1. Welcome to the top four
With a top four spot up for grabs, the Hawks delivered.
It wasn’t a pretty victory – it was a hard-fought, finals-like win which Alastair Clarkson said would fill the young players his side with confidence.
The next three matches are now crucial for the Hawks – as wins against Gold Coast SUNS, Port Adelaide and fellow top-four side Sydney Swans would go a long way to securing a double chance come finals time.
2. The big moment specialist steps up (again)
Five-goal star James Sicily earned plenty of praise for his contribution, but another star Hawk perhaps flew under the radar – Shaun Burgoyne.
The big moment specialist again stepped up, making a significant impact in defence and when thrown into the middle, producing an extremely influential 17-disposal performance.
3. Gunston well held, but Hawks find a way
Star forward Jack Gunston had kicked multiple goals in each of his past seven matches heading into Friday night’s battle, but was held goalless by North’s Robbie Tarrant.
However, the Hawks found other avenues to goal – which must have pleased Alastair Clarkson immensely.
Sicily slotted five, Rioli bobbed up with two, and Billy Hartung’s third-quarter double was pivotal.
Billy Hartung offered an avenue to goal against the Roos.
4. Hawks win the stat that matters
Stats can be misleading.
On Friday night, the Roos won the disposal count (340-270), the clearances (45-41), the inside 50s (55-48) and the contested possessions (155-128).
But the Hawks’ accuracy in front of goal was the difference – kicking 14.9 to the Roos’ 11.18.
5. Lewis massive (again)
It feels like this has almost been a Five Takeaways regular, but Jordan Lewis again led from the front against the Roos.
Lewis appears to have relished the captaincy in Luke Hodge’s absence, averaging almost 35 disposals over the past four weeks.
Jordan Lewis was in the heat of the action all night - even when he didn't have the ball.
Against the Roos, Lewis was involved in just about everything - including a Drew Petrie headlock – racking up 31 disposals, 11 clearances and a brilliant final quarter goal to be arguably the game’s most influential player.
