Every game, the Mongrel Team rate every player on the field to feed into our Mongrel Player of the Finals.
Here are the results of the Elimination Final, courtesy of Jono Mwanangela and The Doc.
Western Bulldogs (Alex Docherty)
[15] Taylor Duryea – 3
Doc was actually a member of the last Hawk winning finals side before last night, back in the 2015 decider, and perhaps had flashbacks of a dominant small forward line genius as he was matched to Watson for much of the evening. Typically courageous he contributed a couple of spoils, intercept marks, five tackles and 15 pressure acts, but his direct opponent got off the hook for four goals, and wore a pointy hat to rub salt into the wounds.
[19] Liam Jones – 4
Was expertly kept out of the firing line by the cagey Gunston for most of the evening, his spoils (3) and intercept mark (3) numbers were less than half his season averages as a result. Was also well done on his usual disposal efficiency on the occasions he did get the ball, so not a great celebration of his 200th or first finals match.
[18] James O’Donnell – 1
Was matched up on Calsher Dear for most of the night and was straight up embarrassed by the first year player. Calsher could’ve kicked five or six in this game, such were the opportunities allowed for him.
[29] Lachlan Bramble – 6
One of the few Dogs who was able to break some lines and run with the ball, gaining almost 500m from his 17 kicks, both well above his season’s average. Also played a vital role in limiting the output of Hawk AA Dylan Moore which should not be understated.
[7] Rory Lobb – 8
Looked good on Mabior Chol for a lot of the night, and took a number of good intercept marks when the Dogs were under pressure. His move into defence has been one of the highlights of the year. Took five contested marks in this one.
[31] Bailey Dale – 4
Superficially his numbers looked ok, but the sheer weight of Hawthorn F50 entries (59-39) meant his focus needed to be elsewhere than setting up forward thrusts with his run and skill.
[20] Ed Richards – 4
Won five clearances and plenty of the ball through the midfield, contributed the goal assist that set up Naughton for the games opener, but was only able to contribute to two more scores for the rest of the game. Seemed preoccupied with throwing his weight around moreso than progressing his team’s efforts. Will improve greatly with another pre-season on the midfield group under his belt.
[1] Adam Treloar – 7
The most prolific Dog with ball in hand, winning the pill 28 times, alongside four tackles, six clearances and a goal in the first term. Never stopped trying but lacked the support that Newcombe had from his Hawk teammates.
[34] Bailey Williams – 6
Kicked a superb goal against the run of play in the second term and fought a great head to head battle against Harry Morrison, but ultimately was just not able to link effectively enough with the forwards to trouble the Hawks.
[2] Jamarra Ugle-Hagan – 1
Had no legitimate impact on this game, up forward, and was made to look silly by Sam Frost, James Sicily and the crew down back. Missed a simple set shot kick late in the second term to really stamp home a dirty night. Finished with 4 touches.
[33] Aaron Naughton – 4
Started with the opening goal of the game, and then went invisible for the rest of the first half. Came back up with a second goal in the third when they needed it and then finished his night with a goal in junk time in the last quarter. Got taken to the cleaners by the backs, but at least he took his opportunities.
[30] Lachlan McNeil – 2
The Boss came up with a catchy pop culture reference for Lachie McNeil – single female lawyer from Futurama. Why is this important or relevant? Well it’s not really, and neither was McNeil’s game. Had a chance to stem the flow with a goal in the third term and missed badly.
[3] Cody Weightman – 2
Only real time I saw him emerge in this game was when the ball bounced off his head. One of a few in the forward half that was disgracefully awful. 21 pressure acts saves him from scoring a one – it shows at least he was having a crack defensively.
[10] Sam Darcy – 7
Looked the most dangerous in the forward line most of the night. Kicked an impressive goal out of ruck stoppage in the first quarter and got hands to plenty both forward and back. Some poor kicks in the second half were a dampener on his performance, but by that stage, the Hawks were well on top.
[23] Laitham Vandermeer – 3
I read elsewhere in a match review by one of the professional news outlets that Vandermeer was the Bulldog subbed out for Macrae in the third term, but here at the Mongrel we watch the game a bit closer, and I can confirm, despite lack of impact or any type of presence, that Laitham did actually play the full game. Got on the end of a F50 scramble to score a goal in junk time, but was largely anonymous.
[44] Tim English – 4
Many pundits proclaimed he had refound his AA form from 2023 in the back end of the H&A season, and English kicked a nice goal in the first term to extend the Dogs early lead. He wasn’t bad in this game, 15 touches, 21 hit outs, five clearances just vastly less influential than his Hawk counterpart, Meek.
[4] Marcus Bontempelli – 5
Started the game on fire with three early clearances, and finished strongly with a tema lifting goal at the start of the final stanza, but was strangely subdued in between. Well down in all statistical categories, but the fact he had seven turnovers, almost double his season average despite 8 less touches than usual was instructive of the pressure applied by Nash and others.
[21] Tom Liberatore – 4
A typically combative Libba game, but unable to make his disposals count, only two score involvements from his 25 touches was not enough bang for buck against the high scoring Hawks. Led his team in pressure acts with 24, but overall the Hawks mids were more desperate collectively.
[35] Caleb Daniel – 7
In possibly his last outing in red, white and blue the tenacious Daniel was one of his side’s best, winning 23 disposals and leading his team with five score involvements. Neat with ball in hand as has been his hallmark, just not enough mates willing to lift to the finals pressure.
[27] Joel Freijah – 4
Had some positives, setting up two teammates with direct goal assists, but was physically worked over at times by a hungrier opponent. Some strong late season form should stand him in good stead for a further leap in 2025.
[12] Harvey Gallagher – 1
Subbed out of the game during the third term with just 5 touches for the game. Really struggled to get involved both on the wing and in the guts.
[22] James Harmes – 3
Raised eyebrows with his inclusion over Rhylee West. Defensively was okay, had 20 pressure acts, but his work with the footy was ordinary at best. Only had the eight disposals.
[Sub – 11] Jack Macrae – 1
Came on as the sub during the third quarter and had seven touches for very little impact. A bit disappointing to see him as the sub after a good game against GWS.
Hawthorn (Jonathan Mwanangela)
[6] James Sicily – 9
Inserted himself early in the game, looking to zone off in defensive transitions. Played on at all costs and didn’t miss too many targets. There was hardly any attention placed on him and he was able to do as he pleased, taking intercept mark after intercept mark. This allowed Hawthorn to punish the Western Bulldogs on turnover. He finished the game with 20 kicks and 11 marks.
[8] Sam Frost – 7
Continued on his good form during the season and did a lot of good things despite having various matchups. Playing mostly on Ugle-Hagan, Frost somewhat nullified his influence and kept him from touching the ball for large periods of the game. His lockdown role allows Sicily and Scrimshaw to stand in the hole and intercept. His coach wouldn’t have liked some of the brave kicks he took on through the corridor, especially the dump kick that almost gave the Dogs some life. Despite that, he more than held his own.
[4] Jarman Impey – 7
A great team-first player that plays his role effectively. When he’s not providing run-and-dash, he’s performing desperate defensive acts and one-percenters, such as timely spoils and shepherding for his side so that they can run the ball out of defence. Impey epitomises the way Sam Mitchell wants his troops to play, and that’s usually with speed on the ball and ferocious pressure to win the ball back. The backline suits him to a tee.
[16] Massimo D’Ambrosio – 8
The wingman who was unlucky to miss out on making the final AA team has been a revelation for Hawthorn. He was extremely busy running down the wing line, where his left boot could be a weapon and help break lines. With 13 of his 32 disposals being contested, D’Ambrosio showed that he’s able to get his hands dirty and go when it’s his turn. Once he’s able to get on the outside though, he hurts you.
[14] Jack Scrimshaw – 8
What a luxury it is for Sam Mitchell to have a guy like Scrimshaw able to perform a role each week. You’re not so worried about how he’d go against big key forwards, because he certainly holds his own. Against smaller opponents, he can use his athleticism to win one-on-ones and his reading of the play outsmarts opponents. Jack was able to turn the ball over several times in the backline and distribute the footy, taking on aggressive kicks through the corridor. Unlike Frost, you trust him with the ball in hand as he usually always hits his target and puts the ball in dangerous spots.
[32] Finn Maginness – 7
A little bit quiet throughout stages but certainly wasn’t bad by any stretch. Made the most of his opportunities when he had the ball, although was unlucky to miss out on what looked like a certain goal. Finally got some reward for effort when he walked into an open goal late in the last quarter and moments later helped his defence by coming third man up and stopping a certain goal. Showed that he’s the ultimate team man.
[31] Connor Macdonald – 8
Smart footballer. Kicked the second goal of the game for the Hawks through sheer forward craft. Another player that works hard for his teammates and almost works as a connector. When the Hawks were running hot, Macdonald was usually involved in the chain, bobbing up for a couple of goals. He finished the game with 23 disposals, 10 score involvements and 7 marks. An incredible game that’ll probably get lost amongst other great performances in the night.
[13] Dylan Moore – 7
A bit quiet by his standards but played his role. Still, his work rate was on show, working hard to support his backline when the opposition had the ball. Like Ginnivan, he comes right up to stoppages to have more numbers at the ball and was also able to be used as an outlet in transition. Even though he didn’t trouble the scorers, he still managed to have 17 disposals, 7 marks and 5 score involvements.
[25] Josh Ward – 7
Taking Cam Mackenzie’s place in the side, Ward proved to have earned his spot with a courageous performance in the midfield. Equally up to the task, Ward cracked in hard to win one-on-ones, and crucial ground balls and applied great pressure. Didn’t get a lot of the ball, but every time he did he spotted a teammate. Opposed against Treloar for most of the game, he certainly held his own and has made it hard for Mitchell to drop him next week. His spot in the team has been thoroughly deserved.
[10] Karl Amon – 8
While the Bulldogs did well in slowing down the Hawks’ ball movement at times, Amon just kept buttering up. Stationed at half-back, Amon was in the thick of things running the ball out of the backline and providing drive in transition. You can see why the Hawks were desperate to get him in the side a couple of years ago and it’s safe to say, he’s repaid them in leaps and bounds. 18 kicks, 608 metres gained and 5 inside 50s. That’s exactly what you want from your half-back.
[18] Mabior Chol – 6
He had some nervous moments but slowly got himself involved. Shows a lot of composure at times and does some spectacular things a big man shouldn’t be able to do. For most of the night he did his job making a contest and bringing the ball down to ground, but a couple of times he wasn’t able to kill the contest and stop the ball from being turned over when it hung up in the air too long. He didn’t clunk too many marks, but once the ball hit ground level he was dangerous.
[33] Jack Ginnivan – 8
Got his first touch very early into the game, which would’ve eased the nerves. Got right up the ground and got right up to stoppages in ball-up situations. You can tell his previous finals experience has held him in good stead, he just knew where to position himself around the ground. There were times when the Ginni of old was in a good enough position to go for goal but he passed it off to a teammate in a better position, which showed great maturity. Who cares what his pre-game preparation is like if he performs like that.
[35] Calsher Dear – 8
The exciting young talent is equally as good overhead as he is at ground level. Made something out of nothing at a desperate time when his side couldn’t buy a goal. With Chol and Gunston there, he sort of flies under the radar until he launches like a jack-in-a-box to clunk a mark. For a player in his first year, playing in his first final, he grew before our eyes. Five marks for three goals he had and it’s safe to say he left at least one or two goals out there.
[19] Jack Gunston – 7
Made some really good leads for little rewards early in the first quarter. Showed his experience and wares when he shook off a tough opponent in Jones, to take a superb grab which resulted in a goal. It was a great example of elite forward craft and great use of the body. It looked like he had a role in nullifying Jones by dragging him to non-dangerous positions while keeping him accountable at the same time. Even though he was tactically subbed out late in the game, it’s hard to fault his performance.
[17] Lloyd Meek – 9
The big man was lively early, winning hit-outs and getting around the ground seamlessly to provide a presence. Kicked the first for the Hawks after a nice spot up from Ginni, then proceeded to win the next clearance. As the game wore on, it became clear how much dominance Meek had. He just kept giving his midfield first use and his follow-up was exceptional. Safe to say he stuffed up the stats sheet finishing with 23 disposals, 47 HO’s, 6 marks, 5 clearances and 5 tackles. It’s true what they say about the big men in September, they only get bigger.
[5] James Worpel – 7
Got sucked in at the contest a bit too much or got caught in no man’s land at times. His opposing player would’ve been licking their lips with how much space they were getting. After the first quarter, he tightened up the screws and got his positioning much tighter. Along with Newcombe, Nash and Ward, he threw his body around to apply pressure. Worpel was one of the key reasons some of the Dogs’ midfield could barely get their hands on it for large portions of the game.
[3] Jai Newcombe – 9
Arguably the best player on the ground, and has the physical attributes that suit finals. His ground ball skills are up there with the best in the comp. He showed elite stoppage craft with a lovely snap inside 50, which got the Hawks back in front before half-time. He applied manic pressure from the get-go and made it hard for the Doggies mids to move the ball with ease. Where he shone and separated himself was in the premiership quarter, where his handballing in close was a feature. He was part of the reason why the Dogs midfielders couldn’t get their hands on it.
[23] Josh Weddle – 8
Early on it looked as though he’d be in for a long game, opposed to Aaron Naughton who had the height to outreach him on a lead. Thankfully his midfield and defensive unit worked together collectively to not have him exposed to mismatches often. Once the game wore on, he began to read the play well taking a few intercept possessions. He also didn’t waste much of the ball with half of his 14 disposals resulting in a score.
[1] Harry Morrison – 8
The veteran and almost forgotten warrior has a bit of class about him. When the Dogs brought the pressure and made it hard for the Hawks to move the ball freely, Morrison was one of the only Hawks who was cool under pressure and had composure. He never rushed his decisions and always found the right option. Sam Mitchell will be delighted with his contribution and be confident that he can be relied upon when certain things aren’t going his way.
[11] Conor Nash – 7
Not his biggest and/or best game but played an underrated role as a big-bodied mid who can chop out as a second ruck. From the first centre bounce it looked like he was going to do a job on Bontempelli but it didn’t eventuate to a hard tag. Still, he threw his big frame around with 6 tackles to show for it. Although he didn’t win many hit-outs, he still did enough to give Meek a breather against Darcy, who has 10cm on him.
[15] Blake Hardwick – 8
The ever-reliable Hardwick did his thing patrolling the backline, supporting his fellow defenders. He doesn’t get a stat for some of the one-percenters he did across the 4 quarters but I guarantee you the coaches and his teammates will have noticed them. Not only can he lockdown on a smaller opponent, but he can also provide a bit of run and carry.
[34] Nick Watson – 8
Just kept running and presenting. Works hard to get right up the ground and slingshots back to goal like a cannon. He can be a nightmare of a matchup as he just energises himself and his teammates. Had Duryea nervous every time the ball was in his vicinity. When his partner in crime spotted him up for his second for the game, you sensed it was almost party time. And when you think he’s going to stop there, he goes on to kick a career-best 4 goals from 11 disposals. He’s certainly built for the big stage.
[SUB – 22] Luke Breust – 7
Coming on five minutes into the last quarter as a tactical move, Breust made an instant impact. He almost kicked a trademark snap around the body from the boundary, after finding himself open deep in the forward pocket. Having someone as Breust with almost 300 games experience is almost a cheat code, and probably the last thing Western Bulldogs defenders want to see after they’ve spent 100 minutes of football chasing the other smalls. I’m sure he’ll have plenty to say throughout the rest of this finals campaign.
