Collingwood threw the kitchen sink at the reigning premiers, particularly in a fierce third term, but still couldn't break the Hawks' hold over them. With the 29-point win, Hawthorn has now equalled its club record winning streak of six games against the Magpies. Collingwood's last triumph was in the thrilling 2011 preliminary final, but the Pies will get another chance to end that streak when they host the Hawks on a Friday night in round 23.

 

There's few bigger challenges than trying to shut down an in-form Travis Cloke, especially when you haven't played since May. That was the task facing Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake in his first game since suffering a calf injury in round seven. Lake started well against the Pies man mountain, restricting him to marks up on the wings and no scoreboard impact until Cloke hit his straps in the second term. Cloke, who booted six goals last round, slotted three second-quarter majors to lift the Pies to within nine points at half-time. The Pies star added his fourth with a sublime rolling snap in the third term and split the middle from outside the boundary in the final term to take the honours with five majors.

One of the biggest bonuses from Hawthorn's injury toll has been ruckman Jonathan Ceglar's form. The 23-year-old had just two games to his credit before this season, but has played seven this year and continues to build his case to keep recruit Ben McEvoy out of the side. Ceglar took the chocolates against Jarrod Witts on Saturday, collecting 13 touches, winning 15 hit-outs and booting a goal. Ex-Saint McEvoy booted five goals for Box Hill on Saturday, but is no certainty to force his way back in next week.

Shaun Burgoyne is already loved at Hawthorn, but Hawks fans would have particularly enjoyed seeing him run out for his 100th game in the brown and gold. That's because the former Port Adelaide star's sons, Ky and Percy, are now eligible father/son selections at the the Hawks as well as the Power. Burgoyne, who has won flags at both clubs, became the 36th player in VFL/AFL history to reach the 100-game milestone at two clubs in his 257th career match.

 

It was a match that would have warmed that hearts of footy traditionalists – a Saturday afternoon blockbuster at the home of football between two of Melbourne's biggest clubs – and fans voted with their feet. A massive crowd of 74,095 turned up to watch two heavyweights in action. Although Collingwood always attracts a huge crowd at the MCG, this was a strong argument that suggests as long as the game is appealing that the Saturday afternoon timeslot remains a winner.

 

Twitter: @TravKing_AFL