If the Western Bulldogs needed any reassurance as to why they drafted Barry Hall, that was delivered emphatically on Friday night with a sizzling six-goal performance against Hawthorn that guided the Dogs into a rare NAB Cup semi-final.
Hall, 33, was simply superb, wowing fans at Etihad Stadium with four first-term goals and singles in the second and third before he was put in mothballs at three-quarter time as the Dogs ran out 57-point winners in a 1.15.12 (111) to 7.12 (54) result.
In his first match since playing his last for the Swans in Round 13 last year, Hall kept his often volatile temper in check to clearly have the better of another prized recruit, former Kangaroo-turned-Hawk, Josh Gibson.
After years of searching for a true spearhead, the success-starved Dogs looked to have found a focal point who could help to finally end the longest premiership drought in the competition.
He also worked well alongside the likes of spring-heeled Josh Hill, who kicked two goals but could have easily had five had he not wasted chances, and veterans Jason Akermanis, Robert Murphy and Mitch Hahn.
Hall prospered through the excellent midfield supply from the likes of Matthew Boyd, Daniel Giansiracusa and Ryan Griffen.
Former Geelong rookie Brodie Molls was also prominent, while ruckmen Ben Hudson and Jordan Roughead – the brother of Jarryd – dominated the hit-outs.
The Hawks steamrolled Richmond in week one but were immediately on the back-foot against the supercharged Dogs.
Lance Franklin was always dangerous but could muster just the one goal – midway through the final term. While opponent Brian Lake deserved credit, the Dogs were able to often double and even triple team the star forward.
Fellow big man Jarryd Roughead started well but faded, while Richmond discard Carl Peterson was impressive across half-forward.
The contest was effectively over by three quarter-time when the Dogs led by 55 points, prompting coach Rodney Eade to substitute Hall.
He had been unstoppable in the first term, showcasing why the Dogs opted to roll the dice and take a chance on him.
Hall's first major came within 90 seconds of the opening bounce when he led a sluggish Gibson to the ball, turned and snapped over his right shoulder from 30m.
The second could well have been a training drill when Boyd burst through the centre and hit the leading Hall on the chest. He duly converted.
After a five-minute rest on the bench, Hall returned to wreak more havoc.
His third highlighted his reflexes – and sense of flair - were still sharp.
Teammate Josh Hill did the grunt work, spinning Ryan Schoenmakers around in a tackle and forcing a stray handball from the Hawk defender. Hall then intercepted the pass and, running across goal from about 20m, check-sided the ball through.
It naturally brought the Dogs' faithful to their feet.
His last for the term was all but a repeat of his second, but this time it was Giansiracusa who delivered the perfect pass.
The Dogs will play the winner of the quarter-final between West Coast and Port Adelaide.
HAWTHORN: 1.5, 4.7, 6.8, 7.12 (54)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 5.3, 8.7, 15.9, 1.15.12 (111)
SUPER GOALS: HAWTHORN: Nil
WESTERN BULLDOGS: Boyd
GOALS: HAWTHORN: Roughead 2, Morton 2, Breust, Hodge, Franklin.
WESTERN BULLDOGS: Hall 6, Hill 2, Murphy 2, Moles, Giansiracusa, Cross, Cooney, Higgins
BEST: HAWTHORN: Mitchell, Lewis, Kayler-Thomson, Moss, Sewell
WESTERN BULLDOGS: Hall, Hill, Murphy, Boyd, Griffin, Cooney, Lake
INJURIES: HAWTHORN: TBC
WESTERN BULLDOGS: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 17,222 at ETIHAD STADIUM