Hawthorn unleashed a third-quarter blitz to destroy AFL premiership rivals Collingwood by 47 points at the MCG on Saturday.
In a match billed as a possible grand final preview, the Hawks sliced and diced the Magpies and sent a clear message of their flag intent with an eight-goal third quarter as part of a second-half pasting.
Hawthorn eventually ran out convincing 21.12 (138) to 13.13 (91) winners to join the Magpies on 12 wins for the season.
Forward Jordan Lewis was unstoppable with five goals, Luke Breust also booted five for the Hawks, while midfielders Sam Mitchell and Cyril Rioli starred.
Defenders Ryan Schoenmakers and Josh Gibson were dominant at the other end – holding out-of-form Magpies forward Travis Cloke to just one fourth quarter goal.
The Hawks dominated early, but led by just 16 points at quarter-time – gifting Collingwood two of their three goals in the term through defensive sloppiness.
It prompted Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson to thump a hole in the coaches’ box wall just prior to quarter-time.
From the third quarter, the Hawks followed their coach’s lead – and Collingwood’s cracks and crevices were obvious and plentiful by the finish.
Hawthorn turned a 19-point halftime lead into a 55-point advantage by three-quarter-time, booting the opening five goals among eight for the term.
Wearing pink boots as a breast cancer fundraising initiative, Lewis bobbed up with three of his goals in the Hawks’ third quarter clinic.
He also negated the usually dangerous Heath Shaw, who was unable to have any influence running out of Collingwood’s defence.
Collingwood briefly looked to challenge the Hawks during the second quarter.
But their midfield’s good work continually broke down once the ball reached a misfiring forward line, and eventually the Hawks took full advantage.
Hawthorn’s lead extended beyond 11 goals midway through the final term, before Collingwood managed four of the last five goals of the game to make the margin more flattering but the win no less convincing.
Magpies midfielder Dane Swan gathered 49 touches in a beaten side, while Dayne Beams starred with four goals and 34 disposals.
