1. It’s not pretty, but it’s effective
Scraping over the line by less than a kick might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s an improvement on last year’s start.
We’re off to a 3-1 start to 2016, courtesy of three-point wins against Western Bulldogs and St Kilda.
Looking back to last year, we were 4-4 after four losses by less than two kicks.
We’ll take the four points any day of the week.
2. Sam Mitchell sets new PB
Just when you thought he couldn’t possibly get better, Sam Mitchell raised the bar.
Mitchell equalled the club’s disposals record, tallying 44 against the Saints to match Josh Gibson’s effort against West Coast in Round 2.
The 33-year-old’s previous best haul was 40 disposals – which he had achieved twice, both against West Coast in 2009.
3. Breust, Puopolo quietly going about their business
Sometimes the talents of Luke Breust and Paul Puopolo go unrecognised.
Both were brilliant against the Saints.
Between the two, they collected 28 disposals and kicked four goals, but in a tight contest, it was their ability to create pressure inside 50 which led to a number of scoring shots.
Puopolo laid seven tackles for the match and Breust three, with Breust’s final quarter run down of Jarryn Geary a real highlight.
4. Swingmen have an impact
With no Josh Gibson in defence, the Hawks looked to alternate options inside their defensive 50 against the Saints.
Recently re-signed forward Jack Gunston spent time down back, collecting 19 disposals and 11 marks, while Tim O’Brien also went back late in the game, after kicking two goals.
Both looked comfortable at either end, suggesting Alastair Clarkson’s versatile side still has a few tricks up its sleeve.
5. There’s plenty of room for improvement
Alastair Clarkson was the first to admit the Hawks have plenty of room to improve post-game, and leaders Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell were only too happy to agree.
We won’t argue with them.
But good teams find a way to win – which the Hawks have done the past two weeks.
And good teams rise to the occasion, which will be Shaun Burgoyne’s 300th and a massive clash with the in-form Adelaide Crows at the MCG on Friday night.
