MIDFIELDER Liam Shiels believes it was the ability of the Indigenous Hawks to step up when under pressure that sparked the second half domination of Gold Coast at the MCG on Sunday.

It was a scratchy Hawthorn who didn’t play anywhere near its best football in the first half, but that form turned around midway through the third term, when it fell 17 points behind Gold Coast and seemingly headed for a shock Round 9 loss.

At the 10 minute mark of the third quarter, the Suns led Hawthorn 10.5.65 to 7.6.48.

That’s when Lance Franklin, Shaun Burgoyne and Bradley Hill stepped in.

The trio spoke during the week about the importance of representing their family during the AFL’s Indigenous Round, with each speaking with passion and love for their community and the contribution made by the Indigenous players both past and present on the AFL.

It seemed that respect and significance brought out the best in all three, as they played a key role in Hawthorn’s second half revival.

Franklin booted four second half goals to finished with five goals and 21 disposals for the match and proved to be the most dangerous forward on the ground and the eventual match-winner.

Burgoyne played a stellar role in the midfield, spending time on Gary Ablett while providing his side with class from the stoppages. He finished the match as one of Hawthorn’s best with 22 disposals and three goals.

Hill, the youngest of the three showed composure beyond his years as he set up two crucial goals in the third term, including dishing one off to teammate, Burgoyne. His run and carry too was pivotal in the win as he finished with 21 disposals and five tackles.

Speaking to hawthornfc.com.au after the win, Shiels said there was no doubt the trio stepped up in the second half.

“All the indigenous boys stepped up, particularly in the second half – it was their day,” he said.

“Shaun Burgoyne kicked a couple in the second half, Bradley Hill with his run and carry was outstanding and then Bud ended up kicking a bag full of goals.

“It was their day and they really stepped it up in the second half.”

Shiels said a marked improved in the team’s disposal efficiency also helped it to get back in the game, and honour the leads of forwards Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead.

The Hawks had 25 clangers to half time and struggled to make the most of its forward 50 entries.

On a number of occasions, the ball was kicked either to the feet or over the head of the duo and able to be swept away by the Gold Coast defence.

It was a different story in the second half, however, as the Hawks were able to hit both Franklin and Roughead with precise passes.

The duo kicked six of Hawthorn’s 11 goals of the second half.

Shiels said it was a credit to the midfielders who were able to better execute their skills and give the forwards a better chance to perform their roles in the second half.

“Our midfield/forward connection was pretty average in the first half, we didn’t do Buddy and Roughie any favours because our kicks weren’t great,” Shiels said.

“We looked to go a bit longer in the second half and let the boys do their work down there.

“Kicking it to Bud one-on-one and Rough one-on-one and putting it to their advantage, it gives them a better chance to mark it.

“The mids had a bit of work to do in the second half, which was to clean up our skills and we did that so it was credit to the boys.”