Hawthorn’s 72-point win over Carlton on Sunday was established from a dominant opening quarter.

The Hawks strangled the Blues, who were unable to register a score before quarter time for the first time since 1990.

Any attacking foray by the Blues was repeatedly quashed by the Hawks, as Alastair Clarkson’s side dominated the play and maintained possession with precision.

The Hawks recorded an impressive 83% kicking efficiency in the first term, with the Blues failing to put enough pressure on to disturb the brown and gold momentum.

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Hawthorn’s scoreboard damage came in an electric seven-minute burst that saw them kick four straight goals from seven inside 50s.

With all four of these goals having been launched from possession chains generated from the midfield, three of the four were kicked on the run from inside 50, highlighting the free rein that the Hawks were afforded.

Such liberties continued throughout the second quarter as the Blues managed just three scoring shots before half-time.

The Blues’ 12 inside 50s in the opening half is the lowest number recorded by any team this season and the fewest entries by the Blues in a first half since 2009.

While the Hawks entered their forward 50 on 29 occasions in the first half and were able to match that number again in the second half.