Hawthorn keep finding a way, overcoming a fierce challenge from an undermanned North Melbourne to win their pulsating AFL match by nine points.
The 14.9 (93) to 11.18 (84) win on Friday night at Etihad Stadium was the fourth times this season the Hawks have prevailed by fewer than 10 points.
James Sicily kicked a career-high five goals for the Hawks, while Cyril Rioli and Jordan Lewis were outstanding as Daniel Wells and Robbie Tarrant starred for North.
»Missed the game? See how it all played out in our live blog
The Kangaroos twice reduced the margin to less than a goal in the last quarter, and Paul Puopolo kicked a goal in the last 30 seconds from a free kick to seal the result.
North started this weekend one game clear on top spot ahead of four teams, with the Hawks fifth.
For all their lack of top form, the three-time defending premiers keep winning when it counts.
North were left ruing a big lost opportunity on Friday night and have now been defeated by Sydney, Geelong and Hawthorn – all fellow top-four contenders – in the past month.
Given the history between the teams, it came as no surprise this was a fiery clash.
Last season, Lewis and his captain Luke Hodge were suspended for big hits as their team belted North by 10 goals.
On Friday night, the Kangaroos made it clear from the start they would not be intimidated.
This match will keep the match review panel busy on Monday – the first half in particular was strewn with spot fires.
Players scuffled at quarter-time and there were words exchanged at each break.
While Hawks are renowned for playing “unsociable” football in these sorts of big matches, North rattled them early.
The Kangaroos kicked three of the first four goals, enjoyed a 13-3 free kick count and should have been much further ahead at quarter time.
But they blew their big chance and at halftime led by only two points with a wasteful 4-11.
Their rash of injuries continued as Luke McDonald suffered a hamstring injury in the second term.
Wells was easily best afield before he hobbled off in the second term with a sore ankle.
He was able to play out the game but was not as prominent.
North lost four players to injuries in last week’s loss to Geelong – captain Andrew Swallow (concussion), fellow onballer Ben Cunnington (quad), forward Jarrad Waite (hip) and Robbie Nahas (finger).
North coach Brad Scott dropped a bombshell in his post-match media conference, alleging umpires had said during the game they did not pay free kicks to Kangaroos forward Lindsay Thomas because he is a ducker.
Asked if he thought Thomas was unfairly treated by the umpires, Scott replied: “I know he is because the umpires told our players ‘well he’s a ducker, so we don’t pay high free kicks to Lindsay’.
“They told our guys that.
“That’s clearly a preconceived idea.”
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson praised his team, saying it was a game with finals-type intensity.
“That was a great victory … we’re really proud of the resilience of our group,” he said.
“We got ourselves a pretty stirring win in the end.”
Scott said North were left ruing an opportunity lost.
“It was disappointing – we gave ourselves enough opportunity, Hawthorn took theirs,” he said.
“Tonight feels pretty close to not quite getting what we deserved.”
Penster
Guest
Here's a preconceived idea - Norf are pretenders and the coach is a laughing stock. Got done by a Hawks outfit well off the boil and on the slide/regenerating the list.
John
Guest
Once again a rubbish crowd for a North game. North top of the ladder, playing prime time friday night against the 3 x champs and only 37,000 rock up. Saints v Blues got 48,000 Why cant North draw a crowd?
Paul
Guest
If North had lost by 5 or 6 goals last night then I would be extremely worried with where they stand in the competition. But they showed they can match it with the Hawks for 4 quarters. If Swallow and Cunnington had been available then they would have nailed it. It also gave some of the fringe players valuable match experience. Wood looks like a potential replacement for Petrie when he retires soon and Daw is getting better with more game time. Will be interesting to see how they back up on Thursday night - if S & C are back then we're in with a show. But North will have to match the intensity and effort from last night or they'll be blown away in front of the hostile Adelaide crowd. They have a shocking record in Adelaide.
Cat
Roar Guru
Even with the inaccuracy, NM would have won if Lindsey didn't give away 2 goals from easily avoided 50 metre penalties and another goal gift wrapped by Boomer Harvey's petulant and ill-disciplined play off the ball.
Cat
Roar Guru
For me, this game changed nothing about how I perceive North, 9 of best 22 out is never going to give a true reading of what they can do. As for Hawthorn, I view them as less of a threat than ever after this game. They just didn't do anything that set them out from the crowd. Any aura about playing the Hawks is gone. They've positioned themselves well with their record but their play is a long, long way off what it used to be.
mdso
Guest
The Kangaroos gave the Hawks this game by their INACCURACY IN FRONT OF GOAL. That's why they lost the game.
Jacques of Lilydale
Guest
One thing you overlooked, they're good enough to take their chances when they presented themselves, North weren't. Lots of players down a bit but an overall team effort gets them over the line. Its only June, no one wins a flag in June, they will be up there again when the whips are cracking in September. Four out through injury!!! Waite, totally out of form and not missed, hadn't kicked a goal in his 3 previous games, so thats no loss. Hawks also have PREMIERSHIP players out through injury, but you conveniently overlook that.
Mango Jack
Guest
Hill needs to muscle up. He has the speed and balance of Rioli but none of his toughness. Cyril put on some huge tackles last night and Hill needs to learn from his team mate how to play a more complete game. He's still young enough to improve but I agree he probably needs a spell in VFL. North blew that one. Their accuracy was terrible and cost them the game. They smashed the Hawks at the contest and had enough ball and territory to win comfortably. Hawthorn, on the other hand, took just about all their chances, which were just enough to get them home. Exciting game.
D Fitz
Roar Rookie
Forgot to also mention North gave the Hawks two goals through Thomas giving away 50 meters and Harvey giving away a bad free kick. This gave the Hawks their winning margin.
Baz
Guest
Think your forgetting that the he scoreboard is the most important stat of all. Bad goal kicking bad football The other stats are irrelevant.Hawks just coasting , and very lucky so lucky that they have been lucky for 5 years , Clarkson got tricks and hodge up his sleeve. The Hawks will fourpete. May the 4th be with us.
D Fitz
Roar Rookie
Well the Hawks were lucky again to win this one. North had four out through injury and lost another one and a half through injury during the game. North had 20% more possessions, nine more frees and six more scoring shots. North won everywhere but on the scoreboard where it matters. Interesting to see Hawthorn had several passengers but still won. Gibson 4, Frawley 4, Ceglar 5, Gunston 6, McEvoy 7, Hill 7 who should be dropped, and Stratton 8. Hawks hanging on only by the skin of their teeth. They will not fourpete !