ISAAC Smith remains confident the Hawks’ best football is good enough to help them taste success in 2015.
The Hawks bounced back from a disappointing qualifying final defeat to West Coast Eagles to score a confidence-boosting 74-point victory against Adelaide Crows on Friday night.
Smith, who was quiet against the Eagles after entering the match under an injury cloud, was back to his best against the Crows.
The 26-year-old finished with 21 disposals, plus three rebound 50s and three inside 50s, providing an important link between attack and defence.
“The boys were really disappointed with how we played last week,” Smith said after the win.
“I don’t think we’ve turned in a performance like that probably for a few years. We don’t usually play two bad ones in a row, so it was good to play well.
“We all celebrated the goals which was good, but hopefully there’s two more games to go. Winning these (semi finals) is good, but it means nothing if you can’t win the one at the end.”
A return to playing “Hawthorn football” was the key according to Smith.
The hard-running left footer set the tone early with a brilliant running goal from just inside 50 in the first quarter. He said the Hawks had focused on starting well.
“I said to the boys if I kicked one I’d give it a bit early and get a bit of energy going,” Smith said.
“It was nice to get the ball around there and break 50 and kick a goal. I don’t think I’ve kicked a goal on the run for a couple of weeks, so it was a nice feeling.”
The Hawks now face their second trip to Perth this finals series.
They will meet minor premier Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Friday night.
“They’ve had the week off, so they’ve freshened up a little bit,” Smith said.
“We didn’t play the ground too well last week, so we’ll have to sort that out and have a look at Freo during the week.
“We know when we bring our best footy, it competes with anyone, so if we play well then we’re a chance.”
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