In a Tweet

Different year, same result! The Grand Final rematch produces another 46-point win & Gibbo finishes with a club record equalling 44 touches!

The Rundown

Last year’s Grand Final opponents met again in a tantalising Round 2 clash, only for history to repeat itself as Hawthorn thumped West Coast to the tune of 46 points.

The Eagles were kept goalless in the first and last quarters as the Hawks ran riot, bouncing back after a first-up loss to the Cats in Round 1.

Josh Gibson equalled the club record for the most disposals by a Hawthorn player in a match with 44, as well as kicking his first goal in the brown and gold.

James Sicily and Cyril Rioli were electric for Hawthorn, kicking four goals each and looked lively right from the opening bounce.

Sam Mitchell, Isaac Smith and Billy Hartung all collected more than 30 disposals as the Hawks opened their account in 2016.

The Star

It’s hard to go past Josh Gibson as the best player on the ground. The defender had the ball on a string all day and regularly set the Hawks up from defence.

The Moment

Jordan Lewis produced a great spoil on Matt Priddis at half forward early in the last quarter. He gathered the loose ball, delivered to Cyril in the goal square who kicked his fourth goal and put the result beyond doubt.

The Coach

“We needed to respond well from last week’s loss… we were pleased that we were able to do that (today).” – Alastair Clarkson

HAWTHORN   4.4  7.8  11.11  14.15  (99) 
WEST COAST  0.2  4.5   7.8     7.11   (53) 

GOALS
Hawthorn: Rioli 4, Sicily 4, McEvoy, Gunston, Lewis, O'Rourke, Breust, Gibson
West Coast: Darling 3, Kennedy, Redden, McGovern, Cripps

BEST 
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Gibson, Sicily, Duryea, Hartung, Smith, Frawley
West Coast: Redden, Kennedy, Darling, MacKenzie

INJURIES 
Hawthorn: Nil
West Coast: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: O'Gorman, Meredith, Ryan

Official crowd: 42,977 at the MCG