Hawks swoop on premiership contenders

Augusta-Margaret River face last season’s premiership contenders Collie on Saturday on the back of a 14-point home win at the weekend.

The Hawks will face an uphill battle in more ways than one, with Collie flying high from four wins and one narrow loss, and forward Joel Houghton in the running for the league’s leading goalkicker.

Hawks coach Matt Jamieson said the match would be a good test for the Hawks, who would not give Collie an easy run.

“We would think they’re probably one of the teams to beat,” he said.

“I think we’re just continually working on being strong at the contest with the contested ball.”

Jamieson said the Hawks’ focus was improving and it was great to see younger players Jacob Oakes and Cody Rodgers show promise.

The resilient Hawks fought their way to a gruelling 14-point win over Carey Park on Sunday in a rain-soaked contest at Gloucester Park.

Traditional wet-weather football was on display in the 7.5 (47) to 5.3 (33) win, with the slippery ball evading the players as well as the sticks for much of the match.

The Hawks came out of the blocks strongly, keeping the Panthers goalless throughout the first quarter while booting two of their own.

The visitors regained composure in the second quarter, bringing the margin to just seven points at the main break, with handy work from Chris McMillan, Kelvin Lawrence and Jordan Yarran.

The Panthers closed the distance in the third with another three goals, with strong rain turning the play into a desperate scramble.

The Hawks surged in the fourth quarter, with fine work from half- forward Jacob Oakes, who booted a crucial goal early on to put Augusta-Margaret River back in the lead.

Augusta-Margaret River’s Seve Grantis had plenty of the ball despite being tagged heavily throughout, while Rodgers was a strong performer.

Mitch Gerrans and Oakes booted two goals for the home side, while McMillan and Lawrence were the visitors’ best players for the day.