An injury depleted Hawks took on last years premiers, Dunsborough Sharks, at Gloucester Park.
Dunsborough got the jump early with a couple of goals but resolute defence by the Hawks kept the Sharks at bay until the final few minutes of the first quarter when Dunsborough slammed on another 3 quick goals to hold a handy 30 point lead at quarter time.
The Hawks came out guns a blazing in the second quarter with only inaccurate kicking for goal keeping them from closing the margin.
A long bomb on the run from Jacob Graham from the 50m line ignited the crowd.
The tackling from both sides was ferocious. The Sharks kicked another 2 goals with the margin edging over 6 goals at half time.
The third quarter was a classic with both sides playing some outstanding end to end footy.
Again, turnovers in the forward line costing the Hawks.
The Sharks however, could only manage a single goal for the quarter but still managed to increase their lead.
The Hawks hung on until late in the final quarter when Dunsborough piled on another 4 goals to comfortably win 12-10-82 to 1-6-12.
Whilst the margin was decisive, the game appeared much closer and the players can hold their heads high with their efforts.
Best players for the Hawks were Tane Murphy, who was simply outstanding all day, Blair Collison, Luke Furlong, Zac Dronow, Charlie Hart, Jadon Granville, Kyah Sier and Josh Warwick.
