1. The General delivers
With suspended star Jeremy Cameron missing, the GIANTS needed Jonathon Patton to have a big night against the Hawks, and while he had a tough match in front of goals, he delivered when it mattered. The power forward received a free kick inside 50 with under five minutes remaining and his side just 10 points in front. With the pressure on, he nailed the set shot. It wasn't the best goal of his career but it was certainly an important moment on the night, and in the context of the GIANTS' season.

2. Hawks ball magnet roams free
The GIANTS decided against a hard tag on Tom Mitchell and he took full advantage of the space he was given. The Brownlow Medal fancy started with 14 first-quarter disposals, followed it up with 11 in each of the next two terms, and eventually finished with 50 for the night, as well as 12 tackles, nine clearances and seven inside 50s. It's the third time he has racked up 50 or more touches in a game. GIANTS midfielders Callan Ward, Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio also racked up plenty of footy and the home side took the important four points from the game, but Mitchell's half-century more than likely also bagged him three more votes from the umpires.

3. Land of the GIANTS an early masterstroke
With Rory Lobb returning early from a back injury, Leon Cameron decided to go tall with Dawson Simpson leading the ruck, and Jon Patton providing the back-up. Lobb started on the bench but made a massive impression when he entered the play. The West Australian troubled the Hawks inside 50 with his height but was also impressive at ground level and booted three goals in the first quarter as his side opened up a 24-point break at the first change. Lobb's impact waned for the rest of the match but his presence deep in attack kept the Hawks' defenders on edge for the entire night. 

4. Stopper can't stop GIANTS hot form
Gun midfielder Josh Kelly has averaged 32.5 possessions per game since he returned from a groin injury in round 10, and the Hawks gave Daniel Howe the job of trying to limit his influence. Kelly mixed his time between the wing and the midfield and continued to find the footy, and his 16 touches to half-time saw Howe start the third quarter on the bench. The GIANTS were quiet in the third term but he was again important when Hawthorn threatened to storm back and steal the match midway through the last. Kelly finished with 28 touches, seven tackles and six inside 50s in the important victory. 

5. Late out a massive blow for the Hawks
For such a crucial contest, the news that Jack Gunston wouldn't be lining up for the visitors was a huge boost for the GIANTS. A corked calf from last week's win over Gold Coast meant the star Hawk couldn't get up, even though he made the trip to Sydney. The versatile Gunston would have been an important weapon for coach Alastair Clarkson at either end of the ground. A fit Gunston could also have allowed James Sicily to go forward to provide an aerial target, which he did at three-quarter time with great effect.