1. Rioli returns in style
Despite suffering an upset loss to the Dees, Hawks fans were treated to a stellar return from Cyril Rioli.
The key forward certainly maintained his prominence on the field kicking four goals and earning a Mark of the Year nomination.

 


2. Heatherley steps up
New Zealander, Kurt Heatherley made his debut on Saturday after James Frawley was a late withdrawal with a minor shoulder injury.

The 21-year-old became the sixth debutant for the Hawks this season, showing signs of a long and optimistic future ahead.

3. Fingers crossed

In what was tight match with Melbourne, our loss didn’t leave us unscarred. Several key players encountered minor injuries included Hodge (left groin) and Gibson (right ankle) that required to receive treatment during the game. Ben Stratton also failed to return after three quarter time with a suspected pectoral injury.


4. Top spot unbroken
Despite the loss on the weekend the Hawks still remain one win clear on top of the ladder. With a relatively low percentage the Hawks will need to be at the best over the next few weeks to ensure a top four finish.


5. Dees broke their drought
Melbourne’s 29-point victory over the Hawks saw the Dees break a 10-year drought. The Dees had not beaten Hawthorn since Round 8 of 2006.
Until Saturday’s clash, Hawthorn had won 13 of their past match ups with the Demons.


6. Clarkson looks ahead
Hawthorn Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson acknowledged Melbourne’s winning performance and gave admiration to the young squad’s consistent ball control throughout the entire game.
Despite the upset defeat, Clarkson insisted that whilst the Hawks would not be dropping off.  “We still know that there’s a hell of a lot to play for in the last part of the year,” Clarkson told the media in his post-match press conference.


7. Box Hill bounce back
Box Hill Hawks had a successful weekend claiming a 37-point victory over Werribee in the VFL.
The squad managed to defeat the Tigers by 37 points, keeping their slim finals hopes alive.