Tonight Hawthorn and Collingwood meet for a spot in the Grand Final, in what should be another thriller at the MCG. Join us from 7:45pm for live scores and blog of the Hawks vs Magpies preliminary final.
Most AFL fans are adamant it will be a Geelong vs Collingwood grand final this year, but the Hawks are hoping they can spoil the party and come away with an unlikely victory.
Bolstered the AFL’s leading goal scorer Lance “Buddy” Franklin playing through bruising to his knee, Hawthorn successfully disposed of Sydney at the MCG in the semi final last week.
They were tested by the gutsy Swans in the third quarter, but finished strongly to see off any comeback and secure a meeting with the Magpies.
Franklin’s knee may have improved, but having suffered a bout of gastro this week, the Coleman Medallist has not had the best of preparations for the game.
Also Paul Puopolo, who had a blistering 3-goal game against Sydney, may be in doubt with a hamstring injury.
Coming off a wobbly win against West Coast in their qualifying final, the ‘Pies will be hoping they can continue their resurgence after experiencing a surprising 96-point shellacking at the hands of Geelong in Round 24.
In search of their second consecutive flag, expect Collingwood to return to their best at the MCG tonight. To add to the occasion Dale “Daisy” Thomas comes back into the team having sat out the last two weeks through suspension.
Key players include Cyril Rioli and Josh Gibson for the Hawks who have found magnificent form in the lead up. Meanwhile for the ‘Pies, Scott Pendlebury is without a doubt the man to watch.
From the moment of the ball-up, Collingwood will come at Hawthorn in fifth gear and Mick Malthouse will ensure they keep the foot on the pedal.
Earlier this year the ‘Pies blew the Hawks away with a 41-point win at the same venue.
The test for the Alistair Clarkson’s men will be keeping up with that blitzkrieg of attack for the entire match, as well as trying to come out on top.
Get ready – this is finals football at its best.
James
Guest
I was there... Lovely to read this and re-live this incredible game, one of the best I have ever been to. We did not hear any of the end of quarter sirens, not one. The crowd was LOUD.
littlearrow2
Guest
Thanks for keeping us posted. I was able to find out who won because of you.
timmy
Guest
who won????!
Johnno
Guest
your the best roarer expert on her melanie and lots of us think that to.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
No worries sam! Thanks for following :)
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Mick Malthouse is in tears up in the coaches box! FINAL SCORE Hawks 09.11.65 Magpies 10.08.68 COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES ARE IN THE 2011 AFL GRAND FINAL
sam
Guest
Thanks for keeping me updated!
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
AND IT'S ALL OVER! COLLINGWOOD WIN! UNBELIEVABLE MATCH!
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
30 seconds left, Rioli called up for holding the ball. Dale Thomas slows it down..
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Just over 1 minute to play, three points in it, Pies inside 50m!
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Cloke's shot hits the post for Collingwood point. Three point difference! Q4 Hawks 09.11.65 Magpies 10.08.68
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
AMAZING! LUKE BALL WITH THE LEFT FOOT SNAP GETS THE LEAD BACK FOR COLLINGWOOD! 2 MINUTES LEFT IN IT! Q4 Hawks 09.11.65 Magpies 10.07.67
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Dane Swan kick attempt inside 50 is smothered. Mature Hawks settle, patiently kick it up the field, hand ball well, send it up the right sideline and inside 50. Buddy shrugs off his man, picks up the bouncing ball from the sideline about 35 out and beautifully angles the grubber to roll through! HAWTHORN HAVE THE LEAD BACK! 3 MINUTES TO PLAY! Q4 Hawks 09.11.65 Magpies 09.07.61
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Hawthorn working it around well. But at the last stage they fall apart. Lack of patience there. Buddy doesn't take the mark, hands it off but the snap falls well short for Maxwell to mark on the chest a metre from goal. Poor option that. Under 5 minutes to play! Q4 Hawks 08.11.59 Magpies 09.07.61
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Hawks turn it over! Pendlebury get it at halfway and kicks it deep. The pack forms where T.Cloke is there with strong hands and takes the mark. 40m out, slightly right of goal he kicks true and the fists are raised! COLLINGWOOD TAKE THE LEAD! 6 MINUTES TO PLAY! BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! Q4 Hawks 08.11.59 Magpies 09.07.61
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
The kick is spoilt and the throw in is successfully cleared by Hawthorn!
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Leon Davis puts on a perfect tackle on the Hawks player to swing him around 360 degrees. Holding the ball, free to Collingwood. Davis kicking for the lead from the left pocket right on the fence...
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Major attitude change from Hawks. They have not taken any pressure off. Still pushing to extend that lead! Magpies have gotten a lot better this quarter though. In short, this equates to a ripping game! Q4 Hawks 08.11.59 Magpies 08.07.55
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
The MCG has come alive again! Dane Swan plucks it from the tap down just inside 50, runs into the pocket and swings it through the big two! 6 points Pies! Q4 Hawks 08.11.59 Magpies 08.07.55
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Dale Thomas has just come off hunched over...