When the Hawthorn Spartans face Old Melburnians this Saturday, they will be keen to put behind them last week’s Round 4 record mauling by Old Scotch.
The result on 1 May, a chastening 160 for Old Scotch to 86 should galvanise the Spartans to significantly up their game if they are to return to the glory days of 2018 and 2019 (as well as 2013, 2015 and 2016) when they won the premierships two divisions lower than their current place in the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) Men’s Third Division 1.
“A big loss on a great day for footy and, unfortunately, we were clearly outplayed by a very, very good team. It was the highest score ever kicked against us as we battled throughout,” said George Demetriou, the Hawthorn Spartans’ team manager.
“We couldn’t fault the energy, spirit on display by the team but fitness and a number of players playing on limited preparation, doesn’t help. We have to keep working harder, achieve KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and things will turn full cycle as we have a very good list of players. Some players will need to work on getting fitter as we stick together to ensure we keep improving,” he said.
READ MORE: The Hawthorn Spartans return for the VAFA 2021 season
The Spartans blooded four debutants in the game Jaison, Russell, Anthony and Frank.
The Spartans will face the Old Melburnians this Saturday (8 May) at 11.40am on their home ground at Rathmines Reserve, Rathmines Road, Hawthorn East.
