JONATHON Ceglar and Jack Gunston returned to great effect in the Hawks' 45-point NAB Challenge win against North Melbourne on Saturday night.
Both Ceglar (finger) and Gunston (shin) have been hampered by minor injuries post-Christmas.
But the duo offered another dimension to the Hawks against the Kangaroos.
Gunston boosted the Hawks' forward potency, collecting 13 disposals, taking five marks and kicking two goals, alongside the Luke Breust (four goals), who also returned after missing the Hawks' NAB Challenge 2 loss to Richmond.
Ceglar combined with fellow ruckman Ben McEvoy for 41 hitouts to help the Hawks negate the influence of 2015 All Australian ruckman Todd Goldstein.
He also had an impact up forward, kicking two goals - the first after taking a strong mark in the second quarter, followed by a cool finish on the run in the third term.
“Less rotations might actually help the rucks – it’s sort of going to go back to how it used to be, that they stay on the ground a little bit longer but then when they get off they have a really good rest and come back on and have a big impact," assistant coach Adem Yze told SEN1116 on Sunday.
"Cegs obviously showed that last night. I think he was on the bench for eight or nine minutes for the first part of the quarter, then he came on and started to turn the game.
"Maybe we’ll use that as a real strength throughout the year."
LATEST NEWS
Mitchell stars as Hawks outlast Roos
Dominant Mitchell says Hawks ready for Round 1
