Match report: Hawthorn too good for much-improved Tigers

Nick Bowen May 6, 2016 10:23 PM

HAWTHORN has piled on 12 of the last 15 goals to turn a desperately tight contest against Richmond into a comfortable 46-point win at the MCG on Friday night, but questions remain about their premiership credentials.

Taking the field without Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Jarryd Roughead for the first time since Alastair Clarkson took over as coach in 2005, the Hawks looked in desperate trouble when the Tigers kicked the opening four goals of the third term to turn a 15-point half-time deficit into a 12-point lead.

But Hawthorn found the counter-punch it needed, kicking the final three goals of the third term to take a nine-point lead into the last break, and then rammed on nine goals to three in the final quarter to record a 21.10 (136) to 13.12 (90) win.

Five talking points: Richmond v Hawthorn

Luke Breust was the star for the Hawks with six goals, including three in the final quarter, while Jack Gunston and Paul Puopolo were also dangerous in attack, kicking four and three goals respectively.

Importantly, all three forwards found ways to hit the scoreboard at times when the momentum was with Richmond at times during the first three quarters.

After Mitchell's late withdrawal with a corked calf, acting skipper Jordan Lewis (28 possessions and one goal) stood up in the midfield, while Shaun Burgoyne also took on a more prominent on-ball role and Josh Gibson was his usual steadying influence in the back half.

Billy Hartung (28 possessions and one goal) penetrated the Tigers' defences with his run in his first game back from a week in the VFL, while Isaac Smith (25 and one) worked just as tirelessly up and down the ground.

Weiterlesen ... 

Quelle: Richmond Vs Hawthorn - Match Centre - AFL.com.au