Hawthorn has proven its mid-season revival can stand up to September footy, brushing aside a disappointing Western Bulldogs side by 37 points at the MCG. A young Hawks outfit that started the year 0-5 suddenly clicked into gear, ending the home and away season on a 14-4 run, and carried that form into Friday night’s 14.15 (99) to 9.8 (62) victory. The Bulldogs started well and held a two-goal lead at quarter-time. From that point on, however, it was all Hawthorn, with Sam Mitchell’s side banging through 12 goals to five the rest of the way in a dominant performance. It will have Port Adelaide on notice ahead of their semi-final showdown with the Hawks next week, after the Power’s 84-point belting against Geelong on Thursday night. Hawthorn teenagers Nick Watson (4 goals) and Calsher Dear (3) starred in their finals debuts, while Aaron Naughton kicked three goals on a dismal night for the Dogs.
An Unfortunate Incident
Nobody wanted to be AFL umpire Nick Foot during the first term of the elimination final between the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn on Friday night at the MCG. That was because the umpire was on the receiving end of a brutal, but accidental, bump from Bulldogs big man Aaron Naughton. With 14 minutes left in the first quarter of the intense clash, Foot was sent flying, as he backed out of a pack, by Naughton. Naughton was steaming into the Dogs' forward 50, not noticing Foot in his path.
Many looked away as Foot lay curled up on the MCG turf in pain. The umpires' trainer rushed out to help Foot, who was clutching his ribs in pain, and called immediately for an interchange. Luckily, Foot was able to carry on — handed back his whistle to continue umpiring.
A Possible Fine for Naughton?
Naughton may very well receive a fine from the MRO come Saturday, considering the AFL's crackdown on contact against officials. Back in June, Caroline Wilson revealed that AFL umpires felt they were being used as “decoys” after a handful of officials were concussed due to player contact during games. Wilson confirmed at the time that a rule would be introduced to protect umpires from round 16 onwards. It meant umpires then had a right to pay a free kick against players if they knocked over or hit them accidentally.
The Incident Explained
With the Bulldogs under siege early in the first quarter of their elimination final against Hawthorn, Marcus Bontempelli sent a dump kick high to the edge of defensive 50 with Naughton looking to give an out for their defence. However, he wouldn’t have expected Foot to be standing in the way after the umpire had looked to get out of the way of the contest. Unfortunately for Foot, and Naughton, the Bulldogs forward only had eyes for the ball and did not see the umpire straying into his path. Foot appeared to brace for contact but that didn’t stop him from being spun around after crunching into the 196cm big man.
“He looks to have copped one in the ribs or perhaps the shoulder,” Brian Taylor said on commentary. Naughton escaped without injury while Foot was attended to by a physio who he quickly waved away and continued to officiate the match. AFL players may be charged with careless contact with an umpire which can draw financial penalties and possible sanctions though it is unlikely Naughton would face suspension given the accidental nature of the incident.
Hawthorn’s Dominant Display
Despite the unfortunate incident, the game itself saw Hawthorn dominate, with the Hawks’ most controversial star paying credit to a young teammate. It’s difficult keeping up with Hok Ball because the moments seem to get bigger, louder and more outrageous. But behind the noise is a serious group of kids. It will have Port Adelaide on notice ahead of their semi-final showdown with the Hawks next week, after the Power’s 84-point belting against Geelong on Thursday night.
The Future of the Hawks
The Hawks have shown they have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in the future, and their performance against the Bulldogs was a testament to their progress. The Hawks have a bright future ahead of them, and their young stars will be looking to continue their development in the coming years. With a mix of youth and experience, the Hawks are a team to watch in the 2024 AFL Finals.
