Hawks tough out win

Hawthorn   7.16 (58) def. Kangaroos   4.12 (36)

Hawthorn have managed to clinch a 22-point win in a low-scoring affair this afternoon against the Kangaroos at Aurora Stadium in Launceston, in what could be described as an ugly slog.

While the Kangaroos held a 10-point advantage at quarter time, they were held goalless for the remainder of the match, which allowed Hawthorn to trip over the line for a hard-fought victory.

Brent Harvey (33 disposals, 11 marks) was best on ground, and proved to one of the only shining lights for the Kangaroos, while for the victors, Grant Birchall (27 disposals, 10 marks) provided penetrating run for the majority of the afternoon and Ben Dixon (5 tackles) bobbed up with three goals.

In beautiful conditions for football the Hawks started in superb fashion, with a long-range Lance Franklin goal kick-starting proceedings.

Former Hawk Nathan Thompson immediately replied in emphatic style, with a picturesque snap on goal sailing through the big sticks to level the scores.

Kasey Green and Dixon then exchanged majors for their respective sides, before the boys from Arden street booted the final two goals of an intensity-starved term through Hamish McIntosh and Leigh Harding to hold a 10-point lead at the break.

The second stanza began in similar fashion to the first, with Lance Franklin booting the opener to cut the deficit back to three points.

Dixon booted the only other major in a lackluster second quarter, off the back of a spectacular grab, and at the long break the Hawks led by five points.

The premiership quarter was no more than a dire struggle, with Dixon slotting the only six-pointer of the entire term for either side.

Both sides appeared extremely fatigued, and a total of eight behinds were booted for the quarter. Several shots on goal from 45 metres out failed to make the distance, and at the final change Hawthorn led by nine points.

The tough slog continued in the final term, with the only two majors going to Mark Williams, which effectively handed the Hawks a 22-point win in a dour affair.

The final round of the season proper sees the Kangaroos clash with Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday afternoon, while Hawthorn at the same time go head to head with Geelong at Telstra Dome.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!