Hawks to reach for 'kit bag' after Gather Round shocker
While the Hawks will start favourites on Saturday in their Launceston home away from home, they have lost their last four games to the Power.
In a round-six game laden with storylines, Port bounced Hawthorn with 12 goals to three to halftime at Adelaide Oval.
What was billed as the highlight of Gather Round, given Port coach Ken Hinkley had taunted Jack Ginnivan after their epic semi-final last September, was a fizzer.
Sixth-placed Hawthorn are coming off a loss to Fremantle and must regroup immediately, given someone will finish ninth in the tight finals race.
"They've had the wood over us lately, they've won certainly the last three," Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said before Thursday morning training at sodden Waverley.
"We haven't handled a couple of situations well. It's a big end to the season for every club and they're in the way of what we're trying to achieve."
Mitchell was asked if they would revisit their Gather Round failure or simply get on with business.
"A bit of both - we'll prepare the players as best we can to get the outcome we want," he said.
"There's a whole range of things in our kit bag that we can use for that. The last couple of times we've played Port is part of that.
"But whether we decide to show too much of that or not is to be determined."
Hawthorn took a four-game winning streak into last week's Fremantle clash and Mitchell was asked about the significance of the loss.
"Your (media) sky has fallen down ... last week we played some parts of really good footy and then some parts that weren't quite up to standard," he said.
"Port are more than capable of being a fantastic side, so we know we need to play our best.
"There aren't too many teams that can be too far from their best too often, and we're certainly in that boat."
A feature of the Fremantle game was the absurdly high tackle count, which the Dockers won 103-78.
Mitchell noted his team had the second-highest tackle count of the round.
"They were outstanding, fantastic, but from our tackle attempts it was one of those games," he said.
One of the highlights of Hawthorn's season remains 33-year-old forward Jack Gunston, who has kicked 39 goals in 14 games.
Mitchell explained Gunston is the embodiment of using your brains.
"Jack, he's learned ... later in his career, how to use his brain power to help his body," Mitchell said.
"He's left it all out there as far as what he produces on the field, but during the week he does an enormous amount of work, not just on himself, but on everyone else.
"That's probably given him extra 'legs'. Even when he doesn't play well, he has a significant influence on us."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
4 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
The special Ponga father-son bond at the heart of an unusual league family
'It is because of these tribulations that we are a very emotional and close-knit family. It is also because of these tribulations that I have worked to keeping this family surrounded by positive people, family, friends and living life with simplicity.' Andre admitted at the time that he would struggle to let Kalyn go and be managed by someone else, such is their bond. It turned out he couldn't in the long term, and has managed the latter part of his son's career. 'I can honestly say that I have learnt a lot about myself as a father through Kalyn's athletic prowesses over the past 12 months through the NRL, rugby and AFL club interests and yourselves as player agents,' he wrote. 'The emotional attachment with my son is stronger than I have realised through our tribulations and that besides family and friends I am finding it very difficult to entrust other people with him especially in a future possible long term arrangement.' Andre set down the following ground rules: Dad will officially assist Kalyn with any decision making up to the age of 21 or when dad and Kalyn feels comfortable that Kalyn is comfortable on his own. The agent chosen will embark on a 2 year agreement for the duration of his 1st agreement. Andre's openness about his bond with Kalyn is eye-opening. 'I hope that you will appreciate for our family it is not about Kalyn as an athlete but Kalyn our son being a good person in life and most importantly upholding the PONGA name steadfast,' Andre wrote. And here is the snap quiz that Andre had for the agents. Kalyn holds a national title and has made 2 national teams in the past 3 years. What sport and teams? And what year did he make these? How long has Kalyn been playing rugby league? What's Kalyn's nickname? What foot does Kalyn favour to kick with in footy? Name 5 attributes that you see in Kalyn as an athlete. Name 5 attributes that you see in Kalyn as a person. What league club is Kalyn currently playing for? What NRL club [does] Kalyn [have an] agreement with? What school is Kalyn currently attending and where did he attend before that? What is Kalyn's brother name? What is Kalyn's birthdate? Where was Kalyn born? State and town? What is Kalyn's favoured stepping foot? Having met Kalyn, what do you think his priority is at the moment as a 15-year-old? Knowing you have observed Kalyn in a rugby league environment, what are your thoughts of Kalyn playing rugby union because of his schooling commitments? Are you an accredited manager? How can you guide Kalyn sourcing an apprenticeship or university after Kalyn finishes school especially if Kalyn is taken on by a club after school? E.g. through to end of Holden Cup. List in a ladder form [with the] best club first and so on which you think [provides] the best opportunities [for] a young footballer moving forward? Then Kalyn chimes in with his own questions. What position do you see me playing in the future? How long have you been managing for? Where are you based? Did you play footy? If so, who for? How long? What position? How did you get into management? What sports do you manage? Why do you manage? Who are some of your players you manage and what sport? When had you first noticed me, where? Why do you want me? Then it's over to mum, Adine. What do you see in my son? What is your philosophy of being a player agent? What is your philosophy of a player under your management? How will you help my son with rugby league? What is your role as a manager? Andre's final message to the agents didn't age well, given he is still Kalyn's manager: 'If I wanted someone to build me a house I would not get a butcher to build it, therefore I would not manage Kalyn's affairs, that's what a player manager is for.' Bulldogs already had Hayward lined up to replace Sexton Cameron Ciraldo knows that if he wants the rain that Lachie Galvin can bring, he has to be prepared for the mud as well. If he doesn't know that he can be sure that his general manager, Phil Gould, will remind him, because it's one of his favourite sayings. Galvin was brought in to be the Bulldogs' No.7, but even if he wasn't there now there is a good chance that Bailey Hayward would have replaced Toby Sexton for yesterday's clash with the Dragons. The run to the finals started after Origin III, and with the Bulldogs' attack spluttering, the club was always looking at this moment to make a change. Galvin is not a natural or traditional No.7, but he is a threat. Twenty-year-olds don't always make the correct decision, but Canterbury are looking for some spark and unpredictability. It's a risk, but the Bulldogs are only considered a puncher's chance of claiming the NRL title this year, so they may as well throw a few haymakers. What has been fun to watch are the Sexton supporters in the media who have gone quiet after statistics emerged showing his shortcomings. But those stats have been available for weeks, and they have been ignored because it didn't suit the anti-Galvin, anti- Isaac Moses (Galvin's manager), anti-Gould narrative. It was far more click-friendly to cheer for Sexton and criticise Galvin. That will bubble forth again the moment Galvin or the Bulldogs stumble. A right Royal mistake Who at the NRL thought letting Mike Tindall mix with the best Origin players was a good idea? English rugby great Tindall and his royal wife, Zara Tindall, were sitting next to Nicole Slater, the wife of Queensland Origin coach Billy, at the decider in Sydney. Tindall is heavily involved with R360, the Saudi-funded rugby union competition that is being painted as a threat to the 15-man and 13-man codes. We know they have an interest in a range of league players, including Ryan Papenhuyzen. Yet, Tindall was treated like royalty (I know) and was mingling with players on the field and in the Maroons dressing room after the match. It was odd to stay the least. Storm's real star power If you want an insight into why the Melbourne Storm are such a great club, take a look at this photo (below) taken after the Origin decider in Sydney. Yes, it's dripping with star players and an all-time great coach and football manager. But the story behind the picture says even more. They made a pre-Origin pact that no matter the result all the Storm representatives would meet in the tunnel between the NSW and Queensland dressing rooms after the series to have a beer. They were true to their word, and it was a sign they are focused on the next task at hand, winning the NRL title. What this photo doesn't show is that one of the club's former great leaders, Cameron Smith, was also having a celebratory catch-up with his old club mates. Wrestle mania Dolphins utility Jake Averillo is not the only member of his family making a sporting splash. His sister, Mel, who is 190cm tall, is making her mark with Pro Wrestling Australia. She is hugely popular with those who follow the sport. Act of Todd Todd Payten's problems at the Cowboys stem back to a hardline stance he took on Jason Taumalolo. He had board backing at the time, but it led to ructions in the playing group after Payten benched the giant forward. It is worth noting that Taumalolo's management group is the same one that is pitching Sharks assistant coach Josh Hannay to rival NRL clubs as a buy-now-or-risk-missing-out commodity.
The Age
4 hours ago
- The Age
The special Ponga father-son bond at the heart of an unusual league family
'It is because of these tribulations that we are a very emotional and close-knit family. It is also because of these tribulations that I have worked to keeping this family surrounded by positive people, family, friends and living life with simplicity.' Andre admitted at the time that he would struggle to let Kalyn go and be managed by someone else, such is their bond. It turned out he couldn't in the long term, and has managed the latter part of his son's career. 'I can honestly say that I have learnt a lot about myself as a father through Kalyn's athletic prowesses over the past 12 months through the NRL, rugby and AFL club interests and yourselves as player agents,' he wrote. 'The emotional attachment with my son is stronger than I have realised through our tribulations and that besides family and friends I am finding it very difficult to entrust other people with him especially in a future possible long term arrangement.' Andre set down the following ground rules: Dad will officially assist Kalyn with any decision making up to the age of 21 or when dad and Kalyn feels comfortable that Kalyn is comfortable on his own. The agent chosen will embark on a 2 year agreement for the duration of his 1st agreement. Andre's openness about his bond with Kalyn is eye-opening. 'I hope that you will appreciate for our family it is not about Kalyn as an athlete but Kalyn our son being a good person in life and most importantly upholding the PONGA name steadfast,' Andre wrote. And here is the snap quiz that Andre had for the agents. Kalyn holds a national title and has made 2 national teams in the past 3 years. What sport and teams? And what year did he make these? How long has Kalyn been playing rugby league? What's Kalyn's nickname? What foot does Kalyn favour to kick with in footy? Name 5 attributes that you see in Kalyn as an athlete. Name 5 attributes that you see in Kalyn as a person. What league club is Kalyn currently playing for? What NRL club [does] Kalyn [have an] agreement with? What school is Kalyn currently attending and where did he attend before that? What is Kalyn's brother name? What is Kalyn's birthdate? Where was Kalyn born? State and town? What is Kalyn's favoured stepping foot? Having met Kalyn, what do you think his priority is at the moment as a 15-year-old? Knowing you have observed Kalyn in a rugby league environment, what are your thoughts of Kalyn playing rugby union because of his schooling commitments? Are you an accredited manager? How can you guide Kalyn sourcing an apprenticeship or university after Kalyn finishes school especially if Kalyn is taken on by a club after school? E.g. through to end of Holden Cup. List in a ladder form [with the] best club first and so on which you think [provides] the best opportunities [for] a young footballer moving forward? Then Kalyn chimes in with his own questions. What position do you see me playing in the future? How long have you been managing for? Where are you based? Did you play footy? If so, who for? How long? What position? How did you get into management? What sports do you manage? Why do you manage? Who are some of your players you manage and what sport? When had you first noticed me, where? Why do you want me? Then it's over to mum, Adine. What do you see in my son? What is your philosophy of being a player agent? What is your philosophy of a player under your management? How will you help my son with rugby league? What is your role as a manager? Andre's final message to the agents didn't age well, given he is still Kalyn's manager: 'If I wanted someone to build me a house I would not get a butcher to build it, therefore I would not manage Kalyn's affairs, that's what a player manager is for.' Bulldogs already had Hayward lined up to replace Sexton Cameron Ciraldo knows that if he wants the rain that Lachie Galvin can bring, he has to be prepared for the mud as well. If he doesn't know that he can be sure that his general manager, Phil Gould, will remind him, because it's one of his favourite sayings. Galvin was brought in to be the Bulldogs' No.7, but even if he wasn't there now there is a good chance that Bailey Hayward would have replaced Toby Sexton for yesterday's clash with the Dragons. The run to the finals started after Origin III, and with the Bulldogs' attack spluttering, the club was always looking at this moment to make a change. Galvin is not a natural or traditional No.7, but he is a threat. Twenty-year-olds don't always make the correct decision, but Canterbury are looking for some spark and unpredictability. It's a risk, but the Bulldogs are only considered a puncher's chance of claiming the NRL title this year, so they may as well throw a few haymakers. What has been fun to watch are the Sexton supporters in the media who have gone quiet after statistics emerged showing his shortcomings. But those stats have been available for weeks, and they have been ignored because it didn't suit the anti-Galvin, anti- Isaac Moses (Galvin's manager), anti-Gould narrative. It was far more click-friendly to cheer for Sexton and criticise Galvin. That will bubble forth again the moment Galvin or the Bulldogs stumble. A right Royal mistake Who at the NRL thought letting Mike Tindall mix with the best Origin players was a good idea? English rugby great Tindall and his royal wife, Zara Tindall, were sitting next to Nicole Slater, the wife of Queensland Origin coach Billy, at the decider in Sydney. Tindall is heavily involved with R360, the Saudi-funded rugby union competition that is being painted as a threat to the 15-man and 13-man codes. We know they have an interest in a range of league players, including Ryan Papenhuyzen. Yet, Tindall was treated like royalty (I know) and was mingling with players on the field and in the Maroons dressing room after the match. It was odd to stay the least. Storm's real star power If you want an insight into why the Melbourne Storm are such a great club, take a look at this photo (below) taken after the Origin decider in Sydney. Yes, it's dripping with star players and an all-time great coach and football manager. But the story behind the picture says even more. They made a pre-Origin pact that no matter the result all the Storm representatives would meet in the tunnel between the NSW and Queensland dressing rooms after the series to have a beer. They were true to their word, and it was a sign they are focused on the next task at hand, winning the NRL title. What this photo doesn't show is that one of the club's former great leaders, Cameron Smith, was also having a celebratory catch-up with his old club mates. Wrestle mania Dolphins utility Jake Averillo is not the only member of his family making a sporting splash. His sister, Mel, who is 190cm tall, is making her mark with Pro Wrestling Australia. She is hugely popular with those who follow the sport. Act of Todd Todd Payten's problems at the Cowboys stem back to a hardline stance he took on Jason Taumalolo. He had board backing at the time, but it led to ructions in the playing group after Payten benched the giant forward. It is worth noting that Taumalolo's management group is the same one that is pitching Sharks assistant coach Josh Hannay to rival NRL clubs as a buy-now-or-risk-missing-out commodity.
The Age
4 hours ago
- The Age
Which has more pressure: playing for the Pies, or smuggling a diamond ring onto a plane?
'So I think that just shows how great footy can really be.' Schultz says he does not remember leaving the field, but has a clear recollection from the time he reached the interchange bench. 'I think it looked a lot worse than what it was. Obviously, I was out pretty quickly, but once I got back into the rooms and I sat down, I was able to recompose a little bit and I felt way better. 'It was just like a normal concussion. You are a bit groggy for a few days after it, but you come back to terms pretty quickly.' Loading Schultz did not delve into the public spat that followed, largely involving the umpire fraternity and then head of football Laura Kane, because he prefers to stay disconnected from outside noise. 'I was the person that was involved in it, but I had nothing to do with it,' he says of the debate that followed. 'Everyone's just trying to do their job and do it to the best of their ability and that goes for umpires as well.' As Schultz, 27, continues to make his mark at Collingwood this year, after a tough opening season in the black and white, he has also found reason to celebrate off the field. He and childhood sweetheart Maddie Oberin, who he first met at Moama Grammar, became engaged during Collingwood's June bye weekend on a trip to Hamilton Island. After sneaking the ring onto their Queensland flight in his carry-on luggage, Schultz then hired a boat at the island and set sail for a deserted beach with a picnic basket and a bottle of champagne before popping the question. 'I sort of just winged it,' he said. 'I reckon she had an inkling. She would never say that she knew it was coming, but I reckon she knew. She was very happy, thank God, but the pressure was on [to propose].' Schultz and Oberin rekindled their high school romance about the time he joined Fremantle at the end of 2018. She was also central to his decision five years later to request a move home so they could be closer to their families in Echuca and Moama. News of his trade to Collingwood in exchange for pick 34 and a future first-rounder did not filter through straight away. The pair were on safari in Tanzania. 'It was pretty weird actually because over there you've got no service when you're out on safari,' he says. 'You've got no idea what's going on in the world, and then you get back to the safari lodges and hit Wi-Fi and your phone blows up. That's pretty much how I found out.' It was a familiar off-the-grid theme when Schultz was taken at pick 57 by the Dockers as a 20-year-old in the 2018 national draft. He had played TAC Cup for Bendigo Pioneers, was named best-on-ground as a 17-year-old for Moama in a losing Murray League grand final before joining Williamstown for three years in the VFL. 'I was a plumber for five years before I got drafted. I left school at 15,' he says. 'I knew the draft was on, and I was hopeful that I was going to get picked up, but I still had to get to work. I was working in the basement of a house in Camberwell and I had no reception, so I'm going in and out of the basement to let my phone catch up to what was going on. 'I walked out of the basement and my phone just started ringing, and it was [then Dockers coach] Ross Lyon and my boss calling me and saying, 'Mate, you've just been picked up, get off the job site'.' Schultz's return to Melbourne did not go as smoothly as he had hoped. Collingwood suffered a premiership hangover and the small forward suffered a dip in form. The criticism followed. 'I copped it from all angles,' Schultz says as he reveals he switched off public comments on his social media channels to hold out the negativity. 'I was a little bit naive coming into the club. I just thought, coming out of Freo where I had put together a couple of decent seasons and going into a club that's just won a flag, I probably assumed a little bit too much.' The frustration reached boiling point last year during Collingwood's round eight clash against Carlton when their new recruit lashed out at 'one of my best mates' Blake Acres and copped a one-match ban. It led him to coach Craig McRae's door for a heart-to-heart about the destructive nature of his expectations. 'I was too caught up in looking at the bigger picture,' he says. 'I was worried about having a good season rather than having a good moment in a game, or I was worried about trying to put together a good month rather than just trying to focus on the next game.' Schultz said McRae helped him to put a stake in the ground, and he finished the season as Collingwood's defensive player of the year. 'I feel like this year I have really found my straps and obviously, it's been frustrating with being injured for the majority of it, but I'm still just loving being there,' he says. 'I love the club, I love the culture, and it's just a great place to go to every day. You wake up pretty happy that's for sure.'
