Collingwood dominated the first term to such an extent that Hawthorn looked set to register only its second goalless quarter of the year. At the 25-minute mark, the Hawks struck for the first time when Jack Gunston converted a shot from the top of the goal square. But Alastair Clarkson's side still ended the quarter with just one goal – a rarity for the Hawks. Before Friday night, the Hawks had kicked at least two goals in the opening quarter of their past 50 games.
Vote for your top three players from Collingwood's loss to Hawthorn in the Magpie Army Player of the Year Award.
2. Gault's goals
Collingwood forward Corey Gault joined an unwanted club when his first kick – an attempt on goal – sailed out of bounds on the full. Fortunately, the debutant made amends only moments later, when he marked on the forward flank and skillfully slotted the shot. Having been with the club for almost three seasons – and demoted to the rookie list at the end of 2013 – Gault was keen to make the most of his chances in attack. In the second term he soccered through a kick at goal from 30 metres, which tumbled across the line. Gault competed hard through the night, jumped at contests and finished with seven disposals and three marks.
3. A friendly forward reminder
With little trouble, Hawthorn star Jack Gunston kicked five goals against the Magpies, to take his season tally to 51. Just as quietly, Jarryd Roughead booted four goals and finished the home and away season with 62. Ahead of September, it was the perfect tune-up for the pair, who will go a long way to shaping Hawthorn's back-to-back premiership tilt. Traditionally finals have been dominated and defined by big and strong key forwards, and Roughead and Gunston will have that responsibility this year for the Hawks.
4. Lake's scare
A shudder went through Hawthorn fans midway through the third term when Brian Lake hobbled from the field with a leg injury. Lake looked to receive a corked right thigh in the forward pocket and immediately left the field with the assistance of trainers. He was in pain on the interchange bench before being subbed out of the contest at three-quarter time. After a season ravaged by suspension and soft-tissue injuries, last year's Norm Smith medallist needs to be firing for the Hawks come the finals – particularly as hulking Geelong star Tom Hawkins awaits next week.
5. Taking spots?
Having secured their home qualifying final, the Hawks took the chance to rest some of their battle-weary players and give opportunities to those looking to break into the finals-bound side. With Ben Stratton (calf), Luke Hodge (knee) and Matthew Suckling (knee) already missing, speedster Bradley Hill was a late withdrawal with a corked quad. It gave Billy Hartung (who started as the substitute), Taylor Duryea, Angus Litherland and Ryan Schoenmakers the chance to impress and hold their place. Duryea had most impact of that group, finishing with 20 disposals off half-back.
