AFL LIVE: Hollywood Hawks storm to a commanding position, superstar cleared to continue after HIA drama

In the first half, Izak Rankine was arguably the best player on the park.

Now his Crows are behind and he’s just limped from the field with what looks like a lower leg injury - it happened without a clear knock or trip.

That could suggest it is a calf or achillies tendon issue but time will tell.

Hawks 54, Crows 37 with 11 mins to go in Q3.

Before tonight, Blake Hardwick hadn’t kicked a goal since round 12 last year.

Now he’s got three majors as Sam Mitchell moved him into the deep forward role aka the Jack Gunston role.

He’s latest goal saw him think quick on the goal-line and grab the ball and boot it home.

That’s six straight goals for the Hawks.

Hawks 54, Crows 36 with 14 mins to go in Q3.

Nick Watson has come out for the second half for the Hawks, meaning he’s passed the concussion testing during the break.

Hawks 48, Crows 36 with 16 mins to go in Q3.

The Hawks have put themselves back into this match, going from strength to strength in the second term.

They’ve turned a two-goal deficit into a 13-point lead.

The big question will be whether Nick Watson will be allowed to play in the second half or not.

“I’m amazed Hawthorn are in front – I didn’t see that coming,” Hawthorn great and Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend Jason Dunstall said on Kayo Sports.

Hawks star Nick Watson has been taken from the field for a head injury assessment after a collision a few minutes ago.

At first, he played on, but the doctor reviewed the video and asked for Watson to be removed. He will be off for at least 20 minutes, although a good chunk of that time will be during the half-time break.

As that happened, the Crows gave up a 50-metre penalty 60 metres from goal and Dylan Moore kicked truly.

Hawks 47, Crows 34 with 90 seconds to go in Q2.

Nick Watson has booted his second goal after an unusual free kick against Crows defender Josh Worrell, who punched the ball over the line from outside the goal square.

Worrell claimed he had a foot in the square, but the replay appeared to show he was just a step outside when he dived and cleared the ball.

Watson snapped the goal. It’s a game of inches, this.

Hawks 41, Crows 33 with five mins to go in Q2.

Sam Mitchell is considered one of the most astute coaches in the AFL, but he is copping some heat from the commentators tonight.

At the heart of their criticism is the fact that Hawthorn has allowed danger man Izak Rankine to go largely unchecked. He has already had 14 disposals and kicked a goal.

“Have a look at the space that Rankine is getting,” David King said on Fox Footy.

“I cannot believe the lack of planning for Izak Rankine.

Mitch Lewis has continued his stellar comeback from a senior knee injury.

He took a strong mark on the lead and kicked a goal.

That’s three-straight majors for the Hawks and they’ve tied the game.

Crows 32, Hawks 32 with 11 mins to go in Q2.

Hawks ruckman Lloyd Meek has had his colours lowered at the ball-ups so far by Lachlan McAndrew, but he’s moved forward and made a big contribution.

Meek pulled in a strong pack and mark and then went back and booted the goal from almost 50 metres out.

The Crows are only a few points up now.

“I can’t believe it is this close,” David King said on Kayo Sports.

Crows 32, Hawks 26 with 13 mins to go in Q2.