The dreadlocked midfielder picked up Joel Selwood early then spent time on Gary Ablett. He split his chin in the fourth quarter and came back on with a bandaged jaw. Was handy with 16 touches and provided plenty of drive into attack.
Grant Birchall - 7
Solid performance with 23 possessions and four tackles. Dropped off a little in the fourth, but was an important member of the rebounding term.
Campbell Brown - 8
Had a terrific first quarter against Tom Harley and was an imposing force up forward. Injury to Trent Croad saw him move down back and man Cameron Mooney after halftime. Ended with 16 touches and one goal.
Robert Campbell - 7
Carried the brunt of the ruck work with Brent Renouf having a down day. Finished with 14 hit-outs, 10 touches and a scoring assist, and provided plenty of crash and bash.
Shane Crawford – 8
Started on the bench but came on to make a terrific impact. Had 15 touches in the first half, ended with 25 and three tackles. Was a spiritual force for the Hawks and played a fantastic game.
Trent Croad - 2
Started on Cameron Mooney and copped a high knock early. Returned and picked up Tom Lonergan in the second before suffering a possible reoccurrence of his foot injury. Sat out the rest of the game and received his medallion on crutches.
Stuart Dew – 8
The Hawks' only premiership player started on the bench, but came on to be a positive influence. Kicked an important goal in the third via a Harry Taylor turnover, and was a big factor when the Hawks began their run.
Xavier Ellis – 8.5
The young gun started on the bench and ended up playing perhaps his best game for Hawthorn. Ended with 28 touches – the most for any Hawk – four clearances and two tackles.
Lance Franklin - 5
Not surprisingly had Matthew Scarlett as his first opponent, and was beaten one-on-one. Ended with just two majors, but thrilled fans with a trademark left-foot play-on goal in the fourth. Didn't assert his usual influence.
Stephen Gilham - 7
Took Tom Lonergan, who kicked the first goal of the game, and went on to get on top of him. Was a key member of the Hawks' strong defensive set up.
Brent Guerra – 7.5
Initially had a big responsibility alongside last year's Norm Smith medallist, Steve Johnson. Ended the game having provided the Hawks with drive from defence, and collected the ball 25 times.
Luke Hodge – 8.5
The Norm Smith medallist's sore ribs were put to the test early, but was influential off halfback in the first with six touches – all contested. Finished the game with 26 disposals and did the tough stuff, all afternoon. Brilliant.
Rick Ladson - 5
Had an OK day. Picked up 14 possessions and kicked a goal, but didn't stand out.
Jordan Lewis – 6.5
Picked up 21 touches for the afternoon after having an influential final term. Went inside 50 four times and was a solid contributor all afternoon.
Sam Mitchell – 5.5
Picked up by Cameron Ling and struggled to get into the game. Had just two touches in the first quarter and just three by halftime. To his credit, worked his way into the game in the second half to finish with 13, but was beaten on the day.
Michael Osborne - 8
Did plenty of work that too often goes unnoticed. Had five clearances, five scoring assists and three tackles to go with his 26 possessions. Quality performance.
Brent Renouf - 3
Started on the bench and came on to have little impact. Possibly overawed by the occasion, had only five touches and seven hit-outs.
Cyril Rioli - 7
Had stunning touch in the first quarter, and engaged in an entertaining battle with Corey Enright. Wowed the crowd with his composure and freakish ability to end with two goals, while half of his 10 possessions contested.
Jarryd Roughead – 5.5
Attracted young defender Harry Taylor, who didn't have the best game. Didn't make a huge impact as the Hawks shared the goal-kicking around. Ended with two majors.
Brad Sewell – 8.5
Ran with Jimmy Bartel at the start, with the Brownlow medallist getting away early. However, worked his way into the game and had a massive third quarter with 12 possessions, to end with 27. One of the side's best.
Mark Williams – 8
Received Josh Hunt for an opponent. Used his decoy status well in the first as Geelong defenders raced to man Buddy, and consequently snuck under the radar to kick three goals. Solid.
Clinton Young – 6.5
Had a bit of the ball early, kicked a huge goal in the second that put the Hawks in front. Was the side's leading possession-getter at halftime, but injured his ankle in the third and was helped from the field. Watched the remainder of the game from the bench.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
