Harvey Hawks claw back at Rovers

The Harvey Hawks erased a two-goal lead from the Manjimup Rovers on July 5 to earn a 2-2 draw and keep their finals campaign alive.

After a goalless first half from both sides and a spray from the coaches, a fierce second half was played before the rain rolled in.

New recruit Matthew Robinson was the Hawks best afield and raked in the two votes, ahead of Rover Jesse Callaghan on one.

Manjimup midfielder Jamie Mair took home the three votes and met his match with Robinson on many occasions.

Mair gave away a foul for holding Robinson up the ground and narrowly avoided any carded penalties.

Hawk Jonathon Adams was not so lucky. He copped a red card for colliding with the opposition striker and was sent off for the remainder of the game.

The showdown was all in the second half with Callaghan spearing the first two goals of the game – a power kick and a brave header.

The Hawks responded with back-to-back goals in under two minutes. Youngster Isaac Stanford bagged the first and Robinson effortlessly breezed in to snag the second.

Stanford, Robinson and captain Cody Ward are part of an energetic trio stretched across the ground.

They have the skill and fitness level to outrun their opponents and can dominate with their penetrating kicks.

Joshua Ardonetto and Riley Hawkins played a consistent game for Harvey on the wings, as did Leigh Vaughan.

The Hawks had plenty of opportunities to score and were unlucky to not run away with a win.

Robinson said he was enjoying being back at the club after a stint in Dardanup.

“I am used to playing in the centre to create play, but lately I’ve been put up forward to try and get those through-balls that sneak past the opposition’s defence,” Robinson said.

Robinson was outstanding and used the ball well under pressure.

Ward said he was happy with his team’s performance.

“We are a hard running team, so we do run out of legs early on,” Ward said.

“But, we fought back and didn’t give up which was good to see.”

5 things we learnt from the Hawks game

1. Matthew Robinson is underrated. His skill level is exceptional and his awareness and maturity on the ground hides the fact that he is the youngest Hawk afield.

2. Cody Ward was the right choice for captain. Ward is an honest and non-aggressive player. He has talent and compassion and was seen checking in on an injured opposition player who was lying flat on the ground. Good traits to have in a leader.

3. Goalkeeper Angelo Fry was reliable in goals. Despite letting two into the back of the net, he stopped several fast balls from Manjimup in the second half which could have cost them the game.

4. On-field coach Leigh Vaughan is passionate about football and can help to develop the younger squad. He has a good “football brain” according to referee Basil Milentis.

5. The energetic trio, Stanford, Ward and Robinson can take the Hawks all the way. They are exciting to watch and can produce something out of nothing when they have the ball.