In a Tweet

 

The Rundown

Blustery, wet MCG conditions had an impact on both sides early in the game as neither side could take advantage of their scoring opportunities.

Inaccuracy continued to plague the Hawks throughout the second term as they were unable to gain a rightful ascendancy, despite dominating possession. 

Hawthorn slowly added to their ten-point lead throughout the third quarter, finding some late goals that finally allowed them to break away from a spirited Tiger outfit.

The scoreboard eventually began to reflect the Hawks supremacy as they kicked ahead in the last quarter to increase the final margin to 70 points.

The Star

Sam Mitchell became the seventh Hawk to play 300 games in this clash and he celebrated in fine style. Mitchell collected 38 possessions in the blowout win, including nine clearances, creating a memorable milestone game for Hawk fans.

The Moment

Although the Hawks had the better of general play for much of the game, it was not until Jack Gunston and Cyril Rioli kicked consecutive goals late in the third term that they got some genuine breathing distance over the Tigers.

Those two goals helped the Hawks take a 28-point lead into the final break and opened the floodgates for a nine-goal-to-two final quarter that carried them to victory.

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The Coach

"They've been a dangerous opponent for us in recent years, and we're pleased we were able to have a convincing victory in the end”. – Alastair Clarkson 

HAWTHORN         2.5   4.11   7.15   16.18 (114)
RICHMOND          2.5   3.7      3.11    5.14 (44)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Rioli 3, Gunston 3, Sicily 3, Breust 2, Puopolo, O'Rourke, Whitecross, Gibson, McEvoy
Richmond: Riewoldt 2, Rioli, Drummond, Cotchin 

BEST 
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Gibson, Hill, Birchall, Gunston, Lewis, Stratton
Richmond: Martin, Rance, Grigg, Miles  

INJURIES
Hawthorn: TBC 
Richmond: Grimes (hamstring) 

Reports: Nil 

Umpires: Brown, Schmitt, Kamolins

Official crowd: 51,892 at the MCG