North Melbourne has fallen to a 39-point loss against Hawthorn on Saturday.
The Roos started the game brightly, with the likes of Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin and Tom Powell all busy early, but the home side was unable to stop the Hawks scoring freely.
By quarter-time, the margin was 26, but North had its best period during the middle part of the second term, at one stage reducing the margin to just four points.
Hawthorn's Jacob Koschitzke was proving the difference in attack though, and finished with six goals for the day.
A seven goal to two third quarter put the game beyond doubt for the visitors, and despite the tireless work of Dom Tyson, who booted three goals to go with 23 disposals, the Hawks won comfortably.
Recruit Jaidyn Stephenson had an impressive 27 possessions, playing through the midfield and in attack, while Josh Walker was terrific in the forward line, with 16 touches, 12 marks and three goals.
Stephenson 1?? + 2??#AAMISeries pic.twitter.com/941QLC1Tkc
— AFL (@AFL) March 6, 2021
The sell-out crowd at Arden Street also got their first glimpse at draftees Will Phillips and Phoenix Spicer, with the pair busy in the final quarter.
Thomas kicks a classy goal from outside 50 ??#AAMISeries pic.twitter.com/ewC8Rg27ch
— AFL (@AFL) March 6, 2021
New faces
Hawthorn youngster Tyler Brockman lit up the contest with three goals in the first quarter, as well as some exciting passages and some daring leaps at the footy. Jacob Koschitzke then picked up where he left off, taking some strong marks in the second term and finishing with six goals. Lachie Bramble started in the middle, despite only being signed on Friday, but was relatively quiet. Tom Phillips was impressive as an inside midfielder, first-year Academy graduate Connor Downie was exciting on a wing and ex-Adelaide recruit Kyle Hartigan was solid down back. North Melbourne recruit Jaidyn Stephenson split his time relatively evenly between the midfield and the forward line, but had an indifferent afternoon, while first-round pick Tom Powell did some nice things as a high half-forward before being withdrawn after half-time. New duo Atu Bosenavulagi and Lachie Young both played across half-back, while Aidan Corr was asked to man the red-hot Koschitzke when he got off the chain. Newly drafted trio Charlie Lazzaro, Will Phillips and Phoenix Spicer played limited minutes.
Round one chance
North Melbourne youngster Tom Powell looks in the frame for a round one debut, impressing when he went through the midfield to finish with 15 disposals to half-time. After just three games in two years, Dom Tyson also looks set to provide more midfield support after winning 23 and kicking three goals. Hawthorn duo Jacob Koschitzke and Tyler Brockman can be pencilled in for round one, while Harry Morrison looks destined for more midfield time. Changkuoth Jiath was impressive down back and looks set to add to his seven senior games this season.
Medical room
Hawthorn had key forward Mitch Lewis pull out of the clash just prior to the bounce, though the reasons behind the decision are still unknown. The Hawks will be sweating on the fitness of Chad Wingard (calf) and Tom Mitchell (shoulder) ahead of round one, with the club still unsure whether both will be fit. North Melbourne should have Ben Cunnington (concussion) back for round one, while Jed Anderson (calf), Trent Dumont (calf) and Jared Polec (hamstring) are also in the frame.
Fantasy watch
All eyes were on new Hawk Tom Phillips (MID/FWD, $602,000) who did everything right to justify his 31 per cent ownership. Phillips' 141 with plenty of midfield clock makes him a Fantasy Classic lock but it was his teammate Tyler Brockman (MID/FWD, $180,000) who may offer more value if named in round one. His three first-quarter goals helped him to 69 points. Same goes for Jacob Koschitzke (DEF, $170,000) who booted six goals, racking up 95 points and most importantly looking likely for a round one debut and a handy basement-priced defender. For the Roos, Jaidyn Stephenson (FWD, $470,000) and Tom Powell (MID, $246,000) look set to increase their prices early in the season scoring 95 and 64 respectively.
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.2 6.4 8.6 12.9 (81)
HAWTHORN 6.4 8.8 15.13 17.18 (120)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Walker 3, Tyson 3, Davies-Uniacke, Larkey, Taylor, Turner, Campbell, Thomas
Hawthorn: Koschitzke 6, Brockman 3, Nash 2, Shiels, Moore, O'Brien, Morrison, Ceglar, Phillips
BEST
North Melbourne: Tyson, Davies-Uniacke, Walker, Powell, Corr
Hawthorn: Koschitzke, Morrison, Shiels, Jiath, Phillips, Moore, Brockman
INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
Hawthorn: Lewis (TBC)
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 1656 at Arden Street