Josh Kennedy: Hawthorn Too Good For Eagles at MCG

Despite solid preparation and a good feeling among the boys going into last week’s game against Hawthorn, it just didn’t happen for us on game day.

There was a really good feeling among the boys leading into the game and we were excited about the prospect of getting back and playing at the MCG.

But Hawthorn were just too good for us.

They beat us in the key facets of the game, similar to the grand final last year, and beat us by the same margin.

That was really disappointing to say the least, but all we can do is go over the game through the normal review process, learn from it and use it to get better.

The good thing about footy is that you get another opportunity next week and that means a derby at home against the Dockers.

It is a pretty big game for both clubs as we look to get back into the positive and Freo search for their first win.

There’s always plenty of heat in derbies and this will be no exception.

For a couple of our guys it will be their first experience in a derby, even for a couple of mature players like Jack Redden and Lewis Jetta who have just begun their careers at the club after moving across from Brisbane and Sydney respectively.

I’m sure they will enjoy the build-up and their first look at the unique rivalry between the two Perth clubs.

Both Jack and Lewis had their moments against the Hawks and they will improve as they become more accustomed to playing with their new teammates and the game plan.

There is no doubt we will need to bring our best to beat Fremantle as we expect them to be determined to reverse the slow start they have had to the season.

The Dockers have run into two red-hot teams in the Bulldogs and Gold Coast, who were exceptional last Saturday. We understand we will need to produce a better all-round performance against Freo and we will work on that during the week.