HAMMER TIME FOR HAWKS

Hawthorn turned on the power at Optus Stadium last night, trouncing Carlton by 31 points in an impressive display for just their fourth win of the AFL season.

HAWTHORN snapped a fourgame losing streak and continued Carlton’s rollercoaster run this season, mounting a stunning comeback to win a memorable clash by 31 points at Optus Stadium on Friday.

The Hawks lifted themselves off the canvas and came from 31 points down in the opening quarter to win 14.5 (89) to 9.4 (58) in a 62-point turnaround.

Coach Alastair Clarkson and his men entered the Perth hub under fierce scrutiny, but prolific midfielders Tom Mitchell and James Worpel spearheaded an important win that could turn around their season.

The Blues, who will rue repeated turnovers when the game was on the line, continued their unpredictable 2020 and are yet to win back-to-back matches this season, missing a chance to move into the top eight.

It was triple-premiership star Shaun Burgoyne who turned the tide in the second quarter, racking up nine possessions and three inside 50s as the highly-scrutinised senior Hawks got moving.

Premiership teammates Jack Gunston, Liam Shiels and Isaac Smith all lifted as the Hawks went on a thrilling seven-goal run, pouncing on the Blues’ repeated turnovers and running the ball forward in a no-fuss style that paid dividends.

Smith was superb, converting a set shot from 50m on the boundary, then getting on the end of a Chad Wingard handball to kick the goal that put his team ahead for the first time.

Patrick Cripps was given unusual freedom early against the Hawks, and he made them pay.

The midfielder had 11 possessions in the first quarter, winning seven in contests and racking up three early clearances as the Blues raced to a 31-point lead, with the opening five goals. The Hawks then rotated midfielders Shiels, Worpel and Jaeger O’Meara on Cripps at stoppages, holding him to three possessions in the second quarter.