1. Steele dents Mitchell's Brownlow hopes
The Hawks ball magnet is the raging Brownlow Medal favourite, but if he doesn't win, Steele could be the reason why. He's clamped a number of midfielders in the second half of the season and did the job again on Saturday night. Mitchell still managed to rack up 31 disposals, but just nine came in the first half. He came to the fore later on, especially in a patch when Steele was moved on to Jaeger O'Meara, while the Saint amassed 29 disposals and kicked a goal himself.
2. Heavyweight clash for a top-four spot
On paper this match looked like being a one-sided Hawthorn victory. But that was not how the contest played out. They didn't play their best, but Alastair Clarkson's men hung on for a four-point victory to stay in fourth spot on the ladder. It means next Saturday night's showdown against Sydney at the SCG that will decide which team snares the all-important double chance.
3. St Kilda responds after torrid week
Plenty of pressure was applied on the Saints during the week. With just four wins on the season, coach Alan Richardson had his job security questioned and the mooted board changes copped plenty of scrutiny in the media. The players responded in the best possible way, defying their youth to bring the pressure they have been known for. Despite falling four points short, out-of-contract forward Jack Lonie impressed, booting four goals, Jarryn Geary and Jack Steele did great jobs on Isaac Smith and Tom Mitchell respectively and Jade Gresham once again provided his brilliance.
4. Finally, Goddard returns
It was the first time the former first-round NAB AFL Draft pick has been in the senior side seen since round 11, 2016, when he snapped the Achilles tendon in his left leg against Adelaide. Since then, the backman has spent plenty of time in the rehab group, also having to deal with turf toe in his right foot, and it took a while for the 21-year-old to adjust to the rigours of football. His form has improved markedly in the VFL, but it was a quiet comeback for Goddard against Hawthorn, and understandably so, considering how long he was out for. A moment in the opening term when he was caught by his direct opponent Ryan Schoenmakers after hesitating showed he hadn't quite adjusted to the speed of the game, but Goddard will be better for the run.
5. Untimely Frawley injury
Hawthorn is already without its captain Jarryd Roughead, who is dealing with an ankle concern, and another issue has popped up for Alastair Clarkson ahead of the finals. James Frawley barely played in the second half, having his lower back and hip worked on. His movement was clearly restricted, and any injury at this time of year for a team destined to make finals is a serious worry.
