In a gripping match that saw Hawthorn’s substantial lead evaporate, Nick Watson’s substitution dilemmas have drawn significant scrutiny. Watson answered that, scoring three spectacular goals in the first half. When he spent a long nine-and-a-half minutes on the bench, he produced an outcry from commentators and fans.
As the clock wound down to just over a minute remaining in the game, Watson had the ball inside 50. In the dying moments of a hotly contested game, he dramatically pleaded with the umpire for a 50 metre penalty. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get them to budge. Watson’s eventual first points were when his small forward teammate Jack Ginnivan gave GW a goal and the lead. Almost immediately upon arriving, he knew that the tides had turned significantly on his squad.
Bailey Macdonald made the was activated as a replacement substitute. As soon as Hawthorn’s momentum seemed to be fully blossoming, back he went to the bench. Commentators were baffled by this decision, with Kane Cornes calling Watson’s situation “ridiculous.” He argued that it was “absolutely nonsensical” to get Macdonald out of the game. The energy of fresh legs was particularly necessary at that time.
Brian Taylor expressed these thoughts beautifully, adding that Macdonald might have injected life-saving energy in those last moments. His absence was certainly felt during those critical months. In particular, he challenged the justification for Watson’s lengthy absence, particularly in such a critical stage of the game.
Mitch Cleary unnecessarily sensationalized the affair by labeling the decision on Watson “remarkable.” He stressed badly important culture and coaching strategies were — that the strategy you take directly affects your players. Despite Watson’s earlier contributions, including his three first-half goals, the late-game decisions ultimately overshadowed his efforts.
John Noble played a gangbuster of a game, earning quite the k (3/10) Disposals 36. Meanwhile, Anderson realized that potential with an outstanding 865 metres gained. Both players were killing it, but despite their best efforts, they watched Hawthorn’s lead shrink week after week.
Hawthorn was able to take control early, building a handy 32-point lead in the opening term. By the time three-quarter time rolled around, that lead was gone and then some. Spectators were deeply disappointed not only in the final score of the match, but in the tactical maneuvers of the coaching staff.
