Hawthorn used a dominant first half to run out 21.11.(137)-11.13.(79) winners against Fremantle in front of 43,538 at the MCG.
Without key clearance men Nat Fyfe and Michael Barlow, Fremantle were demolished from the onset as the Hawks piled on 12 first half goals to Fremantle’s two.
Over at the major change, Hawthorn used multiple first half goals from Isaac Smith, Jarryd Roughead and Paul Puopolo to open a 57-point lead on the back of 133 more possessions, 38 additional marks and 15 double-digit possession getters to Fremantle’s one.
The Dockers improved in the third term, but were still outscored three goals to five before threatening to win the second half by booting a further six in the final term.
Fyfe’s suspension will keep him out of next Sunday’s clash with Essendon in Perth and the Dockers could also be without inclusion Garrick Ibbotson (shoulder) and star small forward Michael Walters (foot).
Hawthorn had a scare of its own when 200th gamer David Hale appeared to suffer a serious shoulder injury, however the ruckman reappeared from the rooms and was able to play out the game.
The Hawks still managed to control the middle against Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands and his weakened midfield despite the late withdrawal of Ben McEvoy.
“We knew if we won the ball off the ground that we could neutralise it and I think we did that early on,” said Jordan Lewis.
“I suppose the biggest pressure we put on was scoreboard pressure and our forwards really finished off.”
Lewis led the Hawks with 37 disposals and 10 clearances while Sam Mitchell added 36. Matt Suckling, Smith, Brad Hill and Jonathan Simpkin each amassed 30 disposals each. Luke Breust, Smith and Puopolo led a large tally of goal kickers with three apiece.
Danyle Pearce had a team-high 31 touches for the Dockers while Matthew Pavlich kicked four goals.
Get amongst CraveOnlineAU on Twitter and Facebook for daily sport, music, entertainment and gaming news.
Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
