Even the media are starting to see through the fog of misinformation and stats.
Hawthorn big man David Hale would have thought he was in for a tough day after the opening bounce, when opposing ruckman Nic Naitanui took the ball out of the ruck, won the first clearance and banged it forward. The ball trickled through for a rushed behind, but set the early tone. Or so we thought. It was one of just three disposals for Naitanui in the first half, and he managed just four touches for the game. He had 37 hit-outs, but had little influence on the contest. He wasn't alone for the Eagles, with midfield ace Matt Priddis gathering 25 disposals but having little say on the outcome. Fifteen Eagles had 15 or fewer disposals, compared to just six Hawthorn players.
