Sam Mitchell has struck the first blow in his coaching rivalry with former mentor Alastair Clarkson, with Hawthorn holding off a final-quarter surge from the previously undefeated Kangaroos in Launceston to win by 19 points.
Mitchell said the Hawks' first win for season 2023 was "reward for effort", praising his players' ability to bounce back mentally after losing by a total of 140 points in their opening two matches.
