Hawthorn’s first quarter performance on Saturday night was stunning.
Clearly the best start of the Hawks’ season to date, it was the first time they kicked five goals in an opening term since Round 19 last year.
They were also able to keep their opposition goalless in the first quarter for the second consecutive week.
The issue for the Hawks was that their output for the rest of the game was barely better than their opening term’s – five goals in the first quarter and only five for the rest of the game.
The Hawks went at an outstanding 79 per cent kicking efficiency in the opening quarter.
Compare this to an overall 66 per cent level in the 10 games prior to Saturday night.
This skill execution saw the brown and gold record five marks inside 50 in the opening quarter and on pace for one of its highest tallies in recent years.
But, in a parallel with the scoring, this connection between the midfield and forward line simply dried up after the first change.
The Hawks took just four marks inside 50 for the rest of the game.
By the end of the game, the Hawks were operating at a rate of 35 per cent with converting inside 50 entries into scores.
Alastair Clarkson’s side has continually proven this year that its best can match it with anyone.
But, as it sets itself for the second half of the season, Hawthorn simply must bridge the gap between when they are on and when they are not.
