Hawthorn can make it 11 consecutive wins when they host the West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium tonight. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 7.50pm AEST.
Hawthorn warmed up for tonight with a 15-point victory over Carlton last Friday night in a game that they were second-best for long periods, and trailed by nearly three goals during the third quarter.
It wasn’t the Hawks’ best performance of their ten-game winning streak yet the very fact that they were able to grind out a result is a sign of the maturity of the Hawks’ group.
Tonight Alastair Clarkson had made just one change to the 22 that got over the Blues, with Shane Savage coming in for Isaac Smith after he suffered a calf injury last weekend.
Gun midfielder Cyril Rioli remains sidelined but should return in the coming weeks.
West Coast Eagles travel to Melbourne off a two-week break, with their mid-season bye falling in Round 12.
They went into the bye having scraped past lowly St Kilda by four points in Round 11, and were wiped to the tune of 41 points at home to Richmond in Monday night football back in Round 10.
With six wins and five losses, West Coast currently sit in ninth position at the head of an ultra-competitive chasing pack waiting to capitalise on one of the top eight sides slipping up.
Under-pressure Eagles coach John Worsfold has made a number of key changes for tonight’s game, with Darren Glass, Mark LeCras, Bradd Dalziell and Pat McGinnity all being declared fit to return.
But Adam Selwood (back), Josh Hill (hamstring) and Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) are all still unavailable to return to the field with their respective injuries.
After capitulating to the Cats in Round 1, Hawthorn travelled to Patersons Stadium in Round 2 and duly hammered the Eagles by 50 points, and haven’t lost since.
Going on recent form, that won’t change tonight. Find out how it unfolds as we cover the action with live scores and commentary from 7.50pm AEST.
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
That's a wrap for tonight's game. The Eagles were gutsy and gallant, and while the Hawks weren't at their best - they took control of the game in its most important moments and registered an emphatic 11 consecutive wins!
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Full Time Leading Disposals: Haw: Hodge 25, Mitchell 24, Lewis 24. WC: Shuey 33, Gaff 29, Priddis 27.
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Full Time Goals: Haw: Roughead 5, Gunston 5, Breust 3, Franklin 2, Savage 2, Lewis, Simpkin. WC: Kennedy 5, LeCras 2, Shuey 2, Darling, Cox, Naitanui, Masten, Selwood, Priddis, Dalziell.
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
An excellent finish to this one here! But Hawthorn hold on as Gunston takes a mark 35m out straight in front. The siren sounds and he nails it for his fifth goal tonight! That's full time here! Haw 19.9 (123) WC 16.7 (103)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Simpkin gets done for holding the ball 15m out straight in front of his goal. Priddis capitalises and slots this one. Goal West Coast! Q4 - 01:30 left Haw 18.9 (117) WC 16.7 (103)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
There's nobody in Hawthorn's forward half! Q4 - 02:00 Haw 18.9 (117) WC 15.7 (97)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Yet another free is given away by the Hawks in their defensive 50. This time Dalziell is the recipient. He goes back from 25m out on a tight angle and slots it! Goal West Coast! The margin is back down to 20 points! Q4 - 03:30 Haw 18.9 (117) WC 15.7 (97)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Buddy gives away his 28th free of the year as he takes Shuey high in West Coast's forward 50. Shuey goes back and kicks this straight over the goal umpire's hat! Goal West Coast! Q4 - 04:30 Haw 18.9 (117) WC 14.7 (91)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Hawthorn push forward once more. West Coast look like they're struggling to stay in the contest now and Simpkin finishes this one with a good running goal from 40m out. Goal Hawthorn! Q4 - 06:30 Haw 18.9 (117) WC 13.7 (85)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Simpkin takes an excellent sliding mark in the forward pocket. He opts for the banana but misses to the far side of the posts! Behind Hawthorn. Hawthorn then work the ball back into their forward 50 where Hale intercepts a handpass and snaps off his left from 30m out. It bounces and looks a chance...but just misses! Behind Hawthorn. Q4 - 07:30 Haw 17.9 (111) WC 13.7 (85)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Gunston wins a free on the goal line for being held after Savage's snap falls short. He runs around from a tough angle and snaps it to give Hawthorn a four-goal buffer! Q4 - 10.00 left Haw 17.7 (109) WC 13.7 (85)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Kennedy takes a mark deep in the forward pocket. He wastes no time in running around and snapping an excellent goal from a difficult angle! Hawthorn's lead is reduced to 18 points! Goal West Coast! Q4 - 11.00 left Haw 16.7 (103) WC 13.7 (85)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Hawthorn's lead is out to 24 points courtesy of three behinds this quarter to no score.
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Bailey loops a handpass over to Buddy who's run down in the pocket as he kicks and it squezes it in for a behind. Behind Hawthorn. Q4 - 12.00 left Haw 16.7 (103) WC 12.7 (79)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Hawthorn appear to have lifted their intensity. West Coast will have to take it to another level!
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
The next goal is vital!
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Xavier Ellis - who's on for Birchall - takes a mark 25m out on a slight angle. He goes back and misses to the near side! Behind Hawthorn. Q4 - 14.00 left Haw 16.6 (102) WC 12.7 (79)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
Bodies are being thrown into the contest now. Hawthorn surge forward and after a spate of half-chances it falls to Gunston - whose snap from 35m out narrowly misses. Behind Hawthorn. Q4 - 16.00 left Haw 16.5 (101) WC 12.7 (79)
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
3/4 Time Leading Disposals: Haw: Hodge 21, Mitchell 18, Lewis 17. WC: Gaff 20, Shuey 20, Masten 18, Selwood 18.
Richard Withers
Roar Guru
3/4 Time Goals: Haw: Roughead 5, Gunston 3, Breust 3, Franklin 2, Savage 2, Lewis. WC: Kennedy 4, LeCras 2, Cox, Darling, Shuey, Naitanui, Masten, Selwood.