Sportsday The New HSP - Hawthorn's incredible speed - Full on Footy with Daniel Hoyne (24.03.26)
Mar 24, 2026
A lively breakdown of Hawthorn’s blistering start and a new ‘speed and punish’ tactic. Discussion of how quick ball release and wide movement create scoring chances and turnover risks. Debate over whether their straight-line, ballistic attack can break through heavy defensive flooding. Notes on early-season data and how tactics might evolve as opponents adapt.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Hawthorn's Speed And Punish Offensive Surge
- Hawthorn's new strategy is 'Speed and Punish', ranked second-fastest ball movement from set plays after three games in seven years.
- They focus on quick in-and-out possession, improving offensive conversion from last year's 11th place with varied methods shown against GWS and Sydney.
Last Year's Hawthorn Run Became Predictable
- Hawthorn's 2024 end-of-season ball movement surprised opponents and produced a deep finals run, then became targeted and less effective.
- They were beaten by Geelong in the semifinal after rivals learned to shut down their wide-ground method.
Tempo Comes From Rapid Inhand Movement
- The Hawks achieve their speed primarily by rapid hand/short play rather than long kicks, making them versatile across opposition styles.
- Data shows their set-play tempo is historically elite and executed both in short games and when going long.