Player Of The Week
A win is more likely if one team's important midfielder is contained and the other team gets some run and possessions from their players in the middle. Nick Dal Santo was made to look foolish by Chance Bateman, while Bateman provided plenty of dash for the Hawks and was over 20 possessions for the game.
The only idea that the Saints had that actually worked for getting Dal Santo away from Bateman was sending Dal Santo to the bench. Dal Santo had only 6 possessions in the first half, so Bateman did his job there when the game was won.
Bateman also had the ball himself with 12 kicks, 9 handballs and 6 marks. Sam Mitchell sent the ball inside 50 on 7 occasions, the only other player on the ground that also did that 7 times was Chance Bateman.
It could be hair versus no hair in the Grand Final if Bateman goes up against Ablett. That is where Hawthorn could get the win if Bateman can be as good in the AFL Grand Final as he was against the Saints.
Chance Bateman's profile at the Hawthorn site
Finals Round 2, Player Of The Week
The only idea that the Saints had that actually worked for getting Dal Santo away from Bateman was sending Dal Santo to the bench. Dal Santo had only 6 possessions in the first half, so Bateman did his job there when the game was won.
Bateman also had the ball himself with 12 kicks, 9 handballs and 6 marks. Sam Mitchell sent the ball inside 50 on 7 occasions, the only other player on the ground that also did that 7 times was Chance Bateman.
It could be hair versus no hair in the Grand Final if Bateman goes up against Ablett. That is where Hawthorn could get the win if Bateman can be as good in the AFL Grand Final as he was against the Saints.
Chance Bateman's profile at the Hawthorn site
Finals Round 2, Player Of The Week
