Hawthorn Hawks Dominate Adelaide Crows in Round 12 at MCG – AFL 2024 Season

The Melbourne Cricket Ground was the scene of a thrilling Round 12 clash in the 2024 AFL season, as the Hawthorn Hawks took on the Adelaide Crows. The Hawks emerged victorious with a commanding 107-80 win, much to the delight of the home crowd. The atmosphere was electric from the first siren to the final whistle, with fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game.

The first quarter set the tone for what was to come, with the Hawks quickly asserting their dominance. Jack Ginnivan got things rolling with a behind in the 3rd minute, followed by another from Calsher Dear. The first goal came courtesy of Ned Reeves in the 7th minute, and from there, the Hawks didn’t look back. Jack Gunston, Dylan Moore, and Jack Ginnivan all found the back of the net, piling on the pressure. The Crows managed two goals, one from Lachlan Murphy and another from Harry Schoenberg, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace. The quarter ended with the Hawks leading 34-14.

The second quarter saw the Hawks continue their relentless assault. Dylan Moore was in scintillating form, scoring two goals within the first eight minutes. The Crows struggled to respond, managing only six behinds and two goals. The Hawks’ defense was rock-solid, and their midfield was in control, with Will Day and Jack Ginnivan contributing crucial behinds. By halftime, the Hawks had extended their lead to 47-18.

The third quarter was more of the same, with the Hawks putting on a clinic. Goals from Calsher Dear, Dylan Moore, and Jack Gunston saw them extend their lead even further. The Crows tried to mount a comeback, with goals from Darcy Fogarty, Chris Burgess, and Brayden Cook, but the Hawks’ relentless pressure was too much to handle. By the end of the quarter, the Hawks were sitting pretty at 81-48.

In the final quarter, the Hawks sealed the deal. Despite a spirited effort from the Crows, with goals from Lachlan Sholl, Chris Burgess, and Brayden Cook, the Hawks were unstoppable. Luke Breust, Connor Macdonald, and Jack Gunston all found the back of the net, ensuring the Hawks finished strong. The final score of 107-80 reflected the Hawks’ dominance throughout the game.

Team statistics revealed the Hawks’ superiority in several key areas. They had 358 disposals compared to the Crows’ 375, but it was their efficiency that stood out. The Hawks had 209 kicks and 149 handballs, while the Crows had 206 kicks and 169 handballs. The Hawks also had more free kicks (29 to 21) and clearances (39 to 29), showcasing their control of the game.

Star performers for the Hawks included Dylan Moore, who was a standout with five goals and two assists, and Jack Gunston, who contributed three goals and one assist. Jack Ginnivan also had a stellar game with two goals and three behinds. For the Crows, Chris Burgess was a bright spot with three goals, while Brayden Cook and Lachlan Sholl each added two goals.

Individual efforts were notable on both sides. For the Hawks, Jai Newcombe led the way with 26 disposals and nine clearances, while James Sicily was a rock in defense with 21 disposals and nine marks. Ned Reeves was pivotal in the ruck with 20 hitouts. On the Crows’ side, Matthew Crouch was a workhorse with 35 disposals and seven tackles, and Rory Laird was equally impressive with 30 disposals and four marks.

In conclusion, the Hawks’ victory was a testament to their all-around team performance. Their ability to dominate in key areas and capitalize on scoring opportunities was the difference-maker. For the Crows, it was a tough outing, but there were positives to take away, particularly the performances of Burgess and Crouch. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this game, with the Hawks aiming to maintain their momentum and the Crows seeking to bounce back stronger.