Hawthorn has picked up their fifth win of the 2022 AFL season with a 86–54 victory over Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Under the roof, the Hawks were far too slick for the visitors as they piled on six goals to one in the opening term to well and truly jump the Crows.
While the Crows were able to turn the contest into more of an arm wrestle in the second term, they weren’t able to quell the influence of Mitch Lewis whose five first-half goals helped the Hawks to a 38-point halftime lead.
Almost down and out, it was Adelaide who found another gear in the third quarter with their run and carry coming to the fore as they looked to take the game on with a bit of dare.
Unfortunately for Matthew Nicks, his side couldn’t convert that to scoreboard dominance like Hawthorn did earlier in the match scoring just two goals to zero in the third.
Entering the fourth with a 26-point lead, the Hawks pulled away after the Crows fired their shot in the third term, extending the full-time margin to 32 points with a four-goal to three quarter.
The key to victory for Hawthorn was Lewis, whose blistering first half set up the game for Sam Mitchell’s side.
AFL Nation’s Michael Barlow detailed how the key forward stole the show early on in the game.
“It’s been the Mitch Lewis show hasn’t it,” Barlow told AFL Nation.
“He’s involved in everything, the first eight scores of Hawthorn’s game he was involved in every score either kicking them or setting them up.
“It’s been huge from him, Adelaide changed the match-up but the Hawks were on fire.
“Hawthorn and Sam Mitchell have been up to the challenge.”
As Lewis dominated up forward, Blake Hardwick (32 disposals), James Sicily (23 disposals, 13 marks) and Changkuoth Jiath (24 disposals) controlled things down back to restrict Adelaide to a meagre eight goals.
For the Crows, Rory Laird was prolific as ever with 42 disposals, while Ben Keays (one goal, 30 disposals) and Brodie Smith (24 disposals) fought hard in defeat.
In terms of the record books, the win marks Hawthorn’s 1000th victory at the AFL/VFL level which will please Hawks fans around the country.
On the injury front, both sides will be pleased to escape the game with what appears to be a clean bill of health.
Hawthorn will have a great chance to continue their strong run of form against the Eagles at the MCG next Sunday while Adelaide returns home to host Collingwood on Saturday afternoon.
FULL SCORE
Hawthorn: 6.3, 9.4, 9.7, 13.8. (86)
Adelaide: 1.2, 3.2, 5.5, 8.6 (54)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Lewis 5, Breust 2, Impey, Koschitzke, Morrison, Nash, O’Meara, Reeves
Adelaide: Thilthorpe 2, Fogarty 2, Keays, McHenry, Milera, Walker
BEST
Hawthorn: Mitch Lewis, Blake Hardwick, James Sicily, Changkuoth Jiathm, Dylan Moore
Adelaide: Rory Laird, Ben Keays, Tom Doedee. Brodie Smith
INJURIES
Hawthorn: n/a
Adelaide: n/a