Macdonald claims “big advantage” aided in victory over Essendon

Hawthorn young gun Connor Macdonald believes that by having played in Opening Round helped the Hawks in last night’s match against Essendon.

The Hawks bolted out to a 27-point lead at quarter time which proved to be an unassailable lead as they cruised to a 26-point win.

When asked by SEN’s Crunch Time team whether playing in Opening Round help them physically, McDonald was in agreement that it had.

“Oh huge,” Macdonald said.

“I think to get a run up under our legs and get a week’s advantage was to our benefit.

“We came in with the mindset to get the run going and I thought we were able to do that and were seeing some teams battling with the conditions.

“So yeah, had a big advantage playing the week before.”

Throughout the match, Hawthorn’s ability to run and carry the ball was evident.

In fact, it translated on the scoreboard with Hawthorn being able to score multiple times from their defensive half.

Adam Simpson mentioned the advantage earlier in his discussion of Hawthorn’s performance.

“They (Essendon) conceded eight goals from their front half,” he mentioned.

“Hawthorn, I think are one of the better teams to do for the last two weeks in a row now have kicked multiple goals from their own back half.

“It’s something I know they worked on over summer.”

Macdonald was also asked whether there was much talk within the club about the benefit they had over Essendon by playing the Swans.

“It was mentioned,” he said.

“We didn’t speak about it too hugely, I think it was a credit to our preseason.

“We put in a massive preseason so now we are fit and firing, so we have no issues.”

Hawthorn will play on Thursday night when they take on Carlton at the MCG.