Mitchell amasses

In his first outing as a Hawthorn player, the former Swan showed his new fans exactly what they can expect from their new ball magnet. Gathering a team-high 26 disposals and nine contested possessions, the 23-year old said he was very excited to have a competitive hit-out after a long pre-season.

"To finally play a game together was good to get some exposure and work together. We obviously have a lot to work on but it was reasonable start," Mitchell said post match.

Comeback kids provide strong returns

On the back of their exciting returns to the field last week, Jarryd Roughead and Jaeger O'Meara delighted Hawks fans again as the pair excelled against the Kangaroos. Both enjoying large stints in the midfield, O'Meara had a team-high seven clearances with Roughead adding three of his own.

The first half was a display of pure dominance from the duo who played no part in the 2016 season. By half-time O'Meara had kicked a goal and notched up 16 disposals to lead all-comers on the ground, while Roughead followed closely behind with 15 touches.

Tip top Ty

One of only two multiple goalkickers for the Hawks, Vickery built on a strong debut for the club last week to deliver another impressive performance. 17 disposals, two contested marks and an invaluable three marks inside forward 50 to go with his two goals, Vickery continued to prove an astute acquisition by the Hawks.

Hawthorn Vice-Captain Liam Shiels said post-match that he was thoroughly impressed with Vickery’s performance.

"Ty was probably a standout for me. He got his hands on the footy and took a few contested marks so [each of the new recruits] are going to keep getting better every time they play with us.”

Gunning for a new role

Jack Gunston gave fans an insight into his adjusted role this season. Gunston was literally everywhere throughout the game with his 18 possessions including five inside 50s and three rebound 50s, as the sharp-shooting forward even claimed kick-out duties at times.

Gunston was still able to remain dangerous inside forward 50, where he had three shots on goal but uncharacteristically missed them all.

Pittonet pitted against a tough task

With number one ruckman Ben McEvoy left out of the clash against the Roos, third-year ruckman Marc Pittonet was left to shoulder the burden of battling All Australian ruckman Todd Goldstein and pre-season stand-out Braydon Preuss.

Pittonet, who played three games last year, battled hard against North's imposing duo but ultimately struggled to give his midfielders first use.

The Kangaroos' combination of Goldstein and Preuss produced 45 hit-outs and four goals between them (Preuss 27 hit-outs and three goals, Goldstein 18 and 1) while the pairing of Pittonet and Fitzpatrick provided 13 taps and just the one major.

All action at Arden Street

Fans were lining the streets of North Melbourne, hoping to get a glimpse of the first AFL match played at the Arden Street venue in over 30 years. It was a picture-perfect Melbourne day, with the 30 degree temparatures making hard work for both the players and the enormous blue-and-white-clad faux elephant who graced the ground at half time (fortunately, there was no recurrance of the stampeding ‘phant of 1978). There was a true ‘local footy’ vibe buzzing around the venue, and several fans hung back to catch the women’s VFL practice match between Melbourne University and Darebin after Roos v Hawks match concluded.

Hawthorn’s inability to seal the deal in their JLT Game 2 match means their 34-year drought at the Arden Street venue is set to continue for at least another year.

Until next time.

"There is an elephant at full forward" - Sandy Roberts #Plugga #4 #ArdenSt

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