Hazendonk’s haul propels Poowong
ANOTHER sensational masterclass from Jack Hazendonk has helped propel Poowong to a valuable victory over mid-table rivals Lang Lang away from home.
Ably assisted by some cameos from his teammates, the Magpies captain and former league best and fairest winner was at his sublime best to finish with four goals and help his side win, 13-8 (86) to 3-2 (20).
The result helped the Magpies shoot up the ladder to sixth while for the Tigers, it was another blow to a side looking to progress to a finals team.
A chain of handballs on the wing set up an opening attack for Poowong, finding Hazendonk deep for a brilliant contested mark and goal. It would prove to begin an inspiring performance that would lift the Magpies to a comfortable victory.
The captain would prove provider for their next, chipping short to an unchecked William Robertson.
A big fly from Mitch De Kleuver set up Connor Cunningham, no one getting a touch on his kick from long range as the Magpies had the first three.
Focal point Mitchell Davey scored late through the agency of a 50-metre penalty for late contact to keep the Tigers into the contest heading into the first change.
Poowong had the ascendency to begin the second term, keeping the ball in their attacking half with some skill execution and inability to connect letting the Tigers down.
Despite this the Tigers found an opportunity against the tide, chipping inboard to find Liam Casey to close the gap.
The Magpies were struggling to find opportunity but Hazendonk stepped up again, drifting a set shot superbly to re-establish the buffer.
Micah Williames converted on the siren to increase the lead to 22-points at the long break.
Cunningham's good game continued early in the third, adopting a low kick to adapt to the wind as the Magpies began to take control.
A dribbler from Joel Norton skittled the Tigers defence before Hazendonk put through his third, the Magpies increasing the lead to 48 at the final change to have the match all but in their keeping.
Kurt Newton was busy for the visitor, while Thomas Robertson led the Magpies defence.
Kalin Parker, Kaden Finlay Smith, Brad Harding and Luke Clark continued to battle for the Tigers, but it would be the Magpies who finished strongly.
A long goal from Steve McInnes just before the final change continued the charge, before Hazendonk found Robertson for another to effectively kill the contest.
Cunningham roved well to score an easy goal over the back, before Zac Gray joined the party with a goal of his own.
When Hazendonk put through his fourth, it made it 10 on the trot in what had been a dominant display, Brody Leitch putting through a consolation goal after the siren for the Tigers.