Hawks' Mitchell Admits Slow Start Cost Them Victory Against Suns in Darwin
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has delivered a candid assessment of his side's eight-point loss to the Gold Coast Suns in Darwin, acknowledging a sluggish start ultimately proved costly. While the Hawks mounted a remarkable comeback from a 32-point deficit to briefly snatch the lead, Mitchell emphasized the need for sustained performance and a higher standard from his players.
The defeat marked only the third loss for Hawthorn this season, but the manner of their early struggles raised concerns. Mitchell highlighted the importance of maintaining intensity and focus throughout the entire match, rather than relying on a late surge. "It's a disappointing result, obviously," Mitchell said post-match. "To be that far behind early in the game is not where we want to be. Credit to the boys for fighting back, showing real character to get back into the game, but ultimately we weren't good enough for four quarters."
The Gold Coast Suns capitalised on Hawthorn's early inaccuracies and defensive lapses, building a substantial advantage. While the Hawks' resilience was evident in their second-half resurgence, Mitchell believes a more disciplined and consistent approach is essential for sustained success.
“We spoke about it at half-time, we needed to lift our intensity, and we did that,” Mitchell explained. “But it shouldn't take being 32 points down to play with that kind of urgency. We need to bring that level of commitment from the first bounce.”
Mitchell also pointed to the Suns' effective use of the ball and their ability to create scoring opportunities. “They were good, they used the footy well, and they made us pay for our mistakes,” he conceded. “We need to be more precise with our disposal and more accountable in our defensive efforts.”
Looking ahead, Mitchell remains optimistic about the Hawks' potential but stressed the need for continuous improvement. “This is a young group, and they’re learning,” he said. “We’ll review the game, identify the areas where we need to improve, and keep working hard. We've shown we can compete with the best, but we need to do it for four quarters, every week.”
The Hawks will be eager to bounce back quickly when they return home, with a challenging fixture ahead. Mitchell’s honesty and willingness to address the team’s shortcomings suggest a commitment to building a resilient and competitive side in the long term. The Darwin loss, while a setback, provides valuable lessons as Hawthorn continues its development trajectory.
