Hawks see off Crows to extend hoodoo
HAWTHORN has continued its impressive mid-season resurgence, consigning Adelaide to more MCG misery with a convincing 27-point win.
The Hawks led by nearly 50 points in the third quarter on the way to a 16.11 (107) to 12.8 (80) win.
HAWKS v CROWS Full match coverage and stats
After losing its first five games, Hawthorn has won five of the last seven.
By contrast, it was a bad failure by the Crows, who had been building some momentum as well in the last few weeks.
But they were never in the hunt on Saturday and now are winless in 11 games at the MCG since their 2017 Grand Final season.
Jack Gunston celebrated his 250th game with three goals, including the last of the game after Dylan Moore hit him with a pass.
Hawthorn used the game to commemorate the 10th anniversary of its 2014 premiership, which featured Gunston, and several members of that team were raucous spectators in a private box at the MCG.
Moore was best afield with five goals, while defender Jack Scrimshaw and Ned Reeves also impressed.
Brayden Cook and Chris Burgess kicked three goals apiece in the second half for Adelaide to avoid a thrashing.
Crows captain Jordan Dawson needed a pre-game fitness test because of a foot injury he has carried for the last week.
It was touch and go whether the star midfielder played and he only managed 15 disposals, well down on his usual output.
The Hawks were in charge from the start and led by 29 points at half-time.
Adding to Adelaide's woes, veteran key forward Taylor Walker was subbed out at the main break with a back injury.
Adelaide made a bad start to the third term when it had no player on the goal line and gifted two goals to the Hawks.
Hawthorn stretched its advantage out to 48 points and a blowout loomed large.
But Adelaide swung changes, including young gun Max Michalanney moving from defence into the midfield, and it stayed in the contest.
Three goals late in the third term reduced the margin to under five goals and gave the visitors a glimmer of hope.
Minutes after burning his teammates, Jack Ginnivan snapped an outstanding goal on the three-quarter time siren to give the Hawks a 33-point break.
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Changkuoth Jiath was reported during the second quarter after headbutting Crows defender Mitch Hinge. Jiath and Hinge were scuffling as Jack Ginnivan prepared to take a shot at goal. Hinge grabbed Jiath by the throat, but the Hawk gave a free kick away and was reported when he headbutted the Crow in response.
Crows' MCG hoodoo goes on
Adelaide was desperate to finally end its winless run at the MCG, but a poor first half hurt its chances. The Crows last won at the 'G in 2017, failing to win their past 11 games at the venue. It's a run that is set to extend into 2025, with Adelaide not scheduled to play at the MCG again this year.
Hawks celebrate Jack's 250th in style
Hawthorn ensured Jack Gunston celebrated his 250th game with a win and a three-goal haul. With his 2014 premiership teammates watching on from the stands, Gunston delivered a fine performance, booting three goals from 14 disposals and seven marks.
HAWTHORN 5.4 7.5 12.9 16.11 (107)
ADELAIDE 2.2 2.6 7.6 12.8 (80)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Moore 5, Gunston 3, Ginnivan 2, Reeves, Nash, Macdonald, Hardwick, Dear, Breust
Adelaide: Cook 3, Burgess 3, Fogarty 2, Sholl, Schoenberg, Murphy, Jones
BEST
Hawthorn: Moore, Day, Ginnivan, Newcombe, D'Ambrosio, Scrimshaw
Adelaide: Crouch, Hinge, Soligo, Borlase, Sholl, O'Brien
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
Adelaide: Walker (back)
SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Luke Breust (replaced Calsher Dear at three-quarter time)
Adelaide: Sam Berry (replaced Taylor Walker at half-time)
Crowd: 36,086 at the MCG
