A Historic Comeback in the Hawthorn vs. Geelong Rivalry
Hawthorn’s recent one-point victory over Geelong on Easter Monday has etched their name into the annals of one of Australian football’s most storied rivalries, according to coach Sam Mitchell. The game, played at the MCG in front of a crowd of 84,712 fans, was a thrilling display of resilience and determination from both teams.
At one point, Hawthorn found themselves trailing by six points when Geelong’s Shannon Neale kicked his fourth goal with less than two minutes remaining. However, the Hawks staged an incredible comeback, with Mitch Lewis equalising with just 51 seconds left on the clock. Then, veteran player Jack Gunston delivered the winning moment, kicking the decisive point with only 13 seconds remaining. The final score read 13.14 (92) to 14.7 (91), marking a memorable win for Hawthorn.
Mitchell praised the players for their grit and tenacity during the final moments of the game, noting that the coaching staff could barely hear each other on the bench. He said the victory was a testament to the team’s collective effort and highlighted the significance of this win for the younger members of the squad.
“Our players this time get to write their names into the history of what’s a great rivalry,” Mitchell said. “For the next 10 years you’ll show the last couple of minutes of that game. And all of our new players, who perhaps haven’t done that against the Cats, they get to be a part of it for the first time.”
Key Players and Moments
Captain James Sicily played through a right shoulder injury, making a crucial contested mark in defense that sparked a pivotal play leading to Gunston’s winning kick. Meanwhile, Gunston himself battled a hamstring issue, showcasing his determination on the field.
Debutants Flynn Perez and Jack Dalton also faced challenges, with both sustaining facial injuries from high tackles. Despite these setbacks, the team’s spirit shone through, with Mitchell describing the game as feeling like a “war.”
“That was a game where you needed to lean on everything,” he said. “When you win a game by a point, a lot has to go right, and all of the resilience of every player, of every staff member goes into winning it.”
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with multiple lead changes throughout. Geelong led by as much as 13 points in the fourth quarter, but a remarkable snap from Nick Watson inspired a Hawthorn resurgence. Both teams had chances to seal the victory, with Mitchell joking that Hawthorn “found unique ways to not score” before the dramatic finish.
Player Performances and Team Dynamics
Gunston, who kicked three goals and contributed significantly to the team’s efforts, was supported by Watson, who scored three impressive goals, and Jack Ginnivan, who added two. Josh Ward was instrumental with 29 disposals, while Connor Macdonald provided key contributions when it mattered most.
For Geelong, the absence of Patrick Dangerfield due to a calf injury was felt, but Bailey Smith, Max Holmes, and Tanner Bruhn stepped up with strong performances. Tom Stewart also made his mark on the field.
Hawthorn started strongly in Mitchell’s 100th game as coach, but Geelong turned the contest into a tight battle. Despite the challenges, Hawthorn remained capable of a late surge, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
Post-Match Reactions and Future Outlook
Geelong coach Chris Scott acknowledged the close nature of the game, stating, “I’m never happy to lose. But I thought they probably had their chances to win it late and we almost stole it.” He admitted that the final result seemed to contradict the game’s flow.
Looking ahead, Geelong will face West Coast at Norwood Oval on Sunday, while Hawthorn prepares for a major clash against the unbeaten Western Bulldogs in the Gather Round at Adelaide Oval. Mitchell expressed confidence that Sicily suffered only a “stinger” and that Gunston experienced only cramp, indicating the team is in good shape for the upcoming fixtures.
