Jack Ginnivan hails teammate as Hawks dismantle Dogs in stunning win

Hawthorn has thrashed the Bulldogs at the MCG with the Hawks’ most controversial star paying credit to a young teammate.

Hawthorn has proven its mid-season revival can stand up to September footy, brushing aside a disappointing Western Bulldogs side by 37 points at the MCG.

A young Hawks outfit that started the year 0-5 suddenly clicked into gear, ending the home and away season on a 14-4 run, and carried that form into Friday night’s 14.15 (99) to 9.8 (62) victory.

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The Bulldogs started well and held a two-goal lead at quarter-time.

From that point on, however, it was all Hawthorn, with Sam Mitchell’s side banging through 12 goals to five the rest of the way in a dominant performance.

It will have Port Adelaide on notice ahead of their semi-final showdown with the Hawks next week, after the Power’s 84-point belting against Geelong on Thursday night.

Hawthorn teenagers Nick Watson (4 goals) and Calsher Dear (3) starred in their finals debuts, while Aaron Naughton kicked three goals on a dismal night for the Dogs.

Catch up on all the big moments from the night in our live blog below.

Jack Ginnivan celebrates with the 'Wizard'.

Originally published as Jack Ginnivan hails teammate as Hawks dismantle Dogs in stunning win