On a day of celebrations at the MCG, the Hawks not only celebrated milestone man Luke Breust's 307th game for the club, but all but secured a second consecutive finals series berth with a comfortable 36-point win over the Demons.
With over 53,000 packed into the 'G, the Hawks knew the equation was simple: win and finals were all but sewn up.
The Hawks jumped out of the starting block, kicking five of the first six goals for the clash, denting the Demons' confidence and effectively sealing the four points with a 27-point quarter-time lead.
With the forecasted rain setting in and making conditions slippery, the second quarter became a slog, as the Dees and Hawks struggled to add to the scoreboard, and the game looked like it might fizzle out.
Shortly after half-time, Sam Mitchell injected Breust, who announced his retirement at the end of the season, into the clash, bringing a spark of energy into not only the crowd but also his teammates.
With his small forward apprentice, Nick Watson, watching on from the pine, Breust cleverly collected a loose ball before snapping off his right foot to record his 553rd goal and bring the MCG to its feet, with the loud "BBBRRREEEUUUSSSTTT" chant echoing around as his teammates mobbed him in delight.
The Hawks looked like blowing out the scoreboard in the last quarter and gaining much-needed percentage.
However, the Dees had other ideas, hanging tough and having the last five shots on goal, kicking three of those opportunities, to bring the score back to a respectable six-goal margin.
While the pregame attention was on his triple premiership teammate Breust, veteran Jack Gunston stole some of the spotlight on the day as he kicked an equal season and career high seven goals, as he continues his push to a second All-Australian selection.
Gunston's 11 scoring shots for the game came about through his tremendous forward craft and ability to predictably lead to the hotspots, as he recorded ten marks inside 50 and recorded a season high goals tally, with 60 for the season so far.
Mitchell post-game spoke about Gunston's career resurgence, which has him currently sitting second in the Coleman medal.
"I would say he's a lock for the All-Australian side. It's pretty special for a 33-year-old," he said.
"What he's been able to do on the field is beyond probably most of our thoughts and dreams."
With Gunston dominating the forward line, the Hawks' half forwards in Jack Ginnivan, Dylan Moore and Connor MacDonald had the task of helping them to add pressure and congestion around the ball.
With star midfielder Will Day watching on, and Melbourne trio Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca capable of tearing the midfield battle apart, the crafty Hawks' trio used their running capacity to get involved further up the ground before using their speed to burst forward and create attacking forays.
Moore recorded a game-high 32 touches, to go along with three clearances, six score involvements and two goals as he demonstrated why the Hawks are looking to secure his signature long term.
For MacDonald, it was a blistering return to form, gathering 28 disposals, 12 score involvements, two goal assists and a goal, with three behinds the only blemish on a solid return to form.
Ginnivan recorded 21 touches, six score involvements, and a goal assist as he showcased his high footy IQ with his understanding and game sense coming to the fore, knowing when to take the ball or to tap it on to his teammates' advantage, standing out.
The Hawks' defensive unit continued to work cohesively and show why they will be a potential point of difference in September, with the talls of Josh Battle, Tom Barrass, James Sicily and Jack Scrimshaw nullifying the contest, while the half backs in Karl Amon and Jarman Impey used their speed and craftiness to launch attacking raids from half back.
Mitchell was particularly impressed with Impey's game, both in his attacking prowess and also his defensive exploits, as he continued his strong form since the midseason bye.
"Jarman's speed and energy in the game on offence is what everyone sees, but he had a few really good defensive efforts," the Hawks coach said.
"I've really enjoyed his season."
Less than a fortnight after a heartbreaking loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval that had some media pundits writing off the Hawks' finals chances, the team is now a lock in the top eight, securing a second consecutive finals berth.
Next week's blockbuster against Brisbane at the Gabba has the potential to be for an all-important top-four spot, depending on the outcome of other fixtures, which would give the Hawks a much-deserved double chance in this year's finals series.
Mitchell knows the Hawks' form is on the improve after an impressive past three weeks, but knows there is still work to do to be consistent for four quarters.
"There's still plenty of work to do," Mitchell conceded.
"Our games in an okay shape at the moment.
"We're giving ourselves every chance."
With Hawthorn hitting some good form at the pointy end of the year, the last game of the season against reigning Premiers Brisbane on their home deck gives the Hawks a great opportunity to test their own premiership credentials before the finals series commences.
"They (Brisbane) were pretty sharp last night," Mitchell said of the Lions.
"It's going to be a massive game for us, and we're looking forward to taking on the reigning premiers on their home deck.
"We haven't played there for a while."
