It's been the missing link for the Hawks for a while. Their captain Luke Hodge chose the big occasion at the MCG to remind everyone he is a great player. He began opposed to Jarryd Blair around the packs and was breaking about even. But when the Hawks slipped behind on the scoreboard he lifted. The fearless Hawk used his long kicking to great advantage and set up goals for his teammates. He kicked one goal late in the second and third quarters and was instrumental in Grant Birchall goaling midway through the third quarter. In the third quarter, his 10 disposals included seven contested possessions.
2. 'Buddy' simply electrifying
'Buddy' Frankin's goal midway through the third quarter was something to behold. Brent Guerra launched a torpedo kick out into the centre circle and Ben Stratton took the mark. Stratton played on as a wave of players started the race forward and was tackled by Sam Dwyer. Stratton fell to the ground as he handballed to Franklin. Franklin had to jump over the tumbling Stratton while running at full pace but he did not break stride. He burst from the centre and kicked long from about 60m into vacant territory and the ball dribbled through for a goal. It would have taken about 10 seconds for the Hawks to go coast to coast. It rained goals after that and only once since round seven, 2008 has a higher score being kicked against the Magpies when the Hawks kicked 154 points. That was in the infamous round 22, 2011 game when the Magpies conceded 149 points against Geelong.
3. Hudson pops up in his fourth jumper
Ben Hudson became the 28th player to play for four or more clubs when he made his debut for Collingwood after being signed as a mature-aged rookie for 2013. He had a kick within the first minute and was showing his strength and presence. The highlight came at the 11-minute mark of the first quarter when he began a chain of play that saw seven handballs end in a goal to Jamie Elliott. At quarter-time with seven disposals, two marks and eight hit-outs Hudson was doing a great job for his fourth team. He kicked a vital goal against the flow when stationed forward in the third term as well.
4. A baby for Jed Anderson and then a win
Talented Hawthorn youngster Jed Anderson travelled to Darwin during the week for the birth of his first baby, Elijah. The 19-year-old started on the interchange bench but came on to the ground early and had an impact kicking a goal in the first half as he gathered eight possessions. He has played all three games and looks to have plenty of talent.
5. Debate about sliding rule sure to drag on
The sliding rule will again come under scrutiny after Magpie wingman Harry O'Brien was reported after he contacted Hawks captain Luke Hodge during the second quarter. O'Brien turned side on but he kept his feet and tried to get low but Hodge was sliding in and O'Brien connected with Hodge's head. In the same region of the ground during the first half, Jamie Elliott received a free when he kept his feet while Sam Mitchell received a free after sliding into Tyson Goldsack's knee.
