A Hard-Fought Victory
For the Hawthorn Football Club, the Easter Monday match against Geelong was more than just another game on the calendar. It was a chance to settle some old scores and prove that they had learned from their mistakes.
The Hawks managed to pull off a thrilling one-point victory in the final moments of the game, with the siren sounding just as they secured the win. This result was driven by the pain of last season’s preliminary final, where Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield-led team ended Hawthorn’s 2025 premiership hopes with a strong second-half performance.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell highlighted how the Cats’ actions in September had left a lasting impact, and this motivation clearly played a role in the team’s late-game surge. With just 94 seconds remaining, the Hawks overturned a six-point deficit, showing incredible resilience and determination.
Defender Jack Scrimshaw reflected on the significance of the match, saying: “We sort of touched on it pre-game, it added a bit more motivation for us and we were keen to get them back.”
A History of Rivalry
The rivalry between Hawthorn and Geelong has always been intense, with both teams often finding themselves in close contests regardless of their positions on the ladder. Scrimshaw noted that this history made the game even more special.
“We haven’t beaten them for a while so it was good to get it done,” he said. “There’s a rich history between the two clubs and no matter where we’ve been on the ladder they always tend to be close-ish games.”
The game itself was a tight contest, with Geelong looking like they might deliver another blow to the Hawks. Shannon Neale kicked a goal for the Cats deep into the final quarter, putting them ahead and raising concerns among the Hawthorn players.
Scrimshaw admitted that he was worried during that moment, but the team managed to stay focused. “Oh mate, I was worried to be honest, it could have gone either way,” he said. “We were just making sure we got our job done individually, the boys pulled off something special.”
A Decisive Moment
The turning point came when Jack Gunston, who has been in exceptional form this season, took control of the ball and kicked it into the post just before the final siren. This crucial goal gave Hawthorn the lead and sealed the victory.
Gunston’s performance has not only impressed his teammates but also earned praise from fans and analysts alike. Scrimshaw praised the veteran player, saying: “I’ve got no words for him, he’s unbelievable.”
