In a Tweet…
A strong finish from the Hawks as we run out 46-point winners on the G! Lewis and Hartung out best with 28 touches and goal each.
The Rundown
Hawthorn overcame a spirited Richmond side on the back of some strong performances from their forwards to record a well-fought out 46-point win at the MCG in Round 7.
After Richmond kicked the opening three goals of the game, the Hawks regained control, kicking the next six goals to hold a 15-point lead at half time.
The Tigers kicked four unanswered goals in the third term to regain the lead, however the Hawks lifted, kicking ten goals to one in a devastating burst which couldn’t be matched by their opposition.
Jordan Lewis led the way for the Hawks with 28 disposals, while youngster Billy Hartung also impressed with 28 touches and a goal in his best performance at AFL level. Jack Gunston (four goals) and Paul Puopolo (three goals) hit the scoreboard regularly.
The Star
Luke Breust was instrumental up forward, bagging a career-best six goals from just 14 touches.
The Moment
With a minute to go in the first quarter, Bradley Hill sent the ball long inside 50. Paul Puopolo flew high over a couple of Richmond defenders to take one of his 2016 Mark of the Year contenders and bring the Hawthorn fans at the MCG to their feet.
The Coach
“For our guys to step up in Sam Mitchell’s absence was really important for us. We had to share the load through that area of the ground.” - Alastair Clarkson
RICHMOND 3.4 6.7 10.11 13.12 (90)
HAWTHORN 4.2 9.4 12.8 21.10 (136)
GOALS
Richmond: Vickery 3, Riewoldt 3, Short 2, Miles 2, Lloyd, Vlastuin, Griffiths
Hawthorn: Breust 6, Gunston 4, Puopolo 3, Smith, Sicily, Shiels, Rioli, Lewis, Ceglar, Hill, Hartung
BEST
Richmond: Martin, Miles, Grigg, Vlastuin,Riewoldt, Edwards
Hawthorn: Breust, Hartung, Gibson, Gunston, Smith, Lewis, Puopolo
INJURIES
Richmond: Batchelor (knee)
Hawthorn: Sam Mitchell (corked calf) replaced in the selected side by Kieran Lovell
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Rosebury, Mollison, Wallace
Official crowd: 49,678 at the MCG
