After Hawthorn’s 53-point win over Gold Coast at Aurora Stadium on Saturday, hawthornfc.com.au takes a look at the five main points to take out of the game.
1. The burst two weeks in a row
After putting together a five-minute match-winning burst against the Pies in the third quarter last week, the Hawks did the same to the Suns on Saturday.
Scores were level at the 21-minute mark of the second quarter, before the Hawks kicked five unanswered goals in a stunning burst to close the first half.
By the 31-minute mark of the second term, Hawthorn led by 30 points thanks to goals from Jordan Lewis, Luke Hodge, two quick ones from Isaac Smith and Cyril Rioli.
That burst continued in the third term, with the Hawks kicking the first four goals of the quarter to lead by 56 points – there was no coming back for the Suns.
Hawthorn can score; we know that because of the talent in the forward line but the quickness of the scoring means they’re never out of the contest - if they find themselves down and potentially out later this season.
2. Adjusting to the conditions
The Hawks have struggled at times in wet conditions – losing to Richmond in pouring rain in 2012 and 2013 and struggling against the Giants too, in Round 11 this year.
Hawthorn players were quick to adjust to the conditions on Saturday in Tasmania, however, much like they did against the Saints at the MCG in Round 7.
But the conditions at Aurora Stadium were much worse than anything the Hawks have faced since losing to West Coast in Perth in pouring rain in Round 4, 2012 and adjusted remarkably well.
For a side who relies on its kicking skills, the Hawks were able to adapt and move the ball forward at all costs and even use their precise kicking when needed to spot-up leading forward targets.
That performance shows the Hawks can produce top quality football in rain, hail or shine, something that could prove crucial come finals.
3. Winning the hard footy
Going into the game, Gold Coast was ranked number one in the competition for contested possessions, an area in which the Hawks identified as a key stat to match and win on Saturday.
With the weather the way it was, winning the hard ball was critical and Hawthorn dominated in the clinches.
The seasoned bodies of the Hawks, led by Shaun Burgoyne won the contested footy 172-149, with Burgoyne leading the way with 13 of his 21 disposals contested.
Captain Luke Hodge and Vice-captain Jordan Lewis were ranked equal second with 12 contested possessions each, followed by Jack Gunston with 11 and Paul Puopolo on 10.
4. Luke Hodge, that is all
In the opening five minutes of the game, the courageous Hawthorn skipper had already been sent to the bench under the blood rule, having split open above his right eye after going in for the hard ball.
He returned bandaged up, a sight all too familiar for Hodge the “warrior” as Alastair Clarkson puts it.
From that point on, Hodge was dominant in the midfield and across half back, enjoying arguably one of his best games for the year. He finished with 26 disposals and three goals in a best on ground performance.
In the conditions he was clean with the footy and above all, accurate with his scoring chances. He hasn’t kicked many goals this season, could this be the start of more of a scoreboard presence from the skipper?
It was the all around game – hard and tough with a touch of class with ball in hand – that we all love from him. He is having another great season.
5. Breust in Lockett striking distance
Hard work on the track over pre-season has paid off for Luke Breust, who is now one of, if not the most reliable goal kicker in the competition.
He has kicked 26 goals straight, tallying 38.4 for the season and is within range of goal kicking legend Tony Lockett’s 29 goals straight record.
The small forward credits hard work on the training track with Development Coach Adem Yze, who acted as a bit of a goal-kicking specialist coach last year.
It is hard to imagine that during the finals series last year, this same player lacked confidence in front of goals and missed some from 30m out dead in front.
Hard work and persistence pays.
