Hawks come out all guns blazing
After a disappointing qualifying final, the Hawks had a point to prove, and they stamped their authority in the opening term against the Crows.
At quarter time, the Hawks had kicked eight goals and has a 38-point advantage.
Grant Birchall, Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne and Sam Mitchell all found plenty of the ball early, while Luke Breust had kicked three goals.
Use the force, Luke(s)
Luke Breust and Luke Hodge combined to kick a total of 10.0, proving deadly in front of goal.
After three goalless matches, Breust made a strong comeback, finishing with six majors to crack the half century – he now has 51 goals from 23 matches this season.
By half-time, Breust and Hodge had seven goals between them and had outscored the Crows (4.3) to give their side a commanding advantage.
Accurate Hawks return
The Hawks’ disposal efficiency was well down against the Eagles, but they hit back against the Crows.
The team’s season average sits at 75.8 per cent, but against the Eagles that dropped to just 67.8 per cent.
Against the Crows, the Hawks went at 78.7 per cent, with key ball movers including Isaac Smith, Bradley Hill, Jordan Lewis and Josh Gibson all going at 85 per cent or better.
Gibson delivers again
Hawks defender Josh Gibson reinforced why he is in the All Australian squad of 40 with another superb display against the Crows.
The 31-year-old, who averages 21.4 disposals per game this season, collected 27 disposals against the Crows.
With eight marks, six rebound 50s and three inside 50s, Gibson again stood tall in what was a strong team defensive effort.
Ready for redemption in the west
The Hawks made a statement against the Crows on Friday night, and will be determined to make another this week.
A spot in the grand final is up for grabs, and the Hawks will meet the Dockers at Domain Stadium.
With everything on the line again, the Hawks will be out to make Domain their domain.
The Hawks have won seven of their past eight against the Dockers, but just three of their past six (against either the Eagles or Dockers) at Domain Stadium.
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