Hawthorn v North Melbourne AFL round 16: News, updates, result
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Hawthorn's mid season revival clicked into another gear as some magic from 'The Wizard' and evergreen Jack Gunston continued to turn back the clock after they spearheaded the Hawks to a 23.12 (150) to 9.11 (65) win over North Melbourne at Launceston on Saturday.
Fellow forward Mabior Chol also delivered one of his best AFL games with five goals, including a belter from the boundary, as the Hawks confirmed they're returning to their best.
Gunston kicked a career-best seven goals in his 272nd game, and Watson's starring first half included a goal of the year contender in Hawthorn's ruthless win.
Jai Newcombe (27 touches, nine clearances) and Karl Amon (33 touches) also ran rampant for Hawthorn as the Roos took a couple of giant strides backwards after building up plenty of goodwill in a strong last few weeks.
Hawthorn has beaten North Melbourne by a combined 209 points in their past two clashes at Launceston. The Hawks booted 26 goals in a 124-point victory over the Roos in the final round of last year.
'We needed to get going. We've been playing some good footy the last couple of weeks, but it was time to put the foot down,' Gunston told Fox Footy.
'I think we had a really good spread of goalkickers and spread the load. It was good to kick straight for once.' — Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) June 28, 2025
Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said Gunston is now reaping the benefits of his 'selfless' work being a virtual coach on and off the field the past two years.
'I'm really rapt for him because he's put in an enormous amount of work without reward,' Mitchell said.
'The work he's done the past couple of years, he's committed to helping other people. (Even today) he gave away two kicks inside 50 when he had kicked six, and everyone was very well versed he'd never kicked seven before.
'I was pretty happy for him when he did get there. He played in a manner which is very coach-like in helping players around him, and he's getting the reward for the selfless work he's done the past couple of years.'
The Hawks face the welcome prospect of fitting an embarrassment of riches in their forward line after Mitch Lewis impressed in his first game for Box Hill on Saturday since injuring his ACL in round 17 last year.
Calsher Dear was also a standout in the reserves after stress fractures in his back delayed his start to the season, while Max Ramsden stood up in the seniors with three goals.
'It's a selection squeeze for down the road but I won't be thinking about that tonight, that's for sure,' Mitchell said.
Searching for a ninth straight victory at UTAS Stadium, the Hawks belted the Roos in every effort statistic to set up a match-winning 51-point halftime lead.
North Melbourne's contested and clearance numbers have been strong recently in winning three games and drawing another against Brisbane its past six games.
But in the first half Hawthorn smashed them in inside 50s (36-18), clearances (27-18) tackles (32-18) and contested possessions (73-52) on their way to a third straight win.
The Roos were only slightly more competitive in the second half in another brutal reality check for their long-suffering fans.
The Hawks are now fourth on the live ladder after one of their best displays of the season.
On the other hand North Melbourne was meek and uncompetitive, especially in the first half, as the Hawks seemingly found space whenever they liked in an emphatic performance.
The Roos also lost to Hawthorn by 124 points in the final round of last season at Launceston, and their recent form line suggested a much more competitive performance was in store.
Instead they delivered arguably their most disappointing display of the year so far.
After a mid season hiccup where they dropped games against Gold Coast, Brisbane and Collingwood, the Hawks look to have regained their mojo with subsequent wins over the Bulldogs, Adelaide and North Melbourne.
Their transition from defence to attack was electric at times against a North Melbourne side who offered little defensive resistance.
WIZARD CONJURES GOAL OF THE YEAR CONTENDER
They call Nick Watson 'The Wizard' for a reason.
He kicked one of the goals of the season in the first quarter after bursting out of a centre bounce and handballed to Jai Newcombe, before icing the deal after getting it back from his star teammate.
But he showed how enigmatic he is by missing another first quarter shot from 25 metres out straight in front after receiving a dubious free kick.
The goalsneak brushed that off to kick another two goals before halftime and help slam the door shut on the Roos.
Jack Gunston's incredible season also shows no signs of slowing down after he kicked an equal career high six goals.
Mitch Lewis made his return from injury in the VFL on Saturday, but Gunston, Mabior Chol (five goals) and Watson could make him work hard to break back into the forward line.
WARDLAW'S DRAMAS CONTINUE
North Melbourne's forgettable day was exacerbated further after prime mover George Wardlaw was forced off after suffering a suspected concussion.
Wardlaw was subbed off in the second quarter after he was hit be a legal Conor Nash bump. It's the 21-year-old's third concussion the past two years, and the Kangaroos will take every possible precaution with one of their most valuable assets.
Asked if Wardlaw may need a longer break, Roos coach Alastair Clarkson said: 'It's not up to me to decide that, the medicos will work that out with his recovery.
'He's combative in the way he plays and it's going to happen from time to time.
'He's OK, I spoke to him in the rooms and he can remember the game and that sort of stuff.
'The protocols suggest he had to come out of the game so he'll miss the Bulldogs game which is unfortunate, but hopefully he gets back on the park pretty soon.'
It added an exclamation point to a dirty afternoon for the Roos, who simply didn't compete with Hawthorn. After several weeks of strong form many felt they may have finally turned a corner, but the result exposed the still sizeable gap between them and the AFL's best teams.
The display is horrible timing before their 100th birthday celebrations against the Bulldogs on Thursday night.
LAUNCESTON TENURE SET TO CONTINUE
Hawks fans will be happy to know their team's ultra successful time playing in Launceston doesn't look like ending soon.
Just before the first bounce on Saturday, Tasmania premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the Liberals would guarantee a minimum of six AFL games per year post 2027.
The Hawks' current deal expires after that season, just before the Tasmania Devils are scheduled to enter the league in 2028.
It will include delivering a minimum of six Tasmania Devils/Hawthorn AFL games, as well as AFLW games and a number of Devils VFL and VFLW games.
The Hawks have always maintained they would love to keep a blueprint in Tasmania even after the Devils begin playing. And why not after just securing a ninth straight win at UTAS Stadium?
From a personal point of view I definitely want to keep playing here,' Mitchell said.
'We feel like it's a homely place, I brought my family down for this trip coming into school holidays.
'Being able to experience Tassie is an important part of what this club has done for a quarter of a century, and I hope we can continue to do that.
'I know everyone's very positive about this new team, but they're still going to be the enemy.' SCOREBOARD
HAWTHORN 5.5 13.8 17.11 2312 (150)
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.3 5.5 6.7 9.11 (65)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Gunston 7, Chol 5, Watson 3, Ramsden 3, Ginnivan 2, Macdonald 2, Moore,
North Melbourne: Larkey 5, Fisher, Curtis, Hansen Jnr, Konstanty
BEST
Hawthorn: Gunston, Chol, Newcombe, Amon, Watson, Meek
North Melbourne: Davies-Uniacke, Larkey, Parker, Xerri, McKercher, Daniel
Injuries
North Melbourne: George Wardlaw (concussion), Luke McDonald (AC joint)
Hawthorn: Nil
Crowd: 13,827
JON TUXWORTH'S VOTES
3 Mabior Chol
2 Jack Gunston
1 Jai Newcombe
Originally published as Hawthorn destroy North Melbourne by 85 points in Tasmania AFL
Melbourne will be sweating on the availability of Steven May after his arm collected Ben Ainsworth in the head. Plus a Swan has been banned after Friday night's fiery contest. AFL
A young Demon copped a stray elbow from an umpire on a bloody and bruising day for Melbourne against the Gold Coast Suns.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Lyon outlines long-term plan for Saints' star playmaker
Ross Lyon sees shades of Andrew McLeod in Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera as he plots to turn St Kilda's out-of-contract playmaker into one of the greats. Arguably the AFL's hottest property, Wanganeen-Milera showcased his immense talent in the Saints' 20-point defeat to Hawthorn on Saturday night. The 22-year-old tallied a career-best 43 disposals and had 1004 metres gained despite the efforts of a series of Hawks stoppers who went to him. The blistering display came amid reports St Kilda are growing in confidence the silky South Australian will stay at Moorabbin despite strong interest from his home state. Lyon refused to buy into that speculation, but was happy to divulge his plans for Wanganeen-Milera in the event he does sign a new deal with the Saints. "We know what we're building," Lyon said. "Andrew McLeod was used half-back, midfield, forward when he won his Norm Smith (medals). "(Adelaide coach Malcolm) Blight moved him through the lines, right? "We know he (Wanganeen-Milera) has got half-back, we know he's got mid, and I think he can do a bit of forward stuff. "So yeah, we've got a long-term plan that he becomes great, rather than just a great half-back. "But there will be moments and times over a period of time." St Kilda attempted to use Wanganeen-Milera through the midfield earlier in his 79-game career but found his body wasn't yet conditioned to the workload. His latest performance, which Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said gave him "nightmares", suggests more time away from his customary half-back role is imminent. Wanganeen-Milera's 43 touches included 15 in the final term when he was unleashed through the middle. "They went to him to try to shut him down but he really worked for the team and helped free up people and helped us, and he still got it," Lyon said. "Then we injected him in the midfield and I thought he was electric in the midfield in the last quarter." St Kilda have reportedly offered Wanganeen-Milera a deal worth at least $1.2 million a season, which includes options to stay for up to eight years. Asked if he was confident Wanganeen-Milera will stay, Lyon gave nothing away. "I dunno, I dunno," he said. "Noted though, noted." Mitchell, while pleased with Hawthorn's win, conceded he had no way of stopping Wanganeen-Milera at Marvel Stadium. "I knew he was a really good player, but we tagged him with three or four different players in three or four different positions and he was just too good," Mitchell said. "Whether he was winning it contested or uncontested, he's just a star." Ross Lyon sees shades of Andrew McLeod in Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera as he plots to turn St Kilda's out-of-contract playmaker into one of the greats. Arguably the AFL's hottest property, Wanganeen-Milera showcased his immense talent in the Saints' 20-point defeat to Hawthorn on Saturday night. The 22-year-old tallied a career-best 43 disposals and had 1004 metres gained despite the efforts of a series of Hawks stoppers who went to him. The blistering display came amid reports St Kilda are growing in confidence the silky South Australian will stay at Moorabbin despite strong interest from his home state. Lyon refused to buy into that speculation, but was happy to divulge his plans for Wanganeen-Milera in the event he does sign a new deal with the Saints. "We know what we're building," Lyon said. "Andrew McLeod was used half-back, midfield, forward when he won his Norm Smith (medals). "(Adelaide coach Malcolm) Blight moved him through the lines, right? "We know he (Wanganeen-Milera) has got half-back, we know he's got mid, and I think he can do a bit of forward stuff. "So yeah, we've got a long-term plan that he becomes great, rather than just a great half-back. "But there will be moments and times over a period of time." St Kilda attempted to use Wanganeen-Milera through the midfield earlier in his 79-game career but found his body wasn't yet conditioned to the workload. His latest performance, which Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said gave him "nightmares", suggests more time away from his customary half-back role is imminent. Wanganeen-Milera's 43 touches included 15 in the final term when he was unleashed through the middle. "They went to him to try to shut him down but he really worked for the team and helped free up people and helped us, and he still got it," Lyon said. "Then we injected him in the midfield and I thought he was electric in the midfield in the last quarter." St Kilda have reportedly offered Wanganeen-Milera a deal worth at least $1.2 million a season, which includes options to stay for up to eight years. Asked if he was confident Wanganeen-Milera will stay, Lyon gave nothing away. "I dunno, I dunno," he said. "Noted though, noted." Mitchell, while pleased with Hawthorn's win, conceded he had no way of stopping Wanganeen-Milera at Marvel Stadium. "I knew he was a really good player, but we tagged him with three or four different players in three or four different positions and he was just too good," Mitchell said. "Whether he was winning it contested or uncontested, he's just a star." Ross Lyon sees shades of Andrew McLeod in Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera as he plots to turn St Kilda's out-of-contract playmaker into one of the greats. Arguably the AFL's hottest property, Wanganeen-Milera showcased his immense talent in the Saints' 20-point defeat to Hawthorn on Saturday night. The 22-year-old tallied a career-best 43 disposals and had 1004 metres gained despite the efforts of a series of Hawks stoppers who went to him. The blistering display came amid reports St Kilda are growing in confidence the silky South Australian will stay at Moorabbin despite strong interest from his home state. Lyon refused to buy into that speculation, but was happy to divulge his plans for Wanganeen-Milera in the event he does sign a new deal with the Saints. "We know what we're building," Lyon said. "Andrew McLeod was used half-back, midfield, forward when he won his Norm Smith (medals). "(Adelaide coach Malcolm) Blight moved him through the lines, right? "We know he (Wanganeen-Milera) has got half-back, we know he's got mid, and I think he can do a bit of forward stuff. "So yeah, we've got a long-term plan that he becomes great, rather than just a great half-back. "But there will be moments and times over a period of time." St Kilda attempted to use Wanganeen-Milera through the midfield earlier in his 79-game career but found his body wasn't yet conditioned to the workload. His latest performance, which Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said gave him "nightmares", suggests more time away from his customary half-back role is imminent. Wanganeen-Milera's 43 touches included 15 in the final term when he was unleashed through the middle. "They went to him to try to shut him down but he really worked for the team and helped free up people and helped us, and he still got it," Lyon said. "Then we injected him in the midfield and I thought he was electric in the midfield in the last quarter." St Kilda have reportedly offered Wanganeen-Milera a deal worth at least $1.2 million a season, which includes options to stay for up to eight years. Asked if he was confident Wanganeen-Milera will stay, Lyon gave nothing away. "I dunno, I dunno," he said. "Noted though, noted." Mitchell, while pleased with Hawthorn's win, conceded he had no way of stopping Wanganeen-Milera at Marvel Stadium. "I knew he was a really good player, but we tagged him with three or four different players in three or four different positions and he was just too good," Mitchell said. "Whether he was winning it contested or uncontested, he's just a star."
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
Lyon outlines long-term plan for Saints' star playmaker
Ross Lyon sees shades of Andrew McLeod in Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera as he plots to turn St Kilda's out-of-contract playmaker into one of the greats. Arguably the AFL's hottest property, Wanganeen-Milera showcased his immense talent in the Saints' 20-point defeat to Hawthorn on Saturday night. The 22-year-old tallied a career-best 43 disposals and had 1004 metres gained despite the efforts of a series of Hawks stoppers who went to him. The blistering display came amid reports St Kilda are growing in confidence the silky South Australian will stay at Moorabbin despite strong interest from his home state. Lyon refused to buy into that speculation, but was happy to divulge his plans for Wanganeen-Milera in the event he does sign a new deal with the Saints. "We know what we're building," Lyon said. "Andrew McLeod was used half-back, midfield, forward when he won his Norm Smith (medals). "(Adelaide coach Malcolm) Blight moved him through the lines, right? "We know he (Wanganeen-Milera) has got half-back, we know he's got mid, and I think he can do a bit of forward stuff. "So yeah, we've got a long-term plan that he becomes great, rather than just a great half-back. "But there will be moments and times over a period of time." St Kilda attempted to use Wanganeen-Milera through the midfield earlier in his 79-game career but found his body wasn't yet conditioned to the workload. His latest performance, which Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said gave him "nightmares", suggests more time away from his customary half-back role is imminent. Wanganeen-Milera's 43 touches included 15 in the final term when he was unleashed through the middle. "They went to him to try to shut him down but he really worked for the team and helped free up people and helped us, and he still got it," Lyon said. "Then we injected him in the midfield and I thought he was electric in the midfield in the last quarter." St Kilda have reportedly offered Wanganeen-Milera a deal worth at least $1.2 million a season, which includes options to stay for up to eight years. Asked if he was confident Wanganeen-Milera will stay, Lyon gave nothing away. "I dunno, I dunno," he said. "Noted though, noted." Mitchell, while pleased with Hawthorn's win, conceded he had no way of stopping Wanganeen-Milera at Marvel Stadium. "I knew he was a really good player, but we tagged him with three or four different players in three or four different positions and he was just too good," Mitchell said. "Whether he was winning it contested or uncontested, he's just a star."
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Hawks too strong despite Saints star causing nightmares
Hawthorn have given their top-four hopes another boost with a grinding 20-point victory over St Kilda despite Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's career-best disposal haul. Mabior Chol celebrated his 100-game milestone as one of the Hawks' 10 goal-kickers in the 14.10 (94) to 10.14 (74) triumph at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night. It lifted Sam Mitchell's men into fourth spot with an 11-5 record that keeps them just two premiership points behind the second-placed Brisbane Lions. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson and Chol (two each) all hit the scoreboard as Hawthorn's superior efficiency in attack ultimately told the tale. Lloyd Meek was outstanding in the ruck and ex-St Kilda backman Josh Battle shone in defence despite jeers from his former fans throughout the match. Jai Newcombe (22 disposals, seven clearances) and Connor Nash (19, eight) did plenty of the grunt work in the middle. But the Hawks were on the wrong end of a 53-42 inside-50 count, leaving coach Mitchell unsure whether his glass was half-empty or half-full. "You could look at it form a positive lens and say we kicked a reasonable score from the amount of inside-50s that we had," he said. "The other way to look at it is, 'Why are we only going inside-50 42 times?' "It was one of those games where I'm not sure too many people are rushing home to watch the replay." Mitchell lauded his side's maturity as they regained the ascendancy every time St Kilda looked as though they might fight back into the contest. The Hawks led 6.6 to 3.6 at the main break and rode some pressure early in the third quarter before putting a break on their opponents and seeing out a relatively comfortable win. It came despite the best efforts of St Kilda playmaker Wanganeen-Milera and emerging star Max Hall. Hall tallied 27 touches, five clearances and three goals, while out-of-contract gun Wanganeen-Milera had a career-best 43 disposals and 1004 metres gained as clubs fight for his signature behind the scenes. "I'm going to have nightmares about him," Mitchell said. "We scouted him, we tried so many things, but we just couldn't stop him. He was just too good. "Just wherever he is, even when he was on the bench I was worried about him by the end." St Kilda (5-11) fell to a fourth consecutive defeat after managing just three goals from 25 forward entries in the first half. They added a wasteful 4.4 from 11 shots in the final term. "The ability to connect was really disappointing," Saints coach Ross Lyon said. "We turned it around a bit in the second half but we were inefficient and they just scored a bit easily, which has been a bit of a trend that we're trying to tighten up. "So that was disappointing." Hawthorn have given their top-four hopes another boost with a grinding 20-point victory over St Kilda despite Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's career-best disposal haul. Mabior Chol celebrated his 100-game milestone as one of the Hawks' 10 goal-kickers in the 14.10 (94) to 10.14 (74) triumph at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night. It lifted Sam Mitchell's men into fourth spot with an 11-5 record that keeps them just two premiership points behind the second-placed Brisbane Lions. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson and Chol (two each) all hit the scoreboard as Hawthorn's superior efficiency in attack ultimately told the tale. Lloyd Meek was outstanding in the ruck and ex-St Kilda backman Josh Battle shone in defence despite jeers from his former fans throughout the match. Jai Newcombe (22 disposals, seven clearances) and Connor Nash (19, eight) did plenty of the grunt work in the middle. But the Hawks were on the wrong end of a 53-42 inside-50 count, leaving coach Mitchell unsure whether his glass was half-empty or half-full. "You could look at it form a positive lens and say we kicked a reasonable score from the amount of inside-50s that we had," he said. "The other way to look at it is, 'Why are we only going inside-50 42 times?' "It was one of those games where I'm not sure too many people are rushing home to watch the replay." Mitchell lauded his side's maturity as they regained the ascendancy every time St Kilda looked as though they might fight back into the contest. The Hawks led 6.6 to 3.6 at the main break and rode some pressure early in the third quarter before putting a break on their opponents and seeing out a relatively comfortable win. It came despite the best efforts of St Kilda playmaker Wanganeen-Milera and emerging star Max Hall. Hall tallied 27 touches, five clearances and three goals, while out-of-contract gun Wanganeen-Milera had a career-best 43 disposals and 1004 metres gained as clubs fight for his signature behind the scenes. "I'm going to have nightmares about him," Mitchell said. "We scouted him, we tried so many things, but we just couldn't stop him. He was just too good. "Just wherever he is, even when he was on the bench I was worried about him by the end." St Kilda (5-11) fell to a fourth consecutive defeat after managing just three goals from 25 forward entries in the first half. They added a wasteful 4.4 from 11 shots in the final term. "The ability to connect was really disappointing," Saints coach Ross Lyon said. "We turned it around a bit in the second half but we were inefficient and they just scored a bit easily, which has been a bit of a trend that we're trying to tighten up. "So that was disappointing." Hawthorn have given their top-four hopes another boost with a grinding 20-point victory over St Kilda despite Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's career-best disposal haul. Mabior Chol celebrated his 100-game milestone as one of the Hawks' 10 goal-kickers in the 14.10 (94) to 10.14 (74) triumph at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night. It lifted Sam Mitchell's men into fourth spot with an 11-5 record that keeps them just two premiership points behind the second-placed Brisbane Lions. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson and Chol (two each) all hit the scoreboard as Hawthorn's superior efficiency in attack ultimately told the tale. Lloyd Meek was outstanding in the ruck and ex-St Kilda backman Josh Battle shone in defence despite jeers from his former fans throughout the match. Jai Newcombe (22 disposals, seven clearances) and Connor Nash (19, eight) did plenty of the grunt work in the middle. But the Hawks were on the wrong end of a 53-42 inside-50 count, leaving coach Mitchell unsure whether his glass was half-empty or half-full. "You could look at it form a positive lens and say we kicked a reasonable score from the amount of inside-50s that we had," he said. "The other way to look at it is, 'Why are we only going inside-50 42 times?' "It was one of those games where I'm not sure too many people are rushing home to watch the replay." Mitchell lauded his side's maturity as they regained the ascendancy every time St Kilda looked as though they might fight back into the contest. The Hawks led 6.6 to 3.6 at the main break and rode some pressure early in the third quarter before putting a break on their opponents and seeing out a relatively comfortable win. It came despite the best efforts of St Kilda playmaker Wanganeen-Milera and emerging star Max Hall. Hall tallied 27 touches, five clearances and three goals, while out-of-contract gun Wanganeen-Milera had a career-best 43 disposals and 1004 metres gained as clubs fight for his signature behind the scenes. "I'm going to have nightmares about him," Mitchell said. "We scouted him, we tried so many things, but we just couldn't stop him. He was just too good. "Just wherever he is, even when he was on the bench I was worried about him by the end." St Kilda (5-11) fell to a fourth consecutive defeat after managing just three goals from 25 forward entries in the first half. They added a wasteful 4.4 from 11 shots in the final term. "The ability to connect was really disappointing," Saints coach Ross Lyon said. "We turned it around a bit in the second half but we were inefficient and they just scored a bit easily, which has been a bit of a trend that we're trying to tighten up. "So that was disappointing."
