Round 2 Recap: This is what it sounds like when Eagles cry...again

Quiet. So very quiet as the crowd morosely shuffled out of Subi. Well, half of the crowd. The other half had sheepishly ducked out as time ebbed away and the Hawks slammed on goal after goal. Not that I blame them.

We were in the contest for about 7 minutes in the first quarter. After that we had 2 periods in which we threatened to make a game of it. But when you go 5 goals behind in the first quarter, you're always going to struggle.

You have to give credit to the Hawks. They're the most talented side in the competition and they showed that yesterday. Their kicking skills are sublime and their football was essentially mistake free. Make no mistake though. They're the classic 'April Premiers'. You just know they'll go deep in the finals before choking it all away. So, fist pump whilst you can Buddy. #Hawkssoftasmarshmallows

We're in a bit of trouble. Our midfield has again demonstrated that without the class, experience and influence of Kerr, it struggles to make an impact. They were smashed yesterday. With all due respect to Sinclair, Lycett or however else we throw in there, but NicNat can change a game. His clearance work is essential. Our ruck duo was one of our big strengths. Cox is a champ but can't do it all himself. Our forward line continues to demonstrate that unless they take a mark within the 50 the ball pops out as quick as it comes in. Hams, the small forward meant to apply pressure, was subbed off in the 3rd. Defensively, we were outmatched. Probably most teams are against the Hawks. But again, it was a complete thrashing. The last quarter, in particular, was completely unacceptable.

We're missing some key players. But the players that are there need to be less...crap.

In terms of positives, JJK continued his superb start to the season with 5 goals....that is all.

We play the Demons next week. I'm not going to pretend that I think we're in any danger in that game. We'll win. Apparently Kerr and Lecras are close to playing, but surely we can take care of Melbourne without them.

 

It's a terrible start to the season. We can recover as the fixture evens out over the next couple of months. But with Naitanui out indefinitely, the midfield in desperate need of reinforcements and a forward line lacking in pressure, a premiership looks a long way away.