Matthew Lloyd Challenges Hawthorn’s Move to Sign Both Barrass and Battle

Matthew Lloyd is questioning whether Hawthorn made a strategic error by recruiting both Tom Barrass and Josh Battle during the last trade and free agency period.

While the Hawks did strengthen their defence with this key duo, their arrivals may have adversely affected captain James Sicily’s performance, who has been struggling this season. Meanwhile, Sam Frost has found it challenging to secure a spot in the best 22.

Hawthorn has faced three consecutive losses, including disappointing performances against top teams Collingwood and Brisbane.

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Lloyd speculates that Hawthorn may have hoped to secure one of Barrass or Battle last year but didn’t intend to go after both.

They traded away future first, second, and third-round picks for Barrass, while Battle joined through free agency.

Ultimately, both players committed to the Hawks, which Lloyd claims may have disrupted the cohesion of their defensive unit.

“I’m left wondering about the decision to bring in Barrass and Battle — perhaps they should have opted for just one,” Lloyd remarked on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“This isn’t a matter of hindsight; I believed they were testing the waters for both players and didn’t require both in the first place.

“You’ve already got Sam Frost, who isn’t even playing now.

“I don’t think they are functioning well together as a defensive unit.”

Lloyd didn’t hold back in his critique of the Hawks’ overall performance, questioning whether they’ve been exposed defensively by average players in recent weeks.

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“Their backline isn’t functioning cohesively. The midfield is missing Cam Mackenzie, and Josh Ward is struggling to find his form. Is James Worpel truly a B-grader? What about Conor Nash?,” he questioned.

“With Will Day absent, they’ve been too easily exposed, relying heavily on Jai Newcombe.

“Their forward line raises questions about whether they are selfish and if they connect well with one another. Overall, there are numerous issues for Hawthorn.

“The dream of clinching the premiership is slipping away.

“Now, the focus has shifted to whether they can regroup and vie for a finals spot — that’s now the target for Hawthorn.

“We wondered on Friday night if it would mark a turning point for Hawthorn, as they fought back for a quarter, but then faltered after that.”

The challenge doesn’t get any easier for the Hawks, as they prepare to face the in-form Western Bulldogs on Thursday night.