1. The ‘yo-yo’ streak is broken
It took 10 matches to achieve, but Hawthorn has finally notched consecutive victories for the first time in 2015 – and comprehensive victories at that.
A 53-point win over the Gold Coast Suns in Round 9 was backed up by a 63-point win against St Kilda at the weekend.
The wins take the Hawks to sixth place on the ladder heading into the bye, with a competition-best percentage of 155.2.
However, coach Alastair Clarkson knows the dual reigning premiers must get better – especially with a tough run coming up against the Adelaide Crows, Essendon, Collingwood, Fremantle and the Sydney Swans.
2. Jon Ceglar is making his mark
The big Hawk has played every game this season and his impact on games is starting to grow.
Ceglar again impressed in the Hawks’ win against the Saints on Sunday afternoon, with 22 hit-outs, nine disposals and four one-percenters.
After playing in the first two finals last year before missing out on the grand final, the 24-year old has bounced back strongly and is averaging 23.8 hit-outs per match this season.
Sunday’s match marked the first time Ceglar has played 10 consecutive AFL games in a season.
Injuries have hampered fellow ruckmen Ben McEvoy and David Hale in the first part of 2015, and the form of all three ruckmen will give the Hawks’ coaches plenty to think about after the bye.
3. Hawks forwards spreading the load
The Hawks are proving they don’t rely on one or two forwards to lead the way, with a number of players hitting the scoreboard week-in, week-out.
Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughead kicked three goals each against the Saints, while Luke Hodge, Ryan Schoenmakers, Liam Shiels and Bradley Hill kicked two goals each.
Luke Breust (23 goals), Roughead (also 23) and Gunston (22) have all been consistent contributors in the forward arc, while Schoenmakers has chipped in with two goals in each of his past three games.
In Breust, Roughead and Gunston, the Hawks have three players in the top 20 of the Coleman Medal tally – the only club in the competition to do so.
4. Good kicking is good football
At half-time on Sunday afternoon, the Hawks had kicked 5.10 and missed several gettable opportunities that would have almost put the game beyond doubt.
However a 35-point lead was extended in the second half as the Hawks’ forwards clicked into gear, slotting 12.2 – 6.1 in both the third and fourth terms.
Good kicking is definitely good football.
Sharpshooter Luke Breust acknowledged it was an area the Hawks would continue to work on after the bye.
"We always work hard on our goalkicking and we know how crucial a factor it can be in tight games, especially finals, so we'll continue to work hard on it and hopefully as the season progresses we'll improve that," he told AFL.com.au.
5. Is Sam Mitchell in career-best form?
Good question.
The Hawks ball magnet has strung together six consecutive 30-plus disposal games heading into the bye, averaging more than 33 touches per game in that period.
Mitchell enjoyed 35 disposals on the weekend, collecting a game-high 14 contested possessions, eight clearances, and 19 handball receives.
The Hawks veteran also had a game-high 11 score involvements prior to three-quarter time, highlighting his involvement at both ends of the ground.
A three-time premiership player, four-time Peter Crimmins Medallist and two-time All-Australian, Mitchell is undoubtedly enjoying another outstanding season.
But is the 32-year old in career-best form? We’ll let you make up your own mind.
Five Takeaways: St Kilda v Hawthorn
Five talking points from our 63-point win against St Kilda at the weekend.