A rampant final quarter helped Hawthorn overrun North Melbourne by 16 points at the MCG.
The Kangaroos opened up a 19-point lead at quarter time but failed to fully capitalise as the Hawks slowly swung the game in their favour.
An inaccurate third quarter cost Brad Scott’s men dearly, managing just one goal from their six opportunities.
Trailing by one-point heading into the final term, Alastair Clarkson’s side flexed their muscles with a damaging four-goal burst that handed the Roos their third straight loss to start 2019.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The moment: Wingard off the mark for Hawthorn
Chad Wingard had a memorable debut outing in Hawthorn colours.
The forward couldn’t contain his excitement when he booted his first goal for the club that got the Hawks going after a slow start.
Wingard finished the day with three majors, with two of those coming in the final quarter when the match was delicately poised.
Chad's a happy Hawk now! #AFLHawksNorth pic.twitter.com/xQ7ZCPGgvm
— AFL (@AFL) April 7, 2019
THE CHAD! #AFLHawksNorth pic.twitter.com/Z5cRzingeI
— AFL (@AFL) April 7, 2019
The Star: Luke Breust
In a low-scoring game, the class of Hawthorn forward Luke Breust proved decisive.
The dual All-Australian bobbed up at crucial moments for the Hawks, booting a game-high five straight goals and featured in seven scoring involvements.
North Melbourne struggled to contain the star Hawk who continues to reaffirm his status as one of the competition’s elite small forwards.
Breust is back on the field and back amongst the goals!#AFLHawksNorth pic.twitter.com/4VBt7UsWfL
— AFL (@AFL) April 7, 2019
What’s next?
Hawthorn will look to make it back-to-back wins when they meet St Kilda at Marvel Stadium next Sunday. North Melbourne host Adelaide at the same venue next Saturday night as they search for their first win.
Full Score
Hawthorn: 1.2, 5.3, 8.6, 13.9.87
North Melbourne: 4.3, 6.6, 7.11, 10.11.71
GOALS
Hawthorn: Breust 5, Wingard 3, McEvoy 2, Smith, McEvoy, Henderson
North Melbourne: Ziebell 2, Dumont 2, Brown, Scott, Higgins, Turner, Polec, Hall
BEST
Hawthorn: Breust, O'Meara, Henderson, Worpel, Mirra, Smith, Wingard
North Melbourne: Cunnington, Higgins, Macmillan, Dumont, Atley, Ziebell
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil
