1. Hawks know how to win the close ones

The Hawks have had their fair share of close calls in 2016, and yesterday was no exception.

Leaving it late to secure a one-point victory over Collingwood which secured a top four berth, Hawthorn has now won six games by 10 points or less this season.

It seems when the going gets tight, the Hawks’ have the big guns to step up and get the job done.

2. Burton the defender

After playing forward in his first two games at AFL level, Burton was thrown into defence against the Pies with terrific results.

The first-year Hawk finished with 15 disposals and five marks, but produced some terrific efforts in one-on-one situations to more than hold his own in defence.

3. Whitecross’ desperation plain for all to see

There may be plenty of premiership medals within this Hawthorn team already, but there is one player who is yet to taste the ultimate team glory.

Brendan Whitecross produced a terrific diving save in his defensive goal square halfway through the last quarter to stop a certain Collinwood goal, showing to all Hawthorn fans just how hungry he is to taste the same success him team mates have in previous years.

4. Hodge building to September

He may not have collected massive disposal numbers against the Pies, but it was what he did when he had the footy which clearly has Luke Hodge primed for another huge finals campaign.

After kicking a crucial goal in the second term to steady his side, Hodge characteristically went back with the flight of the ball in the last quarter to halt Collingwood in their tracks – another big moment where the Hawks’ captain has stood up in the heat of battle.

5. Small forwards prove dynamite

Hawthorn’s small forwards all had a ‘lick of the ice cream’ against the Pies, with Cyril Rioli, Luke Breust and Paul Puopolo all hitting the scoreboard in a thrilling victory.

They combined for a total of seven goals and the Hawks found a good mix of tall and small goal kickers to down the Pies and seal a top four spot for September.