Hawthorn was never going to be able to maintain their first quarter standard on Friday night.
Racing away to a powerful 20-point lead by the first break, the Hawks monstered the Roos early as they doubled Rhyce Shaw’s side in clearance and recorded 11 more contested possessions.
No side has put together a four-quarter performance at that level of dominance this year.
But the side’s form following that opening term was barely recognisable compared to its fast start.
Hawthorn’s ability to look after possession in its defensive half became a glaring issue.
North Melbourne had 16 more forward half intercepts for the game and managed to capitalise on these.
The Kangaroos are the number one side in the competition in this area.
The Roos’ fierce pressure game, a reputation they are quickly building under their new coach, proved pivotal.
A whole team effort, only one Roo failed to record a tackle while there were four Hawks that fell into this category.
