Deledio and hard-nut midfielder Anthony Miles were best on ground at the MCG as the Tigers posted a stunning three-goal win over the Hawks on Friday night, holding their opponents goalless in the first and third terms.

One betting agency had even paid out punters last week who had backed the Hawks for a third-straight flag, such was the confidence in Alastair Clarkson's machine, but the Hawks drifted slightly in betting on Saturday after they were "out-hunted" by the Tigers and their crafty game-plan.

The Tigers won the ball in tight and then held possession, denying the Hawks the chance to enforce their kicking game.

Deledio, who booted four goals and had 18 disposals, said the Tigers had the confidence required to mount a deep post-season run and claim the club's first flag since 1980.

"Absolutely. You've got to be in it to win it," Deledio told Triple M. "If you're not keen on winning it then what's the point in playing? We're going to give it every crack, that's for sure."

The Tigers have now beaten Fremantle and Sydney away from home and Hawthorn at the MCG, and have won nine of their past 11 matches.

If required to travel in the opening week of the finals, Deledio said his team would be ready to confront any opponent. "If you don't finish in the top two you're going to have to travel but we've got every confidence," Deledio said.

The Hawks have averaged 105 marks per game but the Tigers' pressure meant they were restricted to 64 and were unable to play a free-flowing style and find space up forward.

The manner in which they attacked the Hawks and curbed their prime movers will be used as a blueprint for rival clubs.

Miles said the Tigers knew they had to shed any intimidation they had felt from Hawthorn in the past if they were going to topple the back-to-back premiers – and emerge as a legitimate flag threat.

"Coming up against those guys, I suppose you are a little bit intimidated, I suppose I was, but I made a conscious effort to – I still have a massive amount of respect for them – but you have got to put that aside for 120 minutes and go head-to-head with them ... you have to attack them head on," he said.

Miles said winning the contested ball had been crucial to the Tigers' hopes, and skipper Trent Cotchin had taken a more physical approach in recent weeks. Cotchin clashed with Hawks skipper Luke Hodge several times.

"Cotchin in the last month has led the way in that area, as most captains do," Miles said. "That physical nature is something we are trying to pride ourselves on."

Another concern for the Hawks was that key defenders Brian Lake and James Frawley were reported for rough-conduct offences. Jack Riewoldt was crunched into the turf by a Frawley tackle, while Lake pushed Tyrone Vickery into the fence.

Frawley was also subbed off for 20 minutes under the concussion rule through the game, which allowed the speedy Billy Hartung to take to the field as he was assessed. Frawley would return to the field.

There have been recent suggestions coaches have allowed a player to sit for the full 20 minutes so a fresh player can have an impact.

When asked about Frawley's concussion assessment, Clarkson opted to take aim at Channel Seven commentator Wayne Carey – a week after Carey had been pilloried for suggesting Sam Mitchell would not find a spot in another side.

"A coach doesn't have anything to do with it [the concussion check], get that clear," Clarkson said. "Not me, not 17 other coaches either. We never, ever overrule the doctor. So whoever said it, was that 'Duck' was it? Carey? Another great call by Carey."

Clarkson said Carey's comment about Mitchell heading into the clash against Carlton had been "silly". "We should open a file up on Wayne Carey," Clarkson said.