Hawthorn Outclass North Melbourne in Slick Round 16 Display
What a game we witnessed between Hawthorn and North Melbourne in Round 16. If you're a Hawks fan, you’ll be walking a little taller today, and rightly so. The Hawks delivered a performance that was not only dominant but polished, outplaying North Melbourne across nearly every line. From the opening bounce, it was clear Hawthorn were locked in, moving the ball with precision and purpose, while North Melbourne struggled to keep up with the pace.
After the game, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson summed it up perfectly: "They were just a lot slicker." And honestly, that’s exactly how it looked on the field. Hawthorn’s ball movement was crisp, their defensive structures were solid, and their forwards knew exactly when and where to lead. The contrast was stark — North looked sluggish, a step behind, and at times completely overwhelmed by the Hawks’ clean execution.
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Jack Gunston turned back the clock with an absolute clinic up forward, booting six goals and matching his career-best. Every time the ball hit his hands, you could feel something special brewing. His timing, positioning, and finishing were simply first-class — a real throwback to his prime years.
Meanwhile, young Nick Watson reminded everyone why he’s one of the most exciting talents in the league. That burst from the centre bounce followed by a goal-of-the-year contender? That’s the kind of play that lifts a stadium and demoralizes an opponent. North’s defenders could only watch as “The Wizard” weaved his magic.
It wasn’t just about individual brilliance, though. Hawthorn’s system worked. Their midfielders applied relentless pressure, their backs rebounded with confidence, and their composure in transition left North chasing shadows. Unfortunately for the Roos, the game also saw George Wardlaw suffer another concussion setback — a worrying sign given his recent history. He had to be subbed out after a heavy collision with Conor Nash, adding to the growing concern around his long-term health.
Clarkson was candid post-game, admitting his side was simply outmatched in terms of execution and sharpness. You could sense the frustration, but also his understanding — sometimes you just get outplayed.
For Hawthorn, it was a big statement. For North, it’s back to the drawing board. And as fans, all we can do is hope they find the right formula soon — but right now, the Hawks are flying high.
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