NAB Cup Eagles, Hawks, Dockers...

THINGS didn't work out as expected in the NAB Cup threesome at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.
Hawthorn left pretty much their starting 18 at home but stormed home in the opening game and should have beaten West Coast. The Hawks had two set shots that could have won them the game in the last couple of minutes but missed them.
Dean Cox and Brad Shepherd were the best of the Eagles who let the Hawks back into the game with some horrible work in defence.
Acting captain Cyril Rioli and the other experienced player Shaun Burgoyne led the way for Hawthorn and youngsters Matthew Suckling, Shane Savage and Jordan Lisle impressed,
Eagles by two points.
Fremantle kicked the first four points of the second game but things changed and with Isaac Smith kicking a nine-pointer the Hawks went to half time 25 points up.
The Dockers plugged away in the second half but some poor ball usage meant they couldn't get close enough.
Former East Perth defender Ben Stratton was strong for Hawthorn, Jordan Williams kicked a couple of goals, Savage had another good game chunky Paul Puopolo played with enthusiasm.
The best news for the shocked Freo fans was that Perth mature age recruit Tendai Mzungu was in everything along with a trimmed down Adam McPhee.
Hawks by 14 points.
The Fremantle big guns Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Luke McPharlin stepped out for the last game but the problems persisted.
The Eagles played with great spirit, typified by an exciting goal from Ryan Neates that was set up by a great tackle by jockey-sized Lewis Broome.
Matthew Priddis was solid for West Coast along with Jack Darling, Quentin Lynch, Mark Nicoski, Jordan Jones and Will Schofield.
Michael Johnson was Fremantle's best player, McPharlin looked slick in defence and Josh Mellington was the best of the young players.
Eagles by 12 points and are through to the next round.

• Shane Savage of the Hawks in action  at Subiaco Oval. Photo by Will Russell. The Slattery Media Group

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