestion and scored the goal to narrow the margin to just one.

St Kilda’s great ball works continues at the third quarter; however Steven kicked the ball to the wrong space within our goal area and then Hawthorn touched footy that eventually O’Brien took the responsibility to kick the goal from outside 50. The regain premier led by 11 points.

But but… At 9:45 remaining, Minchington scored the goal after the nice passes from Steven and Newnes. It was the beginning of our six goals in a row.

Then show continued. At the time I switched to listening to the radio due to limited amount of data use on my iPhone. Jack Lonie got a ball to kick from the left boundary line in the situation where it seemed hard to kick the goal for the left footer. But he kicked the ball towards our gun and recent contract extended Josh Bruce who kicked the goal at 1:09 remaining.

Bruce scored another goal before the last break putting us to one-point in front. But Hawthorn scored the behind. The score level at the third quarter. The Saints could win and I was excited.

Just after the bounce at the last quarter, Steven collected the ball well and kicked towards the goal area. Young McCartin took a mark and scored a goal to put us leading by a goal.

Balls moving towards and backwards, Weller tackled O’Brien and was awarded a free kick. He kicked a goal extending the margin to 12 points.

Up in the box, Alastair Clarkson seemed to have a headache. Then our coach Alan Richardson was calm.

Later on Saturday, I learnt about the controversial decision of the play on after Montagna’s kick in that was required 15 metres. I googled about the rule, but cannot find what the rule is. So I cannot comment on the umpire’s decision…

At 4:04 remaining, McCartin took a mark and we got another opportunity to put in front. But he could not kick the goal.

Then I caught up with the live coverage on Watch AFL App, but we could not score the goal. Siren sounded and we lost by just three points.

Saints played well and are improving, but loss is loss. We missed getting four points. Like Richo, I am disappointed.

But we demonstrated positively. Win was nearly and wins on close game will be awarded soon for the Saints.

Earlier this week, Finey talked about great 30s players who perform better than 22-yo counterparts. Joey was nominated on his Evenings program and I sense it from seeing his great runs chasing balls. Montagna is terrific.

I think showed great efforts on calling Final Siren, but only near end. In my private life, I need clear views including changing jobs that is appropriate under Finey’s standard and physically because of narrow sites. Like on footy meme pages, I might need to go to Specsavers, like umpires and Mick Malthouse…

St Kilda show starts again next week against GWS. I believe we will win and more wins in 2016 come over. I hope to see my boys play in September!

HAWTHORN 5.2 8.2 10.4 13.9 (87)
ST KILDA 2.2 7.3 10.4 13.6 (84)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Breust 2, Sicily 2, O’Brien 2, Puopolo 2, Ceglar 2, Smith, Rioli, Lewis
St Kilda: Riewoldt 2, Bruce 2, McCartin 2, Minchington 2, Lonie, Armitage, Weller, Gilbert, Templeton

BEST
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Lewis, Smith, Gunston, Hodge
St Kilda: Armitage, Riewoldt, Montagna, Ross, Weller

Our Votes: Armitage (STK 3), Gunston (HAW 2), Riewoldt (STK 1)

INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
St Kilda: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Fisher, Stephens, Pannell

Official crowd: 15,173 at Aurora Stadium