WITH HAWTHORN leading by more than 10 goals in the third quarter, you could have been excused for thinking the heat was out of Friday night’s contest, but Hawk defender Grant Birchall had other ideas.

With the ball loose at half forward for Essendon and Bombers Jake Melksham and Michael Hibberd staring it down, Birchall attacked the ball with desperate intensity, winning a free kick and sending the Hawks into attack.

The Hawks quickly cleared themselves out of danger and the ball ended with the brilliant running of Isaac Smith. Smith took three bounces, found the necessary space and kicked a beautiful running goal. It was his third for the night.

By the time in the match, midway through the third quarter, the Hawks had 10 goal kickers and dispelled any doubts about how they would cover the absence of Buddy Franklin and Jarryd Roughead.