JACK Gunston and Grant Birchall were the only Hawks players to poll votes from the coaches in Monday’s 19-point loss to Geelong.

It is no surprise that Geelong players, namely Steve Johnson and Tom Hawkins dominated the votes from Alastair Clarkson and Chris Scott.

In the opinion of the coaches, Gunston was the best performed Hawthorn forward on the day, kicking an equal team-high three goals including one that put the Hawks in front early in the final term.

The young Hawks forward continued his good form following a five-goal haul against the Suns last Saturday night and backed up that performance with 15 disposals, nine marks and three goals.

Gunston also played a key role in providing a contest inside forward 50 for the Hawks if he couldn’t mark the ball, which allowed small forwards like Luke Breust (three goals), Cyril Rioli and Paul Puopolo the chance to impact at ground level.

His ability to create the contest also stopped one of Geelong’s biggest strengths, their ability to mark off opposition kicks inside their defensive 50.

Birchall was prominent across half-back and set up a number of attacks forward throughout the game. He won a team-high 28 possessions, took five marks and had five rebound 50s. He also had two score assists.

But Geelong’s dangerous midfielder/forward Johnson was deemed best on ground by both coaches, earning the maximum five votes for a total of 10 from Clarkson and Scott.

Johnson had a game high 34 disposals, took 10 marks, had six clearances, six inside 50s and kicked three goals.

Hawkins received eight votes for his match-winning performance up forward, particularly in the final term where he booted three goals to finish with five for the game.

Jimmy Bartel and Harry Taylor both received three votes for their respective roles across half forward and down back. Taylor in particular was important in restricting the impact of gun Hawks forward Jarryd Roughead.

Corey Enright polled two votes for his 16 disposals and two goals and Hamish McIntosh was the best ruckman on the ground, receiving one vote.

The votes: Geelong v Hawthorn
10 Johnson (Geel)
8 Hawkins (Geel)
3 Bartel (Geel)
3 Taylor (Geel)
2 Enright (Geel)
2 Gunston (Haw)
1 Birchall (Haw)
1 McIntosh (Geel)

Round 5 Leaderboard
34 Joel Selwood (Geelong)
30 Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)
30 Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
27 Steve Johnson (Geelong)
23 Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
22 Nathan Jones (Melbourne)
22 Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
20 Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne)
20 Brendon Goddard (Essendon)
19 Brad Ebert (Port Adelaide)
19 Scott Thompson (North Melbourne)