Grading every player as Hawks spoil the party in Dusty's 300th

Hawthorn has romped home to a comfortable victory over Richmond in front of a packed out MCG on Saturday evening, spoiling the party of Dustin Martin’s 300th game in the process.

The MCG was as loud as it had been in months when Martin kicked the first of the game on the run, but the momentum slowed from that point for the home side.

A five-goal to one third term broke the game open for Sam Mitchell’s troops, who notched up their fourth win in a row and sixth in seven games.

“They’re as hot and as consistent as any team in it… they’ve performed in a big game and they’re beating good sides,” Kane Cornes said in commentary for AFL Nation.

The Hawks started the night on 88.1 per cent, with that number jumping up to 92.7 as a result of the lopsided scoreline.

After booting the opening goal Martin, becoming just the seventh Tiger to reach 300 games, was well held by Hawthorn captain James Sicily and could only finish with the 13 touches.

The vast majority of the 92,311 fans at the MCG (the biggest crowd ever between these two sides and the 8th highest of all time) stuck around to salute the Richmond great as he was chaired off the ground to a guard of honour from both clubs.

Here’s how we graded every player.

RICHMOND

Tim Taranto: A+

Just his second game back from a lengthy injury break, you wouldn’t know from the way he played. A clear game-high in contested footy.

Jayden Short: A

Led the Tigers for metres gained and used the footy beautifully off half-back.

Nick Vlastuin: A

Another Tigers defender who consistently found himself under pressure. Vlastuin handled himself with aplomb as he typically does.

Noah Balta: B+

Spent most of his game opposed to Jack Gunston and taught the Hawks veteran a lesson in physicality.

Dustin Martin: B

There’s no way in hell you can be critical of the champion in game 300 - even if it was one of his quieter outings. The sound of the MCG when he kicked the first goal of the game will be a memorable moment for those lucky enough to be in the presence of greatness and it was great to see the fans turn up for the king, all 92,311 of them!

Shai Bolton: B

It’s not hard to see why many believe he could be the best in the game. Another classic Bolton performance, with brilliance and disaster entwined to make a must-watch game.

_Daniel Rioli: B

Plenty of silk distributing the footy off half-back.

Seth Campbell: B

Ben Miller: B

Jacob Koschitzke: B-

Nowhere near the full package just yet, but is starting to show signs he can make it at AFL level.

Nathan Broad: C+

Hugo Ralphsmith: C+

Starting to make a name for himself on the wing under Adem Yze. Makes a few mistakes but the energy and flair was there again on Saturday evening.

Tom Brown: C+

His right foot is quickly becoming one of the best in the competition. Now, Richmond just needs to get it into his hands more.

Kamdyn McIntosh: C

The ultra-consistent Tigers veteran played his role as that hard running defensive wingman. He finished the game with __ disposals and certainly wasn’t amongst Richmond’s worse.

Jack Graham: C

Albeit not your regular high possession getting midfielder, Graham was quiet for the Tigers today. At times Hawthorn’s younger midfielder made him look very slow out there and you get the feeling the body isn’t allowing Graham to play with complete freedom at the moment. His experience is priceless and crucial as this side goes through the rebuild phase.

Tyler Sonsie: C

To be fair to the 21-year-old, he played the grim role of a high forward in a team that got smashed and he managed to find a bit of it. Finished the game with 13 touches and 12 pressure acts.

Rhyan Mansell: C

Liam Baker: C-

Got involved in the midfield but wasn’t at his creative best. Only the three score invovlements.

Thomson Dow: D+

Is finding more of the footy in 2024 playing as a permanent inside midfielder, but too many clangers to be considered a positive impact.

Tom Lynch: D

Not much was expected in Lynch’s first game back from injury and not much was delivered.

Noah Cumberland: D

All the talent in the world, just can’t bring it to AFL level.

Kane McAuliffe: N/A

Came on in the final term as the sub.

HAWTHORN

James Sicily: A+

Sicily’s players must love playing for him. Took the responsibility of playing on Dustin Martin and executed to a dream (or a Richmond fan’s nightmare). A big reason why Dusty had little impact and dominated himself.

Josh Weddle: A+

Was Hawthorn’s best in the first half before slowing down. Nevertheless, he may well be the most exciting player on a list that has fans salivating.

Massimo D’Ambrosio: A+

What a player the former Bomber is turning out to be for Hawthorn. Is making the wing his own and wouldn’t have been far from best afield infront of one of the biggest crowds he’s seen.

Jai Newcombe: A

Newcombe’s ball-winning ability has always been his one wood, but the ball use of the 22-year-old is starting to stand out. In the top few midfielders on the ground.

Will Day: B+

20 touches for Day feels like 25+ for anyone else. Class and his ability to stand up when the moment calls for it continues to stand out.

Jack Scrimshaw: B+

Is quietly carving out a very tidy season. Was particularly dominant early but used it well all night playing on half

Dylan Moore: B+

A big game player, Moore had plenty of huge efforts and more of an impact than the stats sheet would suggest.

Karl Amon: B+

Nick Watson: B+

His first game back in the seniors after injury and a stint in VFL level, Watson brought the energy and plenty of pressure on the Tigers’ back six. It might be the best 1.4 game + another that didn’t score of all time!

Jarman Impey: B

James Worpel: B Coach Sam Mitchell had said during the week that the Hawks don’t judge Worpel on how much footy he gets, but how he uses it. On those grounds, it’s an overwhelming tick.

Mabior Chol: B

Felt like no Tigers defender wanted to go near him given how much space Chol consistently found himself in. At three quarter time, every one of his five disposals was a shot on goal!

Cam Mackenzie: B

Oozes class this kid. Watch out for the day he starts winning more of the footy because he hurt the Tigers plentyfold with just 13 disposals.

Calsher Dear: B-

Easy to see why the Hawks love him. Only the five touches but gets involved in so many other ways. Two goals will help him hold his spot another few weeks.

Blake Hardwick: B-

Mostly behind the ball on Saturday evening.

Lloyd Meek: C+

A competitive effort, but beaten by Tigers ruckman Toby Nankervis on the day.

Sam Frost: C+

Had plenty to say and gets a tick for keeping Lynch quiet. Nothing else to write home about, however.

Changkuoth Jiath: C+

Jack Ginnivan: C+

Led the Hawks for inside 50s with seven, getting higher up the ground as the ‘Wizard’ Watson played closer to goal. Five clangers didn’t help his cause.

Connor Nash: C-

The quietest of Hawthorn’s midfield brigade. Had little impact himself and was tasked with quelling Tim Taranto on occasion, something he also struggled with.

Connor MacDonald: C+

Jack Gunston: D

Subbed off in the third term for his great mate Breust. Well held by Noah Balta before that.

Luke Breust: N/A

Started as the sub again, a role he’s beginning to master. Continues to bob up in the final quarters to ensure Hawthorn gets over the line.