If you were relying on the stat sheet to work out who won on Friday night, you may have believed Hawthorn had recorded its sixth win of 2019.
The Hawks’ production was there.
They had more inside 50s than Essendon (55-50), they won more disposals on the night (407-395) whilst also out-tackling their red and black rivals (49-43).
The Hawthorn ruck duo of Ben McEvoy and Jon Ceglar also gave their on-ballers ideal first-use, dominating the hit-out tally 45-20.
But it was the final piece in the puzzle that the Hawks lacked.
Despite the 55 forward entries being well above its season average, Hawthorn managed just seven marks inside 50 – its lowest number of the year.
Midfield Coach Sam Mitchell noted the lack of synergy between the midfield group and the forwards as an issue that arose from the loss.
"Our connection with our forwards as a midfield group wasn't there,” Mitchell said post-match.
"We just didn't make the most of our chances."
The Hawks rank 12th in the league for marks inside 50 this season – the statistic is not necessarily a strength of the side’s.
But it is a key performance indicator – in its five wins this year, the Hawks have won this count four times.
Alastair Clarkson will no doubt be looking to rectify this area of the Hawks game ahead of the team’s clash with Sydney this Friday night.
