A Thrilling Victory for Hawthorn
In a nail-biting Easter Monday clash, Hawthorn secured a one-point victory in the dying moments of the game, thanks to a crucial behind from Jack Gunston. The win was all the more impressive as Gunston played through what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the final quarter.
The match was undoubtedly the best of the season so far, with the lead changing hands five times in the last 40 minutes. Hawthorn came from behind to overcome a 13-point deficit against Geelong and snatch the win at the final whistle.
Gunston’s Heroics
Jack Gunston was the standout performer of the game. He kicked three goals early on, showcasing his skill against the Geelong backline. However, he suffered a hamstring issue during a lead in the third term, forcing him to take a break. Despite this, he returned for the fourth quarter and continued to play, although he struggled to get near the ball.
It wasn’t until the final minute that Gunston made his mark. Hawthorn had just tied the game at 91-91 through a goal from Mitch Lewis. With 50 seconds remaining, the game boiled down to a contest for the next score. Geelong won the center clearance, but their kick was intercepted by James Sicily, who found co-captain Jai Newcombe on the wing.
Newcombe sent the ball inside 50, leading to a chaotic scramble as Hawthorn players desperately tried to force a point while the Cats worked to keep it out. In the midst of the chaos, Gunston managed to get boot to ball and scored the winning behind.
Speaking to Fox Footy after the game, Gunston described his hamstring issue as “a bit of carry on” and said he felt fine in the final quarter. Given his age, it’s hard to imagine the Hawks taking any risks with their star goal kicker. He finished the game with three goals from seven shots on goal, but the final behind will be one he remembers fondly.
Key Performances
Shannon Neale was a key contributor for Geelong, kicking four goals, including one in the final few minutes that gave the Cats the lead. However, Hawthorn’s Mitch Lewis and Gunston turned the tide in the final moments.
Bailey Smith was dominant throughout the game, using his hard running to find space and finishing with 33 disposals. He even had a friendly interaction with Hawthorn players, particularly Jack Ginnivan, at three-quarter time, exchanging words as they left the ground.
Josh Ward led the way for Hawthorn with 29 disposals, while Nick Watson kicked three crucial goals despite being under heavy pressure from Oisín Mullin. Watson’s ability to create opportunities at stoppages was vital in keeping Hawthorn in the game.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are now focused on the Gather Round. Hawthorn will face the undefeated Western Bulldogs, while Geelong will take on West Coast, who are coming off a 130-point loss. The upcoming matches promise to be highly competitive, with both teams looking to build on their performances.
