LUKE Hodge has blamed an uncharacteristic lack of composure for Hawthorn's two-point loss to Essendon, but the skipper has warned that the reigning premiers will only learn from the defeat.
In a performance that was a far cry from the formidable Hawks displays of recent seasons, one of their strengths – pinpoint kicking – gave way to rash decisions with ball in hand.
Hawthorn had more inside 50s (58-52) than Essendon, but only booted 11 goals and had just seven individual goalkickers – a rarity from Alastair Clarkson's flexible and potent side.
"We blazed away, which we don't normally do, which was disappointing," Hodge told AFL.com.au.
"They outplayed us, they defended a lot better than us and they moved the ball better than us.
"You learn a lot from it. Having a loss early isn't a bad thing; we had a few early last year.
"We'll sit back and look at the tape and identify mistakes and where we should be more composed with the ball."
Clarkson labelled the first half as the Hawks' "worst half of footy for some time".
Hawthorn conceded a tidal wave of possessions (237-168) and went into the main break 22 points in arrears, with the triple-premiership coach admitting his side was lucky to still be within touching distance.
Without late withdrawals Sam Mitchell (corked calf) and Josh Gibson (soreness) – and with James Frawley (pectoral) subbed out in the first quarter – the Hawks were struggling to gain the ascendancy.
Still, most observers expected a fightback.
Sure enough it came, with Jack Gunston's three goals sparking what seemed to be a match-defining surge as the Hawks hit the lead by 16 points midway through the last term.
But just as Essendon appeared to be running out of gas – in scenes reminiscent of their round one capitulation to the Sydney Swans – the Dons piled on three unanswered goals in the dying minutes to clinch a famous victory.
Hodge said he wasn't surprised the Bombers found such run in their legs, despite about half the side missing the NAB Challenge while provisionally suspended as they awaited the outcome from the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal.
"Last week things went Sydney's way. It wasn't ideal [Essendon] missed the NAB Cup, but they're a fit side and they've been running pre-season," Hodge said.
"We knew that wasn't going to have anything to do with it - it was how they moved the ball. We didn't defend well at times and they moved the ball through us."
At 1-1, the Hawks now face a potentially tricky assignment getting back on track in round three against an undefeated Western Bulldogs side, which has found new life under Hawthorn's former backline coach Luke Beveridge.
"I was texting him after that first game about how smooth they're looking and energetic," Hodge said.
"We found out first hand that 'Bevo's' a fantastic coach. All the boys loved him here. No doubt he's got a few inside secrets about us.
"He might have a few hints for their defenders or about our midfielders, but in saying that we've got a lot of scouts, so we know a fair bit about them as well."
