The under-11s found the going tough against a talented Shellharbour Swans’ outfit and could manage only one goal for the game.

But coach Andrew Bermingham was delighted with the endeavour of his team. Every player battled hard and by the last quarter the Hawks were matching their opponents all around the ground.

Hugh Conway played his best game of the year and featured in both the mark of the match and the goal of the match in a skilful display.

Under-13s face unexpected pressure

Although they have been seen as the front-runners in their division throughout 2009, the under-13s were unexpectedly under pressure from the start of their game.

The Northern Tigers kicked with a strong breeze and jumped away to a three-goal break in the first term.

The Hawks appeared unsettled and it was only the strong ruck play of Tim Coenen and good positional play up forward by Max Moran that kept them in touch.

The Hawks’ coach switched Callum Hyde Liddell to centre half -forward in the second term, swapping him with the ever reliable Luther Canute.

The change had an immediate effect as Canute settled the back line and Hyde-Liddell capitalised on Tim Coenen’s ruck dominance.

He used his strength to repeatedly drive the ball deep into the forward zone and set up numerous scoring opportunities.

The Hawks banged on four goals and kept the Tiger goalless for the quarter.

With Lachlan Maples, Gareth Maples and Cameron Kolster beginning to dominate across the centre, the Hawks took control in the third-quarter.

They scored three goals into the breeze and were never headed.

Two quick last-quarter goals from Hyde-Liddell saw the Hawks storm home and win a place in another grand final.

It will be the third consecutive decider for several of the players.