Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell praised his side's forward structure following a 64-point demolition of top-four side Collingwood.
It's the second week the Hawks have opted four a four man tall forward line, consisting of Mitch Lewis, Mabior Chol, Calsher Dear and Jack Gunston, and their height stretched Collingwood's defence.
The Hawks took 18 marks inside 50 – Collingwood average just nine against per game, with the Magpies intercepting and system-based defence a hallmark of much of its 2025 season.
“The way our forwards operated was really in-sync today, probably more prone this week to flying together which I thought was better,” Mitchell said in his post-match press conference.
“Last week, they were probably trying to be too respectful of each other.
“This week, I thought our contest in front of the ball was significant.
“We were able to put more pressure on them which we knew would be important from the last time we played them.”
Exploiting the Pies' undersized defence, weakened by the loss of Jeremy Howe in the first two minutes of the game, helped propel Hawthorn, particularly in a seven goal second quarter which opened up a 39-point halftime buffer.
“Our ball movement in the front half was really good.
“We were really clear in our plan against Collingwood, they've got a bit of a unique style in the way that they attack from their defence is really important to the way they play.
“We thought if we could be smart with the ball going forward, it would give our forwards some looks.”
Playing against a side which has frequently overcome big margins under coach Craig McRae, the Hawks kicked the first goal of the third quarter and never allowed the Pies a look at overturning the deficit.
Putting the game to bed was a big tick for Mitchell given it hasn't been a strength of his team this year which has left them vulnerable late in games, highlighted by a tight loss to Adelaide last week after leading by as much as 32 points.
“One of the criticisms of our season internally has been that when we've had ascendancy, we haven't been able to put sides away and the first quarter felt a bit like that,” Mitchell said.
“It's very difficult to keep ascendancy against good sides for long periods (so) the fact we were able to keep in the second quarter and then put a side to the sword for a period of time and respond strongly after a good start without scoring was important for us.”
The win is a massive step towards finals for the Hawks, while the percentage boost could prove invaluable in a tight race, with games against Melbourne and Brisbane to come.
Jai Newcombe was a key factor in the win, with 28 disposals, seven clearances and a goal.
It came after he was involved in the heavy collision with Howe and himself also underwent a concussion test.
"I think Jai's leadership can't be understated,” Mitchell said.
“I think he has that massive moment early in the game which sets the tone for us and again, I just want to reiterate that thoughts go out to Jeremy Howe and his family…hope he's fine," Mitchell said.
"But then, 'Newc' goes through his HIA, he passes his test and he comes back on.
“It wasn't too much longer later, there was a sky ball right in front of the bench that he just took a contested mark and it was like one of those genuine, easy to get out of the contest if you want to and he just stood under it and he marked it.
"It was like, 'man, this is a guy you want to play fully with' and I think all of our players, you know, walk pretty tall when 'Newc' is running out there next to them."
