Things you might have missed over the weekend...

1. Beware the hungry Hawks
A loss to the Dees last week may have been just what the Hawks needed.
Following the unexpected defeat, the mighty Hawks came out fighting and rammed on seven unanswered goals in the game's opening 20 minutes.
The Hawks have not lost consecutive games since Round 10 2014, perhaps proving that sometimes a loss can be just what you need.
Saturday’s 39-point win over North Melbourne sees the Hawks maintain their position at the top of the ladder.

2. First quarter blitz
The Hawks produced some of their best footy of the season in first term of Saturday’s Round 21 clash. Fast starts have not been synonymous with the Hawks in 2016 but it was a different story on Saturday as they smashed on nine of the first 11 goals of the match. The Hawks looked in line for a handy percentage increase before North managed to claw their way back into the game mid-way through the second quarter.

3. Burton makes a lightning debut
Hawks youngster Ryan Burton knows how to make an entrance. The debutant certainly made an impression scoring a goal with his first kick in AFL football.
The 191cm-tall forward finished off with one goals, 10 touches, and win.

Watch: Ryan Burton speaks about his debut against North Melbourne.

4. The need for speed
Speed proved a real factor in helping the Hawks secure a crucial win over North at the MCG. Speedster Isaac Smith racked up 33 disposals, while fellow pace-setters Bradley Hill (28) and Billy Hartung (19) also had a good day at the office.

5. Stakes were high, the tension even higher
The Roos are renowned for putting on a fierce clash against the Hawks, and Round 21 proved no different. Hungry to keep their place for the finals, North Melbourne were ready to attack. Michael Firrito and Luke Hodge were involved in a couple of spot fires throughout the day while Brent Harvey also came out aggressive and managed to collect Sam Mitchell with a swinging arm that awaits an answer from the MRP.

6. Pressure still on
Pressure still surrounds the Hawks despite their victory over North Melbourne seeing their continued reign over the top of the ladder. Whilst the Hawks sit one win clear at the top, the challenges keep coming. The Hawks must overcome West Coast on Friday night in Perth to hold top spot, with second, third and fourth positions on the ladder all just one win behind.

7. Hawks not in top gear just yet
Hawthorn Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson believes the Hawks must continue to lift in order to be in premiership contention. Despite praising his players for the win, in particular their first quarter performance, Clarkson insisted there is still plenty of room for improvement.
"I don't think [Saturday]'s form is going to win us a key final or a Grand Final, so we need to play a bit better, but we’re not overly concerned with playing premiership football right now,” said Clarkson.

Watch: Clarkson's post-match press conference.


8. Nic Nat flying
If there’s one thing the Hawks will need to prepare for ahead of Friday’s clash with West Coast, it’s an in-form Nic Naitanui.

The Eagles’ star ruckman was a dominant force in the Eagles come from behind victory over GWS Giants on the weekend. The ruckman seized victory in the dying moments with a match winning goal for the Eagles.