1. Hawks continue to grind out wins
It was far from pretty, but Hawthorn found a way to get over the line against Collingwood on Friday night.
A nine-point three quarter time advantage became a nine-point deficit for the Hawks midway through the final term, but goals to Cyril Rioli, Matt Suckling and Luke Breust turned the game in their favour.
The win against the Magpies gives the Hawks five wins in a row, heading into an important match against ladder-leader Fremantle at Aurora Stadium on Sunday.
2. How many disposals does Cyril Rioli need to impact a match?
If Friday night’s performance was anything to go by, then 10 is more than enough.
Rioli kicked five goals straight – all from set shots – from seven kicks and three handballs, while laying four tackles and taking five marks.
His desperation to win the ball on the ground at halfback late in the final term set up the match-winning goal for teammate Luke Breust.
3. Capitalising on scoring opportunities is pivotal
Just four points separated the Hawks and Magpies at the major break, setting up a massive second half.
However, the Hawks will be thankful the Magpies were unable to capitalise on their chances in the third term.
Nathan Buckley’s side kicked 2.9 as opposed to the Hawks’ 4.2, with a Breust goal in the dying stages of the term giving the Hawks a nine-point ascendancy heading into the last quarter.
4. Jordan Lewis bounces back
Vice-captain Jordan Lewis had arguably had a couple of quiet weeks either side of the bye heading into Friday night’s match.
The prolific ball-winner - who averages more than 31 disposals a match this season - was coming off a 22-disposal game against St Kilda and 24-disposal games against Adelaide Crows and Essendon.
But Lewis was back to his prolific best against the Magpies, racking up 36 disposals, 10 marks, six clearances and nine inside 50s, driving the Hawks towards their fifth consecutive win.
5. The strength of the football community
The football community came together as one to pay tribute to Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh, who tragically passed away on Friday.
Hawthorn and Collingwood formed a circle in the middle of the MCG after their match to pay their respects to Walsh – and it was a gesture mirrored at football matches around the country across the weekend.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson worked alongside Walsh when Port Adelaide won the 2004 AFL premiership.
“We're going to mourn together and support the family and the Adelaide footy club as much as we can over the next few days, because it's going to be really tough for the Adelaide players in particular," he said after the game.
It was a fitting tribute to a passionate and highly-respected football person.
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