It was the weight of numbers that ultimately got it done for the Hawks on Friday night.
Hawthorn trailed Collingwood in disposals (378-386), clearances (27-42), marks inside 50 (seven-nine) and tackles (66-69), but the Hawks put a clear discrepancy between theirs and the Pies' inside 50 count.
Hawthorn went inside 50 57 times compared to the Magpies' 35 so, despite leading for a minimal period, its dominance in this area ultimately got it done for Alastair Clarkson's side.
Their inside 50 efficiency nearly cost them on the night, with the Hawks' first term being symbolic of how the bulk of the night panned out.
Hawthorn recorded 18 inside 50s to Collingwood's five in the first quarter - its equal-fewest in a single quarter this season.
But the Magpies still managed four goals for the quarter from 14 forward-half disposals, compared to one goal for the Hawks from their 58 forward-half disposals.
Hawthorn had won the inside 50 count by 10 or more in a single quarter three times this season.
They won all of these quarters, by an average margin of 25 points.
In the opening term, the Hawks recorded 13 more inside 50s, but trailed by 13 points at the break.
Thankfully, Hawthorn were able to slowly rectify this across the game to pull off a win that was sure to make brown and gold hearts warm.
