1. Experienced brigade delivers yet again
Hawthorn is in no hurry to see its star veterans retire, and Sunday’s match was just another example of why. The Hawks’ five players aged 30 or older – Shaun Burgoyne, Sam Mitchell, Josh Gibson, Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis were arguably all within the 10 best players on the ground. Mitchell, who is reportedly close to re-signing for 2017, was brilliant again with 35 disposals, Lewis found the ball at will, and Gibson was his dependable self both in the air and rebounding out of defence. Burgoyne was close to the Hawks’ best on ground at half-time, and then there’s Luke Hodge… not a bad performance at all for a guy who had missed the past two months through injury.
2. Billy building
While the Hawks’ experienced brigade continues to deliver, one young Hawk who has flown under the radar in 2016 is Billy Hartung. But the speedy midfielder has played a crucial hand in the past two weeks, against North Melbourne and Gold Coast Suns. Hartung had 18 disposals against the Suns – at an efficiency rating of 84.2 per cent – and kicked two goals for the second week running. With his ability to break the lines, Hartung has been able to capitalise with two goals in each of his past two matches – compared to two goals in his first 11.
3. Mitchell v Ablett
We’ve become accustomed to Sam Mitchell getting close attention over the past couple of weeks. But watching him go head-to-head with Suns’ star Gary Ablett at stages in Sunday was intriguing. Mitchell had 35 disposals and eight clearances to set up the Hawks’ 26-point win, while Ablett was every bit as important for the Suns, with 40 disposals and 15 clearances.
4. 'The Hawktress’? 'Hawkceston'?
Hawthorn’s victory against the Suns means its winning streak at Aurora Stadium now extends to 18 matches. The Hawks’ Tassie home base continues to be a happy hunting ground for the three-time reigning premiers – and a tough assignment for travelling teams. So far this year, the Hawks have recorded wins against St Kilda, Fremantle, and now the Suns in Launceston… or ‘Hawkceston’… or 'The Hawktress’? The Hawks have one more game in Launceston this year – against Carlton in Round 19.
5. Stratton for All Australian?
Ben Stratton earned selection in SEN1116 commentator Scott Lucas’ ‘Not So Obvious All Australian Team’. But with each game that passes, Stratton’s reputation grows. Capable of playing on the smalls and talls, Stratton has been the epitome of consistent in 2016. He doesn’t get a heap of the footy – averaging 13.1 disposals and 5.1 marks per game – but takes on a star opposition forward each week to be an important cog in the Hawks’ defence. Alongside the likes of Gibson, Hodge, Frawley and Birchall, Stratton can fly under the radar. But with 18 disposals – at 83.3 per cent efficiency – plus eight marks and seven one-percenters, Stratton played his role to perfection again against the Suns.
