Against the odds

Hawthorn entered the Round 8 clash against GWS with its back firmly against the wall. A disappointing loss to Melbourne the previous week had led Alastair Clarkson to leave Jarryd Roughead out of the senior side to take on the Giants. The Hawks found their season at a crossroads. But what ensued was an ideal response. Clarkson’s side was simply the better side for four quarters. Hawthorn have somewhat resurrected its season outlook with a record of four wins and four losses now through the opening two months. In Roughead’s absence, all eyes were on 20-year-old Mitch Lewis as he was tasked with leading the Hawks’ big man attack. Despite limited opportunities, Lewis showed some exciting glimpses with two contested grabs at pivotal moments.

Cuz and Hendo

The Hawks are having to count on the improvement of lesser-known names through their midfield this year to get the job done, but those names are steadily becoming more and more dependable. A possible leader of the club’s best and fairest count to this point, Ricky Henderson was again wonderful, amassing a career-high 36 disposals including 10 in the first term to spark his side into action. Emerging on-baller James Cousins was also a highlight for the Hawks, with him too collecting a career-high 25 disposals. The 21-year-old’s steal and running goal just before three-quarter time was arguably the most important major of the day. 

Chip chops Cameron

Heading into Sunday’s game, there wasn’t a tougher assignment in the game than the task of quietening Giant Jeremy Cameron. Cameron had kicked 30 goals through the opening seven rounds to lead the Coleman Medal tally by 14 goals. On return from an injury lay-off, James Frawley was afforded no time to reacclimatise as Clarkson handed the key defender the role of standing on the Giants sharpshooter. But Frawley was unperturbed, playing a match-defining role on Cameron who went goalless and had minimal impact on the game.

Read: Roughy responds resoundingly

Team defence

Ahead of their match-up with the Giants, the Hawks’ ability to restrict opposition’s scoring had not exactly been a problem but it certainly hadn’t been a strength either. Hawthorn ranked 10^th in the competition before Sunday’s game for scores conceded, but it was that area of its game that propelled the team towards an outstanding win. The Hawks allowed the Giants, the highest-scoring side in the competition prior to Round 8, to register just 38 points, their lowest tally since Round 7 last year.