Despite having former AFL ruckman Ivan Maric playing for the day, the Hawks started slowly, taking just a one-point lead at the first break.

They started to hit top gear in the second term, piling on six goals to zero to boost the lead to 40.

The Eagles did not lie down after half-time however, keeping the margin within 27 points going into the final term. The Hawks were too strong in the end though, coming away with a 15.18 (108) to 8.7 (55) win.

Maric was influential in the victory, kicking two goals among Tatyoon’s best.

“He was super. He took a heap of big contested marks across half back and worked forward hard,” Tatyoon coach Simon Brearley said.

“Saturday was not just about him coming in and dominating but imparting some of his knowledge on the group.

“He talked to the midfielders about structure, showed our ruckman Geoff Jolly a few things and also provided an example of what a strong work rate looks like.”

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Although coming away with the four points, Brearley said the Eagles were a tough opponent and their ladder position of 10^th does not reflect their competitiveness.

“We knew they would be a good side and their standings do not do justice,” he said.

“They used the footy fairly well and we did not defend very smartly early on which kept them in the game.

“We didn’t capitalise on the ruck dominance as much as we could have as well.”

Steven Butler booted three majors as Tatyoon’s best on ground, while six players kicked two goals or more.

Brearley said his side was slightly depleted in the win.

“One of our midfielders in Sean McDougall got injured, rolling his ankle and two other starting mids were also missing. To get a win without those guys is pleasing.”

The Hawks are now six games clear of fourth-place, sitting in second after 13 rounds.

“We are full of confidence going into the final rounds. We know we just have to keep on winning,” Brearley said.