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<\/p>\nThat second-quarter surge from Hawthorn proved decisive, with Sam Mitchell\u2019s men repeatedly punishing Essendon turnovers and slicing through the Bombers\u2019 defensive structure like a hot knife through butter.<\/p>\n
McGrath said the match highlighted the inconsistencies that can come with a developing list.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the way we defend the ground is a big part [of it],\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously tonight they were able to pierce through us. The first quarter, especially, we felt like we stuck them in their back half a little bit.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith our young list, we\u2019re going to have inconsistencies. We were able to move the ball pretty well, and then we had critical turnovers in really bad spots on the ground, and they were able to bounce back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the result, McGrath was quick to praise Merrett\u2019s influence.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always knew he was going to be one of our best players tonight,\u201d McGrath said of the six-time best and fairest winner and former captain who requested a trade to Hawthorn in the off-season.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a super player \u2013 he lives for these games.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a great teammate to have on your side.\u201d<\/p>\n
McGrath said he was proud of Merrett, given he continued to lead by example.<\/p>\n
Asked about the significance of Merrett\u2019s presence at the club following the turmoil of the past 12 months, McGrath said the Bombers\u2019 focus remained on performing together.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think tonight we\u2019re all red and black,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Scott was full of praise for his former skipper.<\/p>\n
\u201cZach\u2019s game was probably exactly as everyone expected. I think [his situation] impacts everyone. Anyone going through a hard time shows resilience.<\/p>\n
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\u201cProfessional athletes, regardless of circumstance, have to be able to stand up. It takes a certain type of character to do that, and no one should be surprised about the way Zach played tonight because we know him so well. That\u2019s just what he\u2019s made of.\u201d<\/p>\n
McGrath tasted defeat in his first game as Essendon captain \u2013 a responsibility he admitted carries extra responsibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a little bit different,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou sort of carry a bit more weight, and I guess you lose a little bit harder.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou wish you could do more for your teammates, and you just want to help, and you want us to be better.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The evergreen Jack Gunston had a night out for the Hawks.Credit: AFL Photos<\/p>\n
The Bombers will now turn their attention to responding quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll review it, we\u2019ll reflect on it,\u201d McGrath said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe next 48 hours are always tricky after a loss, but we\u2019ll look at where we can improve and come in Monday ready to go for next week.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Mitchell, on the other hand, said he was delighted with the Hawks\u2019 second performance of the season, particularly after being dismantled by the Giants in opening round.<\/p>\n
He made special mention of arguably his two best players for the night \u2013 Dylan Moore and Connor Macdonald \u2013 who spent a week in the headlines for all the wrong reasons after the news of their arrest in Arizona in November<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI was really pleased with the lads. Obviously, it\u2019s been a messy week for them on an individual basis,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we forget what\u2019s actually happened just for a second, you\u2019ve just got two young men who are on the front and back pages of the papers and there\u2019s a lot of weight on them, a lot of self-consciousness about how they\u2019ve gone, [and] a lot of people having their say.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be able to perform at a high level with all that around you… I\u2019m proud that they were able to do that.<\/p>\n \u201cYou just want to play football and keep getting better, but there are times in the game where there are a lot of eyeballs on you, everyone\u2019s talking about you, and you\u2019re doing press conferences.<\/p>\n \u201cIn this game you have to be able to perform in multiple situations. I\u2019m rapt those guys were able to perform at a high level with weeks that were abnormal.\u201d<\/p>\n