Hawks star Josh Ward broke his nose in an unfortunate accident during Hawthorn’s 37-point win over Western Bulldogs in the first AFL qualifying final.

The Hawks will travel interstate for their knockout semi-final against Port Adelaide next week after thrashing the Bulldogs in a 14.15 (99) to 9.8 (62) win at the MCG on Friday night.

It was Hawthorn’s first final victory since winning three titles in the 2015 grand final.

It was the latest chapter in a stunning revival of the so-called Hollywood Hawks under Sam Mitchell after a dismal 0-5 start to the season.

Midfielder Josh Ward got more than he bargained for when he ran to congratulate teammate Jai Newcombe after scoring a goal.

Newcombe did not notice Ward behind him and there was a brief scuffle between them, during which Ward received a painful punch in the face.

“Josh Ward comes in with a bang and gets a header,” said Campbell Brown, Seven’s football commentator.

“He’s got a broken nose – it didn’t look too bad in slow motion, but after the match he’s got a big gash on his head and a nasty broken nose.”

Josh Ward (pictured) broke his nose in an unfortunate accident while celebrating Hawthorn’s 37-point victory

Hawthorn gave the Bulldogs a run for their money in a 14.15 (99) to 9.8 (62) victory at the MCG

“Sometimes you can overdo the celebration.”

The Hawks trailed by two goals after the first quarter, but scored nine goals in the second and third quarters as the team took control of the penalty area.

“The players just performed brilliantly in every aspect of the game,” said Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell.

“No matter what happened to us, whether it was something tactical or even little things like performance reviews and blood rules.

“All those little details in the game that you can get lost in… I think we showed a maturity that gives me confidence.”

Hawks player Jack Ginnivan, who drew criticism for going to a Richmond pub the night before, got creative and celebrated kicking the winning ball midway through the final quarter by pretending to open a can of beer and downing it.

Mitchell said he knew about Ginnivan’s plans Thursday night and added that he didn’t mind visiting the bar given the Hawks player’s early bedtime.

The 21-year-old, after returning in September after the 2023 season with Collingwood, made 15 disposals with an efficiency of 93 per cent and also provided three goal assists, which made for an assured performance.

Next week the Hawks will travel interstate for their semi-final clash with Port Adelaide

“Absolutely (a minor issue). I didn’t ask, I probably should have: I wonder how many players went out to dinner in public last night? I’d guess maybe half,” Mitchell said after the match.

“I think most of us watch football on Friday nights or Thursday nights in public places for most of the year — (Ginnivan) played well, he lives the way he lives, and I knew that.

“If he comes home around half-time then I’ll be happy with what he’s doing – for me that’s no problem at all.”