Shane Biggs – 6
Looked a step off the pace early and coughed up a goal when the ball burst through his  hands, but to his credit Biggs lifted and was rock-solid in the premiership quarter. Helped keep Paul Puopolo under wraps. 

Marcus Bontempelli – 9
If one moment screamed 'changing of the guard' it was 'The Bont' robbing Luke Hodge blind early in the final quarter. Booted two majors and took another step towards superstar status by lifting when the Dogs were under the pump in the second term.

WATCH: The Bont shines brightly on the big stage

Matthew Boyd – 6
Caught in possession by Cyril Rioli and gave up the game's third goal but it was an otherwise solid display from the All Australian. Time to sign that new contract? 

Tom Boyd – 6
Five tackles in the first term was an outstanding effort and the million-dollar man attacked the ball with vigour all match whether stationed in attack or in the ruck. 

Full match coverage and statistics

Zaine Cordy - 4
Never got into the game after being swung from attack into defence and a panicky turnover in the final quarter gifted the Hawks their third in a row in junk time. 

Luke Dahlhaus - 7
Often had the job of marking Sam Mitchell around the stoppages and helped nullify the Hawks champion, laying seven tackles, while also picking up 23 disposals in a rampant Dogs engine room.

Five things we learned: Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs

Caleb Daniel - 7
When the furnace was at its hottest early, the helmeted wonder's composure was outstanding, especially when holding onto a hot pass in a nest of Hawks. He faded until the third term and finished strongly, booting an emphatic goal after the siren.

Tory Dickson - 5
Appeared to have a case of jelly legs lining up the first set shot of the game and his three missed chances could've been costly. Deserves credit for slotting the first goal of the final term and diving on a loose ball to set up Marcus Bontempelli's team-lifter before three-quarter time.

How the fans saw it: Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs

Josh Dunkley - 8
Poised in possession early and somehow found Easton Wood for the Dogs' steadying opening goal despite being hemmed in by Hawks. The youngster is tough, cool and ended with 23 impressive touches and a goal at his third attempt. Superb game.

Joel Hamling – 6
Stood tall under a high ball opposed to Cyril Rioli and won a free-kick for being held early in the third quarter. Did his job in a rock-solid backline and took some strong intercept marks.

Lachie Hunter - 7
Used the ball with class and composure, and set up Clay Smith for a crucial goal before half-time. Four score assists and 21 touches is a good night at the office.

Jason Johannisen – 5
Thrown forward after a quiet opening across half-back, Johannisen's energy helped spark the Dogs and his chase-down tackle on Jordan Lewis before half-time set up an important goal.

Tom Liberatore - 7
Had the wobbles in the second term after an accidental knee to the back of the head from Sam Mitchell but 'Libba' soldiered on and gathered 20 disposals in a strong outing.

Jack Macrae – 9
Had 15 touches in the third quarter alone as the Dogs surged towards victory and finished with a game-high 39. Rarely wastes a possession and never shirks a contest. 

Toby McLean – 7
Came in for Lin Jong and was lively in attack. Had what would've been a critical goal overruled because of Luke Hodge's fingernail. His proficiency for winning high free kicks came to the fore as he shrugged Shaun Burgoyne and drove a dagger through Hawk hearts with a third-quarter major.

Dale Morris – 6
Typically no-fuss from the veteran campaigner. Peeled off his man to intercept Ryan Schoenmakers early in the final term and organised the troops down back.

Liam Picken – 9
The Dogs favourite had the MCG bouncing in the final term after kicking the match-sealer from the goalsquare having clung on to a tumbling ball and then rolled through another in party-time. However, his first goal when pushed in the back by Isaac Smith was arguably the most important. Don't forget the 24 touches either.

Jordan Roughead - 8
Had a real presence around the contest and channeled his cousin Jarryd by ghosting in for a massive contested mark between two Hawks and then slotting the set shot as the Bullies charged away in the third term. 

Clay Smith - 8
The tenacious forward played one of the great finals cameos, inspiring the Dogs before half-time with two ice-cool set shot goals and seven tackles. Nobody was surprised to see Smith in the thick of the melee as the teams went to the rooms. Is custom-built for finals.

Jake Stringer - 7
"The Package" looked lost early but swooped on a loose ball in the second term and ignited the Dogs by banging through their second major with a post-high snap. Three team-lifting goals was exactly what Luke Beveridge ordered.

Matthew Suckling – 7
Wanted the ball in his hands despite the intense swarming pressure from Cyril Rioli and Paul Puopolo and his raking left boot was a weapon in what must've been a bittersweet triumph. Understandably kept clear from the half-time melee against his former teammates.

Easton Wood - 6
Kicked a captain's goal after Josh Dunkley centred the ball to get the Dogs underway following a nervous start in front of goal. Had his ups – like diving on a Jack Gunston snap and touching it with his pinky finger – and downs but gave his all.