Overview

• Thursday’s 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) victory over Carlton moved Hawthorn to 13-6 and marked their sixth win in seven outings.
• Coach Sam Mitchell declared “Our destiny’s in our hands,” pointing to upcoming matches against Adelaide, Collingwood and Brisbane as decisive tests.
• Will Day returned from a four-month foot injury with 15 disposals and a soaring mark, bolstering Hawthorn’s midfield depth.
• Emerging forward Calsher Dear, Mitch Lewis’s comeback form, Jack Gunston’s consistency and Mabior Chol nearing fitness have intensified selection decisions in attack.
• A top-four finish would secure a finals double-chance and underpins Sam Mitchell’s selection choices and fitness management heading into September.