A halftime wake-up call has saved Hawthorn from humiliation at the hands of a polished Carlton, with the reigning premiers holding on for a 19-point AFL win in Launceston.
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After stretching to a lead of 32 points during Saturday’s third quarter, the Hawks ended up winning 10.14 (74) to 7.13 (55).
The result goes down as Hawthorn’s 19th straight victory at their adopted home of Aurora Stadium, but far from their best showing.
Favourite Luke Breust finished with two goals in an effort matched by Jonathon Ceglar, but some of the Hawks’ big names kept a low profile.
Shaun Burgoyne was a standout for Hawthorn in the closing phases, finishing with 25 disposals and five inside-50s.
After slow starts, Sam Mitchell and Isaac Smith both contributed to the stats.
Overall, it was a lacklustre start for the premiers who were well below their best until halftime including a goalless second term when they went to the sheds in credit by only six points.
The stats backed the Blues in every regard except precision in front of goal.
Brendon Bolton’s men were better organised in defence and well ahead in terms of inside-50s, while Hawthorn’s usually valuable contributors were shy.
Patrick Cripps was the star for the Blues, finishing with 31 disposals, 11 clearances and four inside-50s.
He found support from Zach Tuohy and Andrejs Everitt.
The result consolidates Hawthorn’s position on top of the ladder.
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