Hawks celebrate centenary with 129 point win at home

The Deanmill Hawks’ unblemished record in 2018 remains intact after they comprehensively defeated arch rivals Southerners by 129 points at Deanmill Oval, 22.18 (150) to 3.3 (21).

The victory not only confirmed the Hawks’ status as outright premiership favourites, it provided the perfect setting for the club to celebrate its 100th birthday in style.

From the anticipated build-up to the celebration, the Hawks looked focused to produce a performance to add to the auspicious occasion and apart from an early challenge from Souths, the home side completely dominated to deliver the club a perfect 100th birthday present.

In front of a parochial home crowd, the Hawks held sway in every aspect of the game, particularly in the midfield and up forward where they carried too many guns for an undermanned Souths outfit.

It was evident the Hawks’ pace and player depth would trouble the struggling Souths – a fact apparent as the game progressed.

Kester Decke rucked with dominance and when going forward showed wonderful judgment to take a series of marks to roll through three majors.

Added to this, the Hawks forwards gained a stronghold from an overload of ball supply to have the goal count flowing at a solid clip.

Aiden Clarke helped himself to a five-goal haul while Daniel Sarinis joined the party up forward with four majors.

Jaxon East contributed with three for the game.

The Hawks’ play was slick, especially from David Markotis, Brodie Reeve and Riley Hutchinson all epitomising the game plan as they plundered the midfield battle with style.

Reeve was in fine form gaining best afield in the Hawks’ centenary game.

To complete the celebration, the Hawks fired through eight final-term goals to seal a wonderful day that added to the club’s illustrious history.