The Hawks moved one game clear into fourth following the 13.11.89 to 7.5.47 victory at Tatyoon.

Tatyoon led from start to finish, keeping the Rovers to just two goals in the second half.

Both sides started evenly, having five scoring opportunities in the first quarter. 

The Hawks were able to capitalise much better than the Bulldogs, going into quarter time 4.1.25 to 2.3.15.

Tatyoon broke further ahead in the second quarter, kicking four goals to three with a 19-point buffer. 

A solid second half, including a goal-less final term to SMW Rovers, secured Tatyoon’s victory.

Hawks captain Sean McDougall said he was happy with how his team competed during the game.

“It was a good four quarter effort from the boys,” he said.

“We had a couple of lapses but we played pretty consistently otherwise.

“To their (SMW Rovers) credit they stuck with us and made us fight right up until the end.” 

McDougall said he thinks they were able to run the game out better.

“Our fresh legs made a bit of a difference,” he said.

“We are pretty unfit but we ran the game out well.”

Mitchell Cronin kicked five-goals as one of Tatyoon’s best players.

Tim McDougall was named best on ground for the Hawks.

“Nathan Mahoney was really strong in the backline for us,” Sean McDougall said.

“Will Joyce fought hard in the ruck all day as well.”

Shaun Fuller, Jarrod Blandford, Brock Bouch and Jake Williamson were also among Tatyoon’s best. 

Alex McCarthy was best on ground for SMW Rovers. 

Jarryd Underwood and Nathan Wemyss kicked two goals each for the Bulldogs.

Underwood sits sixth in the league goal kicking standings, with 35 majors in 10 games. 

McDougall said the win was important going forward for in the back end of the season. 

“We had a good win against Penshurst last weekend, so it is good to consolidate that with another strong performance,” he said.

“It is always good to win at home against the Rovers too.”

Tatyoon now sit fourth with six wins, one game clear of five other teams with five wins. 

McDougall said it is important for his side to keep its winning momentum going week by week.

“Each week is a must win if we want to be a contender come the end of August,” he said.

“It does not matter who we are playing, we have to compete in every game.”

SMW Rovers are one of those five teams with five wins. 

They will face a challenge to break away from the pack when they take on second placed Moyston Willaura next weekend.  

Tatyoon will be looking for a third straight win when it takes on Woorndoo Mortlake on Saturday.