The Hawthorn Hawks delivered a commanding performance in Launceston, dismantling North Melbourne in a brutal display of dominance that left little doubt about the gulf in class between the two sides. With standout performances from Jack Gunston and Mabior Chol, and a seven-goal haul from Gunston in his 267th AFL game, the Hawks turned UTAS Stadium into their own backyard.
It wasn’t just the scoreboard that told the story—it was the way the Hawks hunted the ball, used their structure, and played with cohesion while North Melbourne struggled to get out of second gear.
Hawks Soar from the Start
From the opening bounce, Hawthorn asserted themselves with crisp ball movement and relentless pressure. By the time the final quarter rolled around, the Roos were simply trying to limit the damage as the Hawks pushed towards a triple-digit win.
At three-quarter time, the scoreboard read Hawthorn 17.11 (113) to North Melbourne 6.7 (43). The final margin blew out even further, with the Hawks finishing the day with a commanding 91-point win: 23.11 (149) to 9.4 (58).
Gunston’s Career-Best Day
Jack Gunston turned back the clock in Launceston with a sensational seven-goal performance, the best return of his career. The veteran forward was everywhere, marking strongly, leading smartly, and converting with precision.
His seventh goal was one to savour—after taking a mark just outside the 50-metre arc, he calmly slotted it through from the arc’s edge, sparking a massive celebration from teammates who mobbed him in delight. With time still on the clock, fans were hoping to see an eighth, but seven goals in one game is a remarkable milestone for a player already admired for his consistency and professionalism.
Gunston had kicked six goals before the final term even began and looked a class above any defender North Melbourne threw his way.
Mabior Chol: “Magnificent Mabior”
Mabior Chol also had a field day in Tassie, finishing with five goals, two of which came in the space of just a minute during a dominant final quarter.
After receiving a sharp pass from Gunston, Chol marked near the boundary, just outside 45 metres. From a tight angle, he delivered a perfectly shaped kick that floated straight through the middle. Moments later, after another centre clearance, Chol pulled down a strong contested mark and converted again.
Fox Footy commentator Gerard Healy couldn’t resist dubbing him “Magnificent Mabior” – and few watching would argue. Chol was a constant threat and proved invaluable as the Hawks' tall forward target.
The Ginnivan Spark
Jack Ginnivan also got amongst the goals in spectacular fashion, converting from a tight boundary angle. After drifting cleverly to the arc and taking a mark on the boundary, Ginnivan showed his class by threading the ball through from a near-impossible position. It was a moment that encapsulated Hawthorn’s confidence and finesse on the day.
Ramsden and Larkey Trade Blows
While North Melbourne had few positives, Nick Larkey remained one of their shining lights, slotting a smart snap from the pocket after earning a free kick. But almost instantly, Hawthorn’s Max Ramsden responded with a composed mark and goal at the other end.
This back-and-forth was one of the few brief moments where the Roos managed to show a hint of resistance—but by then, the scoreboard was already well out of reach.
Young Roo's Head Knock Raises Concerns
Among the more worrying moments of the match was a head knock to a North Melbourne young gun, which left fans and commentators concerned. Details on the severity of the injury are still unfolding, but the club will no doubt monitor his condition closely through the concussion protocols. It was an unfortunate footnote in an already dismal day for the Kangaroos.
A Match of Complete Control
Statistically, the match was as lopsided as the final score suggests. The Hawks dominated inside-50s with 48 entries to North’s 27, and they edged the possession count as well, leading 281 to 235. More telling, however, was their intent and organisation around the ball. Hawthorn looked structured, confident, and composed, while North Melbourne lacked the aggression and energy that saw them trouble Carlton just a week earlier.
Coach Sam Mitchell even felt confident enough to throw defender Josh Weddle forward in the final term to get him some ball—something more often seen in junior footy than in the professional ranks. It was a symbolic moment that reflected just how one-sided the match had become.
Looking Ahead: Questions for North, Momentum for Hawthorn
For North Melbourne, the match raises serious questions. After showing signs of fight against the Blues last week, the Roos were a shadow of themselves in Launceston. Their defensive structure broke down far too easily, and their midfield simply couldn’t match the Hawks' physicality and movement.
Coach Alastair Clarkson will be scratching his head trying to understand how his side could fall so flat, especially after recent improvements. Whether it's consistency, depth, or a question of leadership on the field, North has some soul-searching to do.
Hawthorn, meanwhile, will be buoyed by this result. While the Roos have been struggling, you can only beat the side in front of you, and the Hawks did that with ruthless efficiency. Gunston’s resurgence, Chol’s presence, and a general sense of unity and momentum could serve them well in the coming rounds.
Final Score:
Hawthorn 23.11 (149) defeated North Melbourne 9.4 (58)
Winning Margin: 91 points
Player of the Match: Jack Gunston
There’s no debate here—Gunston was a class above. With a career-best seven goals, leadership in the forward line, and ice-cool finishing, he reminded fans why he’s still such an important figure in the Hawks’ setup.
Key Stats Recap:
- Gunston – 7 goals (career-best)
- Chol – 5 goals, several strong contested marks
- Inside 50s – Hawthorn 48, North Melbourne 27
- Disposals – Hawthorn 281, North Melbourne 235
- Possession leaders – Hawthorn had multiple players clocking up quality touches, dominating across every third of the field.
Conclusion
It was a Tassie triumph for Hawthorn as they handed out a footy lesson to North Melbourne. Gunston’s big day, Chol’s flair, and a team-wide dominance made for an entertaining spectacle for the Hawks faithful. For the Roos, it’s back to the drawing board, with urgency required to address their glaring inconsistencies.
As the AFL season rolls on, one thing is clear: underestimate this Hawks side at your own peril.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
