1. Hawthorn is back on top
In news that will frighten everyone but its fans, Hawthorn will head into the bye on top of the ladder, despite missing key players and being below its best for most of the first 14 rounds. Its eleventh win for the season came in a jumper with pink and brown stripes that, although it broke every fashion rule, was more than justified because it supported Cancer Council Tasmania. Although the Sydney Swans might claim top spot if they beat the Western Bulldogs next week (five teams have been on top this season), the Hawks effort is still remarkable. After all, they have lost Jarryd Roughead for the rest of the season and skipper Luke Hodge has not played since round six. The three consecutive three-point wins between rounds three and five may prove the difference between a fourth flag in a row and just falling short when the season ends. Hawthorn has now won 18 in a row at Aurora, 11 by more than 50 points.
2. This was vintage Gary Ablett
It's no wonder Gary Ablett jumped out of the blocks against Hawthorn in vintage form. After all, the champion averages 39 disposals when playing for the Suns against Hawthorn. By quarter-time he was better than average, having had 11 disposals at 90 per cent efficiency and kicking a masterful goal. It was Ablett at his best, receiving a handball, breaking Josh Gibson's tackle, wrong-footing Jordan Lewis and snapping the goal. Opposed by Liam Shiels he continued on at breakneck speed, finishing the game with 40 disposals, including 25 contested possessions and 15 clearances, and is getting back to his best.
3. Hawthorn needed Luke Hodge
The Hawks skipper returned for his first match since round six after injuring his knee. He began in defence, spent time in the middle and hit the ball with his usual hardness. Wearing a glove on his left hand to protect an old finger injury, he returned like a champion horse gearing up for the spring carnival. Hodge went on and off the bench regularly as the coach ensured he worked towards the match fitness he needs to become a key player in the second half of the season. Hodge finished with 28 disposals (seven contested) and nine marks. Add Sam Mitchell, who was brilliant again with 35 disposals that included a kick off the ground that hit Luke Breust on the chest inside 50, and the Hawks are looking ominous.
4. Suns' height worried Hawks
Two minutes into the second quarter and the Suns' tall timber was worrying Hawthorn. Leading the charge was Tom Lynch, who had racked up seven marks by that time, including five contested marks and three marks inside 50. Peter Wright was also proving a handful with four marks and a goal while Sam Day played in the ruck and up forward, challenging Hawks defenders James Frawley, Josh Gibson and the inexperienced Kaiden Brand. The tall timber of Lynch, Wright and Day finished with five goals and seven marks between them inside 50.
5. The Suns are competitive once again
To put the performance of Gold Coast into context, Hawthorn has now won 18 consecutive games at Aurora Stadium. In all but two of those games, the Hawks have won by at least 40 points. However the Suns managed to jump out of the blocks early and then when Hawthorn gained some ascendancy in general play hang around just enough to always consider themselves a chance. Although the margin stretched to 26 points by siren time, there was not more than two goals the difference for most of the game. The Suns have never beaten Hawthorn – once getting within nine points – but given the season they have had, this performance showed they are not far away.
