CYRIL Rioli scored the match-winning goal in the dying seconds of the Hawks' five-point victory over the Swans, but teammate Jarryd Roughead's contribution from beyond the boundary line on Thursday night might have been just as valuable.
Coach Alastair Clarkson revealed the star forward's input in helping the coaching staff read the play in the fierce contest against the Swans played a crucial role in helping get the Hawks over the line.
"He's just a really calming influence because he reads the game so well. He's hugely admired by his teammates and they seek his counsel, particularly our younger players," Clarkson said.
Five talking points: Sydney Swans v Hawthorn
"He sat in the box today and at different stages you just ask him, 'What are you seeing Rough?' Sometimes it’ll be a little bit different to the way we’re seeing it.
"Sometimes, as coaches, we'll be too over the top in our criticism of movement of the ball or a player's decision, and he can be that reassuring player's voice from time to time.
"He'll hopefully still make that contribution for us, both during the week with our players and on game day with our coaches."
Hawthorn hasn't been toppled since the Swans' 14-point triumph at the MCG on May 20. The loss came days after news that scans had shown a return of Roughead's melanoma, leaving him sidelined indefinitely.
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"We had a fair few guys that weren't anywhere near their best in that particular game," Clarkson said of the round nine clash.
"Some of that was to do with Sydney and full credit to them, but some of it was to do with the week that we'd had. That was the announcement of Roughead's illness.
"I'm proud in a sense that some of our players did wear their heart on their sleeves that night and didn't perform quite as well because he means so much to them, he means so much to us."
It added another layer of satisfaction for the Hawks on Thursday night, who prevailed in a fluctuating clash.
"(It was) two really really strong sides going at each other, it's really hard to keep the momentum for a long period of times,” Clarkson said.
WATCH: Alastair Clarkson's full post-match media conference
"We're just really pleased with the way that we tackled. Sydney are an outstanding competitive side. To out-tackle them says something about the way that we approached the game tonight.
"For Cyril to kick that goal was pretty special but he was a long way out. I think there was a slight wind advantage to that end - he won't claim that though.
"It was a great kick, a pressure kick. He was pretty important at important moments."
