1. It’s all about winning the big moments
Champion teams rise to the occasion when the pressure is at its greatest.
Hawthorn did just that against a determined Adelaide Crows outfit at Adelaide Oval last night.
After a slow start, the Crows fought their way back into the game, claiming the lead midway through the third quarter for the first time since the opening minutes of the game.
But the Hawks found another gear, kicking the final two goals of the third term and the first four in the final term to put the game beyond doubt.
Skipper Luke Hodge was instrumental with his leadership, but it was an across the board lift from the Hawks which got the job done.
2. How important is Paul Puopolo?
Very.
The tenacious small forward missed the previous two games, but wasted no time getting back into the swing of things.
Puopolo laid an equal game-high eight tackles – and alongside fellow pressure kings Cyril Rioli and Liam Shiels (who also laid eight tackles each) – had a major impact on a high-pressure game.
The Hawks pressure around goal restricted the Crows rebound out of defence, enabling the visitors to trap the ball inside their forward half for long periods and build scoreboard pressure.
Puopolo also chimed in with a goal – and had a hand in a couple of others.
3. Pressure wins matches
Continuing along the same theme, it was clear the Hawks’ pressure around the ground played a key role in the win.
Crows coach Phil Walsh spoke about his side needing to use the ball efficiently in the build-up to the match – and for large portions of the match it was something the Hawks prevented them from consistently doing.
Statistically little separated the sides, especially in terms of disposals and clearances.
But the Hawks reduced the impact of some of the Crows’ key movers, including superstar Patrick Dangerfield and All-Australian half-back Brodie Smith, who found plenty of the ball but used it at 61.3% and 54.5% respectively.
VIDEO: Hawks cut off the Crows - intercept marks
Pressure up the ground allowed the likes of Hodge, Josh Gibson and Brian Lake to claim numerous intercept marks through the game and drive the Hawks back into attack.
4. No Gunston, no Roughead, no worries
Very rarely have key forwards Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughead gone goalless in the same match.
In fact, it hasn’t happened since Round 19, 2013.
But after last night’s shared output on the scoreboard, Alastair Clarkson and co. wouldn’t be too worried.
Both spent large amounts of time up the ground, as the Hawks found 13 different goalkickers.
Only three of those players kicked multiple goals, with a number of Hawks bobbing up dangerously around the big sticks.
5. Is Shaun Burgoyne sneaking under the radar?
Possibly.
The smooth moving, veteran Hawk was at his brilliant best in Thursday night’s win against the Crows.
Arguably best afield in the first half, Burgoyne collected 23 disposals and was undoubtedly one of the game’s standout performers at the final siren.
Eight Hawks had more than 20 disposals – none of whom had more than 25 – and after kicking the first goal of the match, Burgoyne appeared to be involved in almost everything.
A lot of attention has centred on the likes of Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis in the early stages of this season, but the impact of Burgoyne off half-back and through the midfield cannot be understated.
