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.
"I'm really proud of the resilience of the group. We had a tough week and people thought we would perhaps never win a game ever again," Mitchell joked with reporters post-game.
"The way they delivered during the week ... the way we trained and the energy we brought to the game, we deserved to win."
The Hawks looked in total control in the first half but a run of five consecutive North Melbourne goals trimmed the margin to just three points midway through the final quarter before Hawthorn steadied, kicking late goals to win 11.14 (80) to 9.7 (61).
With North Melbourne missing co-captain Jy Simpkin through suspension, and clearance beast Luke Davies-Uniacke a late withdrawal with calf tightness, Hawthorn's young midfield led by Will Day (29 disposals) and Josh Ward (27 possessions, seven clearances) took their chance.
The Hawks played a high-possession 'keepings off' style in the opening half, allowing defenders James Sicily (28 disposals, 18 marks), Jack Scrimshaw (25 disposals, nine marks) and Blake Hardwick (23 disposals, 11 marks) to control the game.
Their ability to pick through North Melbourne's defensive zone with patient, precise ball movement and a willingness to take risks by foot allowed the Hawks to finish the game with 80 more uncontested possessions and 51 extra marks.
The Kangaroos laid just 16 tackles and had 56 fewer uncontested possessions in a lacklustre first-half that saw them fall 32 points behind, and while the Roos raised their intensity the damage was done.
Lively small forward Tyler Brockman kicked three goals in his first match since 2021, proving the Hawks were capable of producing a winning score without a notable key forward.
"I was rapt for Brocky - he is such a loveable lad," Mitchell said.
"Bringing someone as dynamic and exciting as Brocky was great. He builds the spirit."
Fergus Greene also worked hard as a leading forward, kicking two goals to go with eight score involvements, while Dylan Moore's ability to set up goals with class and creativity was a highlight.
For North Melbourne, rising star Harry Sheezel fell five disposals short of 30 - had he reached that mark he would have been the first player in AFL history to win 30 possessions in each of his first three games.
The match review panel may assess a high bump from Griffin Logue on Will Day, although no free kick was awarded and the young Hawk bounced back up immediately.
North Melbourne coach Clarkson was philosophical after falling short against his old club, telling reporters "we got ourselves back into the contest and played some good footy" after a poor first half.
"We were really pleased that at halftime we were able to address a couple of things and gives ourselves a chance to get back into the game.
"We didn't quite get there but it was pleasing that we made a game of it when at halftime it looked like Hawthorn, how far."
