Chol (three goals, nine marks, 17 disposals) took a hanger over the Eagles co-captain in the second term and wriggled away from him to snatch a spectacular mark over Lloyd Meek in the third quarter.
“Mabior has had a big start to the year, been basically our only tall forward, and he had a couple of quiet games. There was a bit of scrutiny on him,” Mitchell said.
“Mabior’s form has been really good the last two weeks in particular. So I’m pleased he’s getting a bit of reward for effort on the scoreboard.”
Hawthorn’s Jack Gunston kicked a game-high four goals while Josh Battle (29 disposals) won plenty of ball down back.
The recalled Henry Hustwaite (24 disposals) and James Worpel (24 disposals) were busy as ruckman Meek (57 hitouts) monstered Matt Flynn, while Harry Morrison (22 disposals, one goal) was also highly effective.
Eagles Ryan Maric (25 touches) and Brady Hough (23 disposals) fought hard and Ryan snagged three majors while Harley Reid kicked two excellent second-half goals.
Hawthorn battled with woeful inaccuracy in front of goal, leading by just seven at quarter-time.
They took a 28-point lead into the main break, then nudged their lead out to 37 at three-quarter time, before kicking away late in the fourth.
“We sort of gave ourselves what we thought was a chance with about six minutes to go; score was about five goals down,” McQualter said.
“So we sort of pulled a few levers to get a bit more aggressive and go after the game, and then they got those final three goals.”
Former Eagle Tom Barrass was quiet down back and thrown forward in the last quarter.
Jack Ginnivan could come under scrutiny for kicking out at Jack Graham after the Eagle pushed him into the ground in the second term.
Jeremy McGovern could garner attention for a late, potentially high bump on Nick Watson.
“It didn’t seem like there was much in it,” McQualter said.
“They had a little cuddle and a high five, and he got up and finished the game.”
West Coast (0-6) host Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
AAP
Read the full article here
