Round 4
Hawthorn v Geelong
April 25, Adelaide Oval
Following a big win against Western Bulldogs, the Hawks were caught short in Round 4 against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
The Power jumped out of the blocks with an eight-goal-to-one opening quarter, and at half time led by a whopping 51 points.
It was the first time the Hawks had had 12 goals kicked against them in a half since 2009, and the game appeared all but over.
But the Hawks fought back after the major break.
At three-quarter time, the margin was back to 41 points. In the final term, the Hawks managed 5.1 to the Power’s one behind, falling eight points short of a miraculous comeback.
With 29 disposals, 10 inside-50s, eight tackles and two goals, Isaac Smith led the way for the Hawks.
Jordan Lewis (36 disposals and seven clerances), Taylor Duryea (25 disposals, 14 marks and 10 inside-50s) and Josh Gibson (29 disposals, 12 marks, 11 one-percenters) were also among the Hawks’ best performers.
PORT ADELAIDE 8.2 12.4 15.8 15.9 (99)
HAWTHORN 1.2 3.7 8.9 13.13 (91)
Goals: Gunston 3, Smith 2, Rioli 2, Hodge, Puopolo, Hartung, Hill, Duryea, Breust
Best: Lewis, Gibson, Gunston, Smith, Hodge, Duryea
Injuries: Lake (knee), Puopolo (hamstring)
Substitute: Billy Hartung replaced Brian Lake (knee) in the first quarter
Round 5
North Melbourne v Hawthorn
May 2, Etihad Stadium
THE Hawks came out with a point to prove, flexing their muscles against North Melbourne to record a 60-point win at Etihad Stadium.
However, the win came at a cost, with Captain Luke Hodge and Vice-Captain Jordan Lewis suspended for a combined five matches for incidents during the game.
After a tight start, the Hawks kicked away to a 23-point lead at half time.
A 12-goal-to-six second half made certain of the win, with Alastair Clarkson saying he was “really pleased with our resilience and bouncing back from a disappointing early part of the game last week.”
Sam Mitchell picked up three Brownlow votes for his 33-disposal performance, while Luke Breust and Jack Gunston were both dangerous around goal, finishing with four goals each.
In the absence of key defenders Brian Lake and James Frawley, Josh Gibson, Ben Stratton and Ryan Schoenmakers – playing his first game for the season – filled the key defensive posts.
Lewis (29 disposals) and Isaac Smith (27 disposals) again found plenty of the footy for the Hawks, continuing their terrific starts to the season.
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.1 4.3 7.8 10.10 (70)
HAWTHORN 6.4 7.8 12.13 19.16 (130)
Goals: Breust 4, Ceglar 3, Roughead 3, Gunston 3, Smith 2, Rioli, Lewis, Mitchell, Hill
Best: Gunston, Mitchell, Birchall, Smith, Hodge, Breust
Injuries: Paul Puopolo (corked leg) replaced in selected side by Brendan Whitecross, Josh Gibson (nose)
Substitute: Brendan Whitecross replaced Taylor Duryea in the fourth quarter
Round 6
GWS Giants v Hawthorn
May 9, Spotless Stadium
AFTER six rounds of 2015, the Hawks’ win-loss record stood at 3-3, after a 10-point loss to GWS Giants.
Seven goals to key forward Jeremy Cameron helped the Giants to victory, in a match of ebbs and flows.
The Hawks gained the early ascendency, before the Giants responded in the second term to claim a narrow lead at the major break.
Early in the final term, a brilliant running goal from young gun Billy Hartung opened up a three-goal advantage for the Hawks.
But the Giants kicked the next five goals to turn the tables on the dual reigning premiers, before holding on for a memorable victory.
Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis were sidelined through suspension, leaving veterans Sam Mitchell and Shaun Burgoyne, with 34 and 31 disposals respectively, to lead the way in midfield.
Isaac Smith again impressed with 29 disposals, as did defenders Josh Gibson and Grant Birchall, who both found plenty of the ball.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 2.2 7.4 11.5 16.12 (108)
HAWTHORN 4.5 6.6 12.9 14.14 (98)
Goals: Roughead, I. Smith, Gunston, Hartung 2, Shiels, Puopolo, Mitchell, Burgoyne, Breust, Duryea
Best: Burgoyne, Mitchell, Birchall, I. Smith, Suckling, Hill
Injuries: Nil
Substitute: Brendan Whitecross replaced in Ben McEvoy in the third quarter
