Skipper Quade Johnstone led from the front, Isaiah Jones was important down back and young gun Zac Alderton found plenty of the ball in a best-afield performance.
The 11.14 (80) to 4.12 (36) triumph handed the Swans their maiden win of the Goulburn Valley League campaign.
“It was a great way to get our first win on the board,” Hawke said.
“I was rapt with the response from the boys, especially on what was an important night for the club.
“It was our first-ever night game at Princess Park and we had our sponsors night on, too.
“There was a really good buzz around the club, which was great to see.”
The four points were just about signed and delivered for the Swans after the first half of action.
Manic pressure and slick ball movement resulted in consistent forward entries for the Swans.
Key forward Michael Cooke slotted three majors, while Alderton, BJ Squire and teenage debutant Diesel Batey all chipped in with one each.
The half-time scoreboard 9.9 (63) to 2.7 (19) displayed Swans’ early dominance.
A depleted United outfit - without former AFL gun Brock McLean - was forced to make eight changes before the match.
The Dees never really found their feet before the main break and inaccurate goal-kicking did not help their case either.
Recruit Mitch Cleeland was again United's best performer, while Matt Rendina and Doug Wren battled hard throughout the match.
Hawke praised the performance of his side's emphatic first-half effort.
“We started well and that's always important when you have a young group,” he said.
“They need leaders to stand up and guide the way.
“And the young boys followed suit and rode the wave that started from the experienced players.
“The boys were pretty focused and played with intent right from the get-go.
“When the heat was on at the start, that was when Quade was at his best.
“That's what captain's do and I thought he did a great job.
“And Zac had a strong match. He's a real impact player, but he's still only young and learning his craft.”
● Looking ahead to next weekend, United has another game under lights on its schedule.
The Dees will take on Mooroopna at Deakin Reserve on Saturday night, while the Swans are at home against winless outfit Tatura.
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