Hawthorn defied the odds and a slow start to record an upset win over Brisbane in Round 10 in a performance all about efficiency.
Finding themselves down by more than three goals halfway through the first term, Sam Mitchell’s troops were never going to be able to outgun a talented Brisbane outfit.
But they didn’t need to, the Hawks taking the most of their opportunities in the 117-112 win.
Hawthorn lost the inside 50 count 50-61, but their efficiency up forward outshone the Lions in a 56 per cent to 47.5 per cent win.
The Hawks’ efficiency inside 50 was five per cent better than their season average. It allowed them to hang on in the second and third quarters before going on a huge run on either side of the final break to kick eight of ten goals before the Lions made it a tight game with the final two majors.
It was also some desperation around the football that kept the Hawks in the balance. Tom Mitchell and Jai Newcombe were the keys on-ball, combining for 63 disposals and 13 tackles.
Despite Oscar McInerney and Darcy Fort dominating Max Lynch in the ruck and winning the hitout count 27-71, it was a remarkable effort from the Hawks’ midfield to win the clearance count 43-42.
To kick more goals (18) from less inside 50s was a huge part of Hawthorn’s win on Sunday and another feather in Mitchell’s coaching cap.
Thanks to TopSport.
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