Hawthorn first V/AFL match
With a ground to be opened to League football and a baseball pennant to unfurl, it was indeed a gala day at the Glenferrie Oval, and the mayor (Councillor Rigby) and councillors were kept busy. A crowd of about 18,000 was anxious to see how Hawthorn would fare against their neighbours, Richmond, and the ground, although in an unfinished condition, proved ample to accommodate them.
Extensive alterations are being made along the railway embankment where 10 tiers, each 2ft. wide, are to be built, while a grandstand is contemplated in the south-west corner. These improvements should provide ample room for the largest crowds, but there are details that require immediate attention. It is essential that the score board should be properly controlled.
On Saturday, owing to the number of small boys that perched precariously from every part of it, it was at times impossible to read the scores, which all day were posted incorrectly, Hawthorn's score at the finish being shown as 5.7, whereas the goal umpires reported it should have been 5.9. The accommodation for the press representatives is not yet adequate, but is being attended to so that they may work in comfort.
Although Hawthorn's initial essay in League company was not successful, they showed much to inspire confidence to greater things in the near future. They have much to learn in the finer points of the game, while they were often penalised for faulty passing. A lack of cohesion, particularly among the forwards was often noticeable, and they gave the impression of playing with no definite object in view.
Richmond, on the other hand, were vigorous and forceful, and their direct methods quickly brought results. Richmond, who were led by Minogue, had new recruits in McCormack from Rochester; Robinson, a centre man, from Nathalia, Geddes, the Williamstown wing man, and O'Halloran, from the juniors; while Hawthorn, who were captained by Jackson, had new men in Pickford, from the juniors, Hendrie, Woodford, and Whitehead, from Camberwell, Elliman, from Melbourne, and Sellars from Box Hill.
First quarter
The first quarter was the most evenly contested of the match, and although Richmond had the benefit of the wind, they were at times very hard pressed. They opened with two goals, both scored by Don, the last from a well judged angle shot, but a Hawthorn counter-attack yielded only two points before a well-concerted effort commenced by Hendrie and carried on by Whitehead, Officer, and Yeoman ended in the last-named scoring their first goal amidst rousing cheers.
Still pressing their advantage, Woodford just missed with a neat running shot, but Yeoman, turning quickly, snapped the second goal, putting Hawthorn a point ahead. It was, however, a momentary triumph, as Geddes quickly transferred the ball to the other end, where Hayes smartly snapped Richmond's third goal. It was the only time during the match that Hawthorn got in front, and before they changed over Morris kicked Richmond's fourth goal, making the scores 4.3 to 2.3.
Second quarter
The marking on both sides had been splendid, Rudolph, Thorpe, McCormack, and O'Halloran shining for Richmond, while Hendrie, Splatt, and Officer were conspicuous for Hawthorn. The latter opened the second quarter with a fierce attack, but Harrison and Smith beat them off, although the Hawthorn forwards lost many opportunities by faulty passing. Thorpe and Geddes forced the play along the wing, giving Empey a chance to score, but in trying to pass he lost his opportunity.
Another series of exchanges between Bourke, Rudolph, and Hayes gave the latter a chance, but Jackson, in goal, frustrated the attempt. Hayes, however, was not to be denied and quickly passed to Morris, who coolly punted Richmond's fifth goal. Hayes was also instrumental in getting the sixth scored by Fraser, and Morris, a moment later, followed with the seventh. Richmond at this stage were playing all over their opponents, but Minogue lost an easy chance, and Morris from an angle shot also missed by inches.
Burke and Splatt were conspicuous in a rally by Hawthorn, out of which Woodford scored a point, but when Splatt gave the same player another opportunity be made no mistake. A foolish attempt by Rudolph to handball was intercepted by Yeoman, and Elliman marking from his kick raised some enthusiasm by kicking Hawthorn's fourth goal. It was, however, their last score for some time, and just before the bell Hayes snapped the Tigers eighth goal, the half-time scores being: Richmond 8.7 vs. Hawthorn 4.4.
Third quarter
The second half was not nearly so interesting. Although Richmond played strongly, they were always well within themselves, and gave the impression that they had plenty in reserve. Hawthorn, on the other hand, faded away, and failed to score a goal in the third term, single points coming at each end of the quarter. Hendrie, Splatt, and Yeoman were again conspicuous in the early stages, but the Richmond back line withstood their attack, and when the yellow and blacks took up the running they made few mistakes.
Three goals were scored quickly, the ninth being the outcome of dashing play by Hayes, while Don's coolness in extricating himself from an awkward position enabled him to kick the tenth, the eleventh also coming from his boot the outcome of a long punt. At three-quarter time Richmond, with 11.7 to 4.6, had such a long lead that they palpably eased up in the final term.
Fourth quarter
Hawthorn's play was hard and rushing, but not particularly attractive, while Richmond were quite content to hold their advantage. It was more than half-way through the quarter before Hawthorn scored their first goal since the second quarter, and it proved to be the only one scored by either side during the term. Utting and Hendrie raced the ball down to Elliman, but an easy shot fell short. Out of the scrimmage in front Woodford emerged with the ball, and with a quick snap put it through. Shortly afterwards he had another opportunity with a long shot, but a point was the only result, and when the final bell rang Richmond were winners by 38 points with the scores:
RICHMOND: 11 goals, 11 behinds (77 points)
HAWTHORN: 5 goals, 9 behinds (39 points)
The winners were a very even side, but were strongest along the back line, where Thorpe played his usual serviceable game. He received grand support from Harrison and McCormack, the latter, who marks and kicks well, looking a very likely man. Smith, although he did many fine things, was not as sure as usual, but McCaskill and Geddes were both in fine form on the flanks.
Of the forwards, Don with four goals, was clean and sure, and O'Halloran, a tall lad from the juniors, marked and kicked beautifully. His brother played with Richmond 21 years ago. He is another recruit likely to prove an acquisition to the team. The best player on the side was however, little Hayes, who roved as if he had been playing all the year. His dash and tenacity were amazing, and he showed remarkable pluck in hurling himself into the crushes. Of the others, Rudolph marked well but kicked wretchedly, and Empey at times played well.
Hawthorn were best served by their half-forward, Hendrie, from Camberwell, who played as if he had been in League company for years. Tall and solidly built, he marked beautifully and always showed good judgment in getting rid of the ball. The other half-forward men, Splatt and Officer, also displayed good form, while Finch had the better of Robinson in the centre. Yeoman was invaluable either roving or forward, and kicked two goals. The best of the others were Jackson, Pearson and McCashney.
The goal-kickers were:
Richmond: Don (4), Morris (3), Hayes (2), Fraser, and Barnett.
Hawthorn: Yeoman (2), Woodford (2), and Elliman
The out of bounds rule worked splendidly, although there were at times misunderstandings between the field and boundary umpires as to whether a free kick was awarded. The boundary umpires were also slow in bouncing the ball, causing much congestion and hustling in the rucks.
[Editor's notes]: For the opening round of the 1925 season see: http://australianfootball.com/articles/view/1925%2...
See match stats here: http://australianfootball.com/game/view/2179
Footnotes
Title: Hawthorn initial effort
Author: Old Boy
Publisher: The Argus (Melbourne, Vic: 1848-1957)
Date: Monday 4 May 1925 p.9 Article
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