It was tough and hard – just the type of game that good teams win, and average sides complain about.
The Hawks made it three on the trot, composing themselves to get the game back on their terms, after the Blues made their charge, and for a little while, looked very likely to go on with it.
If you were doubting the Hawthorn Football Club coming into the 2025 season, this is the win that should make you sit up and take notice. They did not have things their own way. They did not rely on a superstar to get them over the line. What they did do was attack the contest, attack the man with the footy, and burn the Blues with their run and carry.
For me, the difference was the ball use. Class.
The Hawks were able to execute despite the pressure, hitting tough kicks with the Blues closing in on them, creating overlap, and running the footy from end-to-end on turnover. They were also able to nullify the influence of Jacob Weitering, with both Blake Hardwick and Finn Maginness running interference to allow others to shine early in the contest, which seemed to throw the Blues off their game.
It was a selfless effort from the Hawks, and with a 3-0 start to the season, their clash with GWS next week looms as a ripper.
As for the Blues… 0-2 with the Dogs upcoming, things are about to get very interesting.
Let’s jump into The Mongrel’s Big Questions.
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