1. Update your resumes, goalkicking coaches
Both teams' performance in front of goal on Sunday was second-rate at best, and an ideal advertisement for the appointment of goalkicking coaches. The combined score at half-time was 7.18, and by full time the combined conversion from set shots was 9.17. The Tigers were uninspiring, but they are now playing the youngsters. The stakes are much higher for the Hawks, and they'll want to move on from three below-par quarters. They can be comforted by the fact their inaccuracy goes against the trend, having ranked No.2 in the AFL for goalkicking accuracy (55 per cent) pre-game.
2. Mitchell stars in his 300th
In the coaches' view, Mitchell has been in the top three players on the ground in his past three matches, so it should come as no surprise that in his 300th game the champion midfielder produced a typical 'death by 1000 cuts' performance. The seventh Hawk to reach the 300 mark, Mitchell found space, had time with the ball and showcased his trademark sweeping handballs. He finished with 38 possessions and nine clearances before being chaired off by teammates Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis through a guard of honour. "I've enjoyed every minute of it, even the hard times … hopefully we're not done yet," Mitchell told Channel Seven after the siren.
3. System wins out as 'Dusty' runs free
If the Hawks were ever going to run a hard tag, Dustin Martin would have been the player to force their arm. But even the red-hot Tiger couldn't convince Alastair Clarkson to try a run-with player, with the Hawks sticking to their guns as Martin racked up 21 touches in the first half. A serious contender for the Brownlow Medal as he enjoys a career-best season, Martin finished with 39 possessions (18 contested), 10 clearances eight inside 50s, and he should earn votes. But in a losing cause, the Hawks always seemed to have the numbers to bounce straight back out of half-back. 'Dusty' was terrific, but the Hawks' system meant his impact was nullified.
4. Hill's stocks rise
Sunday's clash was a test for Hawthorn wingman Bradley Hill. How would he handle his future at the club after becoming a public talking point during the week, and would anything change with the way he is used by the Hawks? Phasing Hill out makes no sense, with the hard runner a key player in the four-peat campaign. His value at the trade table is also a factor. That was only enhanced on Sunday, with a typically hard-running performance that showed why Fremantle coach Ross Lyon would have been keen to woo him west to play with brother Stephen.
5. Hard road worth it for young Tiger
It has been a tough slog for young midfielder Nathan Drummond to play his second AFL game after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament on debut last season. The 21-year-old was on the MCG early, familiarising himself with the home of football with Daniel Rioli and Jason Castagna, and he got himself involved in the game early too. His first AFL goal came after 18 minutes, crumbing and snapping across his body, prompting every Tiger on the ground to run to him. Richmond has been bullish about his future and he showed glimpses on Sunday that suggest he is certainly on the right track, finishing with 10 possessions and five marks.
