2011 Match Reports

Round 9 vs Demons

Premiership

The Hawks headed into the rematch with the Demons eager to get revenge on a tragic one point after the siren loss earlier in the year. The Demons had a couple of early shots on goal, but the Hawks hit back quickly with a lot of shots on goal and it was an even contest at the first break. The Hawks were playing season best football with Jase owning the middle of the ground and Batesy well on top in the ruck. 

If the first quarter was good, the second quarter into the wind was superb football by the Hawks; From right at the start of the quarter when Guns used tremendous strength to take a mark in the square and kick truly, the ball was camped in the Hawks forward line and any forward thrusts by the demons were promptly cut off by Simon or failing that, a stout Suthy. The Hawks headed into the main break with their tails up and the scoreboard matching. 

Third quarter with the wind started with the Hawks again showing their ascendency posting and early goal through a strong grab from Sooty. Noddy, Joe and BT were streaming out of defence and Demons were tiring and it took an unfortunate send off of the Gypsy and subsequent extra man advantage to get their noses in front. A late goal in the quarter via a great passage of play culminating with Cormac kicking truly from 30m to give the Gold and Brown hope heading into the last, less than a kick down.

The crowd waited with baited breath as the last quarter started and the Hawks gave it their all. The time ticked away and the game went back and forth with seemingly every bounce of the ball having an impact. The Hawks were defending well but it was a struggle kicking into the wind. Birksy was taking plenty of strong marks and Katsy and Jase were still racking up possessions at will. Sooty posted his 3rd for the day, however, the siren got the better of the Hawks, who went down gallantly, giving their all to the last.

Round 8 vs Wildcats

Premiership

In a groundbreaking Thursday twilight fixture, the Hawks took on the Wildcats at Motspur Park to allow for a weekend away for both teams in Sheffield for the Brit cup. The game started evenly  with both sides venturing forward but the Cats got the points on the board kicking straight with the wind.

The second quarter was the Hawks chance to get back into the contest with the wind, but the Cats accuracy was the big difference, at one stage having a remarkable 13 goals 2 on the scoreboard. The boys were playing well around the ground, and it was just the delivery into the forward line was the difference on the day.

The second term played out quite similarly, the boys enjoying the run and getting plenty of it, putting a few well earned goals on the board. Katsy bagged a couple and Dunc got his first goal for the Hawks. The Hawks boys finished the night in high spirits knowing that they had put together some great passages of play. Actually, come to think of it, the night didn’t finish til past midnight with a bumper crowd back at the Earl Beattie curling the elbow for both beer curls and darts.

Social

A Wednesday night game got a full social squad down to Motspur Park with the sun setting in the background and beer cooling on about 100kg of ice awaiting the final siren. Hawks headed into the wind and a close first quarter showed the evenness of the sides. The Cats showed their depth and managed to get a couple of goals on the board. Hawks boys disposal was letting them down and it was up to Gun’s and Beads to repel the Cats attacking forays.

Windscreens did a power of work in the ruck the whole day, a great goal to Cormac goals did lift the spirits in the last term, but the boys were already thinking about the cold ones on the boundary line and didn’t play their best brand of football. 

 

Round 7 vs Swans

Premiership

Hawks had a good side heading up to Old Street to take on the Swans. On a sunny day in Norf London the boys started like a train wreck. Down 6 goals before blinking it was up to Katsy to get the first on the board into the wind to give some hope going into the first break. The second quarter was a different story however with Bing and Sooty grabbing everything that came near them. Jay did a fantastic job nullifying the Swans main man, Jase was a workhorse around the ground and the Eu boys down back were rebounding everything easily. George posted a couple and the boys were within a kick at the main break. 

Pushing up into the wind in the Premiership quarter, the next 25 minutes were going to define the game. The hawks defence led by Suthy and Gilly was resolute and the counter attack pushed a couple of goals over the line and suddenly scores were just about level going into the last.

Going with the wind in the last had the boys tails in the air, even after the Swans got one against the flow, there was a sense that the Hawks had the brown and gold all over the ball and the day would be theirs. BT pinched one off the ground and George took a great mark and goal to finish the game with the Hawks 3 goals clear. The long and the short of it was Katsy kicked an amazing 4 goals and Bing banged on 3, with Jase the freight train and George bagging a brace each.

A comeback from 6 goals down and a few cold ones in a beer garden in the sun and it’s fair to say that the Hawks boys were a happy team.

Social

The Hawks made it as the first social team to make it out to Reading to take on the Kangaroos; our boys always love a road trip and the pubs in Reading do have a reputation. So, with spirits high they took the field and immediately attacked the ball hard. Pink shorts Robbo impressing in his first game and Tapas stopping everything that came back. New boy Tristan tore it up with a couple of goals and did well off the field as well. Macca threw his weight around and put one through the big sticks, as did Guns and Tapas. Reading ran out victors, but the Hawks boys were the last ones standing at the pub, unfortunately missing their train, but picking up some lost and pretty young things on the journey back to the Underdog.

 

Round 6 vs Putney

Premiership

The second quarter had the hawks pushing up into the wind and the Magpies peppering the goals, with only their inaccuracy and a sterling effort from Suthy down back keeping the boys in the fight. Chasing tail for most of the day, it took a hard hit to Pauly to spark a bit of fire in the bellies of the Hawks just before half time. 5 goals down at the main break, the Hawks had to lift and make the most of the wind.

Jase started the fightback with a long range goal and when Katsy put a brace through with some wobbly drop punts and Big red kicked truly it was game on at the final change. Only 7 points down, but heading into the wind it was a tough ask for the Hawks and Putney strung together some long range goals. The boys fought on however and Jase again posted a brilliant goal, Guns popped one through and the game finished with George slipping one between the uprights.

Social

Forfeit win against Putney Magpies. Celebrations ensued.

 

Round 5 vs Lions

Social

A home game against the Lions and the Hawks new hey were in with a good chance. A strong  Hawks social side took the field with plenty of subs to rotate those weary old legs. The lions has the lion share of the ball with the wind in the first quarter, but playing his last game, Kenny kicked truly against the tide to have the Hawks up by a goal at the first change.

The Hawks continued to press in the second term. Snaring an early goal and then another as the Lions missed opportunities. A goal up at half time and the contest had everyone captivated. Kenny and Nathan both teaming up on a number of occasions and Simon was tearing it up.

Linton gave the boys a push in the third term, but the Lions got the ascendency and it was left to the last term to try and get back in front. Cue Dave ‘Steve’ Martin for a free kick within scoring range seconds before the siren... Unfortunately the ‘after the siren goal to win’ dream was not to be today and the Hawks went down in heartbreak for the second week running.

Premiership

After the tragic one point after the siren loss against Wandsworth last week, the Hawks were set to get another win on the board. The first quarter into the wind started promisingly into the wind with an early goal through some quality football which Soot finished off and then one before the first break to the man with the Calves of steel, Tarmac, to have the scores even at the change. The Lions then got the jump in the second, kicking away to a slender lead by half time despite a goal from Nick the Irish.

The Hawks pegged away in the third into the wind but had no answer for the big lion at full forward and could get no closer, heading into the final break 4 goals down and needing early goals in the last. With Jase battling manfully around the ground and up front and Birksy having kicked a couple, the hawks hopes were high.  As so often is the case, the game can turn on a knife’s edge when a shot for goal by Hooey was smothered and the ball rebounded to the other end for a Lions goal which shut the door on the Hawks. Heads dropped and the boys struggled to the final siren, a goal to Katsy on the siren little consolation from a disappointing defeat.

A great sign of the day was the depth of the Hawks EU squad; even with 6 start up players out, a full side was in and played well with the Aberdonian Dunc leading the charge from defence.

 

Round 4 vs Wandsworth

Premiership

A hung-over but happy Hawks team turned up in the wet at Clapham common to take on Wandsworth Demons after an epic day out at the Epsom Derby the day before. Heading into the wind in the first, the Hawks pegged back an early goal through Simon and then put on another to go into the first break all square. With Big Red and Sooty dominating in ruck contests and Jase the freight train in for his first game, th Hawks were looking promising.

With the wind in the second, Katsy and Pauly picked up loose balls and sent the Hawks into the forward line time and time again. The backs were holding steady also, Joe Watkins and BT justifying their positions in the Great Britain squad at every contest. Hawks were on top all around the ground and also on the score board, a 3 goal to 2 quarter taking them to the main break a goal up and looking like causing a big upset on the reigning premier’s home turf.

Battling against the breeze in the third, Hawks were stung out of the blocks by a couple of Demons goals, but Gav the Wiegie who had been knocked up getting kicks all day seized on a loose ball and banged through a left foot snap from the pocket and got the boys up and running again. Wayward kicks for goal at both end showed the pressure on the ball with neither side being able to break open the game, Hawks seven points down heading into the last. Close enough if they are good enough.

Hawks got an early goal through BT and the boys were up and about. The backline held out for a strong period for the demons, peppering the forward line only to have Motts, Dunc, Fev and Joe Watkins send the leather back down field. Birksy was a live wire in the forward line, posting a couple of sausage rolls and when the ball was rushed over for a behind, the scores were all square with about 5 minutes on the clock. The next 5 minutes found the ball deep in the Hawks forward line. Not being able to get it over for that vital point, the ball was intercepted and rushed to the other end. An unlucky ricochet went over on the full and the Demons had a shot on goal from the pocket with the scores tied. Siren sounds. The ball squeezed inside the behind post to register a defeat by the narrowest of margins. Every man had given their all, but it was Heartbreak for the Hawks who battled hard all day.

Social

The rain had become heavier as the social side took the field against a traditionally strong Demons side. In what would be a scrappy game, the Hawks battled hard around the contests but were a bit loose in marking men as the Demon’s used the wind well. Suthy got a terrific goal into the wind and was showing his skills around the ground. The attack on the ball was fantastic from the guys, Lints, Tapas and Patrick all using their bulk to get the ball in hand. Simon Little was tearing it up on the wing and the boys were rallying well.

The second term was a close encounter. Dean and Nathan demonstrating their skills in the wet and Choco lent a hand with a mark and goal on the half time siren. The rain continued and even picking up the ball became almost impossible as it seemed picking up the loose Demons payers was also. A disappointing term for the Hawks, struggling to the ball into their forward line. The last quarter showed some determination for the Gold and brown, Mitch doing a great job down back to stem Demon’s forward thrusts and Linton’s giant chest swallowing anything in the air that came near him. The final siren sounded and the Hawks were done in the rain; no shower needed which is just as well when playing at the facility-less Clapham Common! Back to our Motspur park home to take on the lions next week.

 

Round 3 vs Wildcats

Premiership

A game against traditional London heavyweights, West London Wildcats is never an easy task. But with a lot of good new fellers in the side, and fresh off a victory Hawks hopes were high. Arriving at the ground to find we were playing on a billiard table we wondered what the reduced playing field size would mean for our boys who are always hard at it. The first half into the wind was brilliant from the Hawks, pegging back the Cats first goal through a classy finish from Mossy, and then putting on another. Big Red was providing the on-baller with plenty of the ball around the packs the strong Hawks EU defence of Dunc, BT and Joe Watkins were on top. A couple of late goals to the Cats and we entered the first break just down on the board but feeling strong.

Second quarter was much the same, Choco’s offer of Thursday night training being at the Underdog with a decent bar tab spurred the boys on and goals were exchanged at both ends. Katsy, George and Fev were running rampant in the middle with Sooty and Choco throwing everything at their big cats in aerial contests down back, frequently getting chop outs from BT, Dunc and Joe Watkins. Entering the half time break a couple of goals down, the Hawks were enjoying their football.

The second half was a slog for the boys, the Cats flexed their muscle and made the Hawks pay for mistakes. The small ground now seemed miniscule as the goal umpire at the cats end earned his beer. Unfortunately the trend continued in the last and while the boys were gallant to the end, goals were hard to come by. Birksy, Mossy bagged a brace a piece, Pauly got one. Still, a long weekend awaiting us and the prospect of Epsom Derby next weekend too much to destroy the spirits of the brown and gold.

 

Round 2 vs  Roos/Swans

Social

Saturday morning... The Hawks players, seasonal underdogs arrived at their home ground with the sun shining ominously and a serene feeling in the air teasing to predict a potential upset. As the boys greeted eachother, you could sense from the juxtaposition of the nerves and calmness that the day would be theirs.

With what was probably the best side that has run out for the Hawks social side in years, expectations were high. An early goal on the board by Nathan showed the Hawks intentions and the boys were away flying. New guys Simon, Josh and Clayton were streaming through the middle to supply the Hawks forwards with numerous avenues to goal. The kicking for goal was wayward, but the signs were good with the Hawks taking the lion’s share of the leather.

The second quarter into the wind was a similar chapter, the Hawks pegging away at the scoreboard through Bing and Nathan. Patrick was attacking the ball with his typical ferocity, while Coxy and Wiegie Gav were dancing circles around would be tacklers. Any forays forward from Reading were met with strong resistance from a bustling Sheldon. At half time the boys were 3 goals up and well on top, but needing a good third quarter.

Third quarter was all Hawks, Bing broke free and kicked a couple, Clayton and Josh finishing their own good work around the ground with running goals. Dave, Tapas and Sheldon got in on the goal kicking and as the last quarter drew to a close, the run was good, the shepherding and talk was good; the result was something to truly savour. Hawks home by 12 goals at home.

Premiership

Being a fly on the wall in a football change room before a big match is an experience. The tension, the drama, the buzz all rising exponentially as game time draws near. Slowly building, the quality Hawks side to take on the Swans at home finally ran out onto the ground as a team. Heading into the first quarter with the wind it was vital to get a few early goals on the board. The workrate around the grounds was top class, but the finishing a little less so. Fev, George and Milky were busting their guts in and under packs while new lad, Big Red, actually threw up his guts off the pitch! Simon held a classy mark and kicked truly to get his first for the club, but when the Swans pegged one back, the Hawks headed into the quarter time huddle not having capitalised on the good work.

Second quarter against the wind was a test for the Hawks, but the almost completely EU backline of BT, Noddy, Joey and Dunc held the swans at bay, with Motts doing a superb job on the opposition coach. Half time came around and the Hawks were level pegging in a low scoring contest. The third quarter with the wind was again wasted as the Hawks got sucked into the pockets and struggled to find direct avenues to goal. They went into the final huddle with their noses in front, but heading into a wind. Close enough if they’re good enough.

The final quarter started and so did the Hawks, the boys pushing in for second and third efforts and winning the even contests around the ground. EU boys Shane and Leachy combined in a telling passage of play with Shane finishing soundly. The combination of Sooty and Big Red in the ruck was unstoppable as the Hawks had first use of the ball trough Hooey, George and Fev. The Hawks soon had another one on the board through Sooty and were pushing for the kill until the Swans got one back with 5 minutes on the clock and threatened a big comeback. But the Hawks steadied, moved the ball well and were full of run. The voice was up and you could sense that the boys were not going to be beaten from here. Birksy marked and kicked the winning goal and the celebration were emphatic, ecstatic and electric. Not to mention the fact that they lasted more than 12 hours.

 

Round 1 vs Putney

Social

A huge crowd for the season opener against the Putney Magpies. The social boys were out in great numbers, even giving players to the opposition. The Hawks opened the scoring but were pegged back quickly and at the first break you could see that an even contest lay ahead.

The Hawks wasted opportunities in front of goal and after half time, held a narrow lead which could easily have been more. Goals to new feller Dave Martin and Diver kept the hawks in the contest and Nick the Irish was repelling the Pies attack with some top marks and vicious tackles. A nasty knock to the eye of both Windscreens and Patrick was a blow. The last quarter started with the Hawks a goal down and unfortunately they never got back on top.

Premiership

The Premiership side ran out to the ground as a team with a loud cheer from the ladies at ladies day. Heading into the wind in the first quarter, the Hawks champion EU defenders led by Noddy, Jay and GB national squad members Rossco, Joe Watkins and BT did well to stem the tide and keep the damage to only two goals. The second quarter started positively for the Hawks with another GB boy, Pauly putting the first on the board after a 50m penalty. The Hawks were pushing forward and having no shortage of shots on goal, but were just coming up short of posting the majors required and went into half time with some work to do.

The third quarter back into the wind was a hard slog, the defence getting a good work out with guys like Fev and Mossy putting in the hard yards to run the ball forward. The Hawks seemingly looked out of it going into the last, but that would be forgetting the great Hawks character that we see time again at Motspur Park. 25 minutes of desperation football followed, the Hawks piling on goals to peg back the margin. Mossy goaled after running from half back, Sooty banged one through from the boundary line, Milky from the opposite pocket and when the silky Birsky finished truly the Hawks crowd were showing some belief. Unfortunately the siren put an end to the game with the Hawks falling short by 3 goals, but the boys had put in a terrific effort and came off the ground with heads up and looking forward to what would be an epic day/ night ahead for ladies day.

 

ANZAC Cup

A highly anticipated day in the AFL London calendar, the ANZAC Cup carnival involves a lot of sports from Rugby, Netball and touch football. The day also has the pre-season round robin tournament involving all 6 AFL London clubs.

The Hawks first opponents for the day were Putney Magpies. The boys were kicking with the wind in the first half and quickly answered Putney’s opener through a massive kick from Bing. New boys Simon and Mossy were pushing well off Half back flank and the boys in the middle were working tirelessly to try and push the ball forward. Kenny was a standout, kicking two goals and Simon kicked a good goal to cap off a top performance. The Hawks went down by a few goals, but despite the scratchy use of the ball, the endeavour and attack on the ball was there.

The second game of the day was against the Lions who had just dealt with Putney easily. Kicking against the wind, the boys up back did well to hold the ship steady and keep the Lions to just two goals and striking distance in the second half. The hawks were again attacking the ball hard, Fev being his usual bullish self in the middle and Milky gliding through packs. When Luke found Simon drifting forward who then kicked truly, it was game on as the Hawks pushed for the winner. New man Patrick used his large frame to good effect, working hard in a pack to snap the ball out and through for a bouncing goal. That goal turned out to be the winner, the Hawks getting up by a point and celebrating a hard fought win together.

So a win and a loss on the board, with the final game cancelled, the boys paid their respects in the ANZAC commemoration and then proceeded to enjoy the rest of the day as only the Hawks can.

 

Hawks vs Great Britain - Preseason Game 2

A pumped up and well prepared Great Britain squad which included 5 of our own boys (Rossco, Pauly, Jay, BT and Joe) took to the hallowed turf of Motspur Park to take on the Hawks on a sunny spring Sunday. In an even first quarter, Lints got the Hawks on the scoreboard first before Pauly pulled it back for GB with a great intercept and goal from a kick in.

The second quarter had the Hawks kicking with the aid of a breeze, but wasting possession as they continued to pick out GBs big spare man in defence. Still, the movement was good, especially from George, Gilly, Milky and the ever silky Birksy, while Suthy held some great defensive marks.

After a number of substitutes, GB came out hard in the third quarter and strung a few goals together with the wind as the tiring Hawks struggled to pick up the fit running GB boys. Milky stemmed the tide with a brilliant goal from the boundary and new boy Jason worked well to find Birksy who finished truly. Noddy and Beads also did a great job stemming the tide in defence.

Heading into the last quarter there was not much in it, and the Hawks boys continued pushing with a perfect finish from Bing on the boundary line. The final score was unsure, but both sides came off spent and in need of a well earned beer.

Back at the Hawks home, the Underdog, the boys enjoyed the sunshine, chicken parmas and amber fluid and the boat race was scheduled. The Hawks did the job over the British boys with new boys Jason, Ian and George finishing quickly and the girls putting in a top effort on the half pints while Jay and Rossco demonstrated why they should never be on the same boat race team.

A good day of football and the Hawks wish the GB boys all the best in the lead up to the International Cup in Australia in August this year.

 

Pre-Season Haggis Cup -  Glasgow

Not needing much of an excuse to sign up for a footy trip, the Hawks were very keen participants in the Pre-Season Haggis cup on April 9th in Glasgow. 24 lads headed away on tour full of enthusiasm, hope and donning some of the most rediclous attire on their heads you're likely to see. After Dr. Seuss lost his boarding pass and was forced to be identified using a picture of him with a hollow football on his head, the boys were away for 2 nights of epic bar crawls and an 8 team footy comp.

The weather, ground and atmostphere on the Saturday game day were all top shelf. Playing in the Commonwealth stadium in Scotstoun (to a less than full crowd admittedly!) with a blue sky was the perfect backdrop for the Hawks to display some great skills against opposition from UK, Italy, Sweden and Ireland. A nine a side tournament and the fact that there were so many keen Hawks players on tour even meant that a number of our boys played in a Dublin side also.

Starting with a game against Aberdeen, the boys were quick to turn it on with Nath and Diver operating beautifully up forward and finsihing off some brilliant work from Milky and Alex in the guts. Hawks win by 6 goals or so. Second game against Milan had the lads being pushed pretty hard by a spirited Italian side and headed into half time almost square. The boys then turned it on in the second half, Noddy doing a great job off half back and Diver again converting up front. The Hawks win by 4 goals or so.

The third game against Glasgow was a physical one and the Hawks stood up to the challenge, drawing away to a couple of goals lead at the break and composing themselves against a fightback to finish the Sharks off by 3 or 4 goals.

Unbeaten heading into the finals, the Hawks took on the highly fancied Huddersfield Rams side which included a number of Great Britain squad members. A blitzing start of 3 goals to the hawks boys was then replied to with 3 goals to Huddersfield. The second half was very tight, with the tiring Hawks boys never giving up despite being down with not long left on the clock. A brilliant stop at one end by Noddy was matched with a great goal by Diver and the Hawks were up by a point. Staying composed, the boys worked the ball to where Luke craftily slotted home another to all but seal it with a Milky goal after the siren being the icing on the cake for a spot in the final.

 

The final was set up against Glasgow, after they beat their Edinburgh rivals with a goal after the siren. The first half started poorly for the Hawks, and being on the wrong side of a number of decisions didn't help and the boys were showing signs of a long day (and long Friday night!) catching up with them. A dwindling bench overlooked as the boys fought back with a cracking goal to Luke after giving a solid bump. A textbook crumbing goal to Dan had the Hawks right back in it at Halftime. The final 10 minutes was tough for the boys, important umpiring decisions seem to not fall our way and the Sharks capitalised on every foray forward while our boys missed some shots. At the final whistle, the home crowd cheers went up and our boys dropped their heads; But only for a moment, because it had been a cracking day and the boys had played good hard footy and the positive signs for the season were certainly there.

All the boys played very well and contributed. Special mention going to Luke, Milky, Nath and Diver who all had the proverbial leather poisoning by the end of the day.

Dragging sore and sorry bodies off the pitch, the Hawks turned their minds to the nights activities ahead where the real stories really started. For after all, we were 24 lads on a night out in Glasgow - Tour never starts or stops - Tour is just a state of mind.

 

Hawks vs Swans 2011 Pre-Season game 1

The traditional pre-season hit out between the Hawks and Swans was the first good proper hot out for the Hawks boys and they took to the field looking like a tight group. With a number of boys wearing the brown and gold for the first time, the mood was fever pitch as the first bounce saw a text book palm down from Alex the Lion, a quick handball and a silky Milky gliding through the defence to slot one home from 40 out on the run. Unfortunately only a few minutes later, Hawks little tough guy Dingo backed into a pack, with courage he typifies so well, and was upended to faceplant on the hard ground. Dingo was in a bit of trouble and the Ambulance was called to take him away. (Thankfully he has now fully recovered).

The first quarter saw the Hawks new man Luke ‘Bing’ Crosby dominating up front with some great marks and kicking a number of great long goals. All the new Hawks boys were putting in a sterling effort, especially in the engine room.

The game went back and forth in a close and well spirited contest all day. Wardy, Birksy, Luke Fav, Milky, George, Gilly and Suthy all showing the crowd the skills they have and the hard work they’re prepared to put in. Hawkers strong boys Alex the Lion and Tapdance were laying some hard tackles and making the Swans earn every possession. Although getting a lot of the ball, the Hawks were wasteful in front of goal in the second half. A great display to the final siren and the signs are certainly there that the Hawks are coming.

The post match boat race was as tight as the onfield contest and the Hawks just pipped on the last drinker. Next week sees the squad heading to Glasgow for the Haggis pre-season cup. It will certainly be a weekend to remember  (if we can!)