As you would probably imagine, the stat sheet from Friday night’s game isn’t a glowing endorsement of the Hawks’ work.

Despite an even opening first two quarters, the dominance of Geelong’s 10-goal-to-one second half can be easily attributed to an advantage in almost every statistic.

Perhaps where the Cats were most dominant though was at the source – in the midfield battle.

Chris Scott’s side recorded an enormous 18 more clearances than the Hawks, led by the likes of Joel Selwood and Brandan Parfitt who had eight apiece.

Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson spoke post-match about the Cats’ ability to win the contested possession before making good decisions with the ball on the outside.

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“They won on the inside of the contest and then smacked us on the outside,” Clarkson said following the 61-point loss.

“When you’re losing both facets of the game in that space, it’s hard to come back from.”

The third quarter was where this difference was especially apparent.

Hawthorn ultimately lost the contested ball count by 31, but a big chunk of this played out in the third term where the Cats registered 29 more contested touches.

Despite the Round 2 loss being a deflating restart for Hawks fans to have to swallow, the fanbase can hold out on the hope that the side’s opening round victory delivered.

The Hawks’ win over Brisbane in Round 1 told a dramatically different story.

The Lions ranked as the second-best clearance side and the third-best contested possession side in their impressive 2019 season.

Led by Lachie Neale who recorded more clearances than any other player last year, Brisbane’s midfield work had a strong correlation to their improved performances.

But, in Round 1, the Hawks had their measure, matching them in clearance numbers and holding a narrow advantage in contested possession numbers. 

It may not have been an inspiring second half, Hawks fans, but there remains plenty of hope in 2020.