Exactly one year after Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera showcased an outstanding final quarter, he once again made headlines with a stellar game against North Melbourne on Sunday. Unlike the dramatic finish against Melbourne in 2025, this match saw him accumulate an impressive 46 disposals and score four goals in just one half, marking a significant achievement for the young player.
Wanganeen-Milera’s Rising Star
From the start of his career, it was evident that Wanganeen-Milera possessed remarkable potential. His fluid movement, characterized by effortless slaloms, quickly drew attention. As he took on riskier kicks and consistently succeeded, his talent became increasingly apparent. Transitioning from the flanks to the center and then moving forward, he has proven to be a formidable threat. On Sunday, North Melbourne deployed multiple players to contain him, but none were particularly effective.
Injury Concerns for St Kilda
St Kilda’s only setback during the match was yet another injury to Max King, who was returning after over 750 days on the sidelines. When asked about the injury, coach Ross Lyon humorously compared it to a scene from a Marx Brothers film. Unfortunately, few players have endured such persistent misfortune, and King’s physique often appears unsuited to the rigors of the game. Initially nicknamed “Winx,” he has been likened to a thoroughbred, but thoroughbreds can be fragile, while a durable trotter is preferable.
Meanwhile, Jack Gunston’s seven-goal performance against Essendon highlighted the weaknesses in the Bombers’ defensive lineup. Despite the Bombers having restricted GWS to just eight goals in their previous encounter, they struggled against Hawthorn, with Gunston outscoring the entire Essendon team himself. This performance not only reflected Gunston’s brilliance but also served as a critique of the opposition.
Gunston’s style is characterized by a lack of drama; he does not rely on flamboyant celebrations or inconsistent performances. He delivers precisely what is expected: a deep forward who moves fluidly and reads the game well. His approach seems straightforward—lead, mark, run, strike—but it involves a sophisticated understanding of angles and effective positioning, blending hard work with energy conservation.
Entering his 18th season, Gunston has demonstrated remarkable consistency, with two five-goal games this season and a six-goal haul against Fremantle. Though he may not possess the same spotlight as stars like Buddy Franklin or Cyril Rioli, he ranks among the top goal-scorers in VFL/AFL history, trailing only four other Hawthorn players.
The effectiveness of the Hawthorn forward line stems from their ability to coordinate and manipulate space, consistently seeking the optimal play. They present a diverse array of skills and personalities, yet they function cohesively.
In stark contrast to Gunston, Nick Watson embodies a different playing style. At stoppages, he is a calculated predator, adept at identifying and exploiting gaps. He displays impressive aerial skills despite his shorter stature and shares Gunston’s craftiness and goal awareness. However, Watson seemed to take a back seat this past weekend, perhaps feeling that the occasion did not warrant his top performance.
Questions arose about Hawthorn’s capabilities after their significant defeat to Melbourne in Tasmania, a venue where they rarely falter. While every contender may falter briefly during a lengthy season, it’s important to recognize the challenges they faced, including fielding two debutants and numerous inexperienced players. Despite recent victories over Essendon and Richmond, as well as a wet-weather win against Carlton, they have proven to be a well-organized and adaptable squad. Their precision passing, overlapping handballs, and textbook positioning have been outstanding. The true test awaits in a fortnight at the Gabba, followed by a clash with Collingwood.
