Hawthorn ended Collingwood’s season and streak of eight straight finals appearances with a comfortable 65-point victory in their AFL clash on Friday night at the MCG.
The Hawks’ 18.13 (121) to 8.8 (56) win came after sluggish start, but the biggest concern for coach Alastair Clarkson could be another injury to a key defender.
Brian Lake hobbled from the ground in the third quarter with what looked to be a hip issue.
While he was able to jog lightly along the boundary, Lake was substituted at three-quarter time and will be keenly monitored ahead of the Hawks’ expected qualifying final with Geelong next weekend.
Despite a list of absentees well into double-figures, the Magpies started with a ferocity that surprised Hawthorn.
Jarryd Blair led the assault, with five tackles in the opening 15 minutes, as Collingwood kicked the first two goals.
First-gamer Corey Gault sprayed his first AFL kick out of bounds but made amends with his second, marking and kicking truly from the pocket.
The Magpies should have built a bigger lead over the Hawks who, with 1.4, had their worst first quarter in two seasons.
With Collingwood committed to a tough, man-on-man approach, both teams struggled to get the ball into space.
But as Blair’s output faded – he was without a touch in the second term – so did the Magpies.
Hawthorn’s superior run and spread paved the way for a seven-goal quarter.
Jarryd Roughead led the way with three second-quarter goals while Sam Mitchell dominated the middle.
The Hawks were never seriously challenged from that point, with another four goals in the opening six minutes of the last quarter helping blow out the margin.
Jack Gunston finished with five goals and Roughead four.
Collingwood’s capitulation leaves the Magpies without finals football for the first time since 2005 and ends the AFL career of Luke Ball.
Ball, who announced his retirement on Thursday, was given warm applause throughout the match.
Clarkson said Lake’s injury was “just a corky” and he was pleased to achieve his home and away goal.
“We set ourselves at the start of the year to make top four and we’re really pleased the lowest we can finish now is second,” he said.
“It gives us a final at the MCG no matter what.”
Buckley said his side were lambs to the slaughter after their sharp start.
“As the game wore on, the Hawks’ legs were telling against us… in the end the result looked after itself.”
Don Freo
Guest
Let's be balanced here Strap! Freo should win comfortably but I don't think it will be a massacre. Sydney might be behind Geelong and NM in the quest to play Freo in the grand final but they are not going to be massacred. Freo should win by 5 to 7 goals only.
doubledutch
Roar Pro
lake looked to be fine walking off. nothing major i suspect.
Fabes
Guest
No Don. Hawks definitely better with Lake in. This year or last.
Don Freo
Guest
Lake of last year, maybe...Lake of this year...nah.
Strapon1
Guest
Freo playing Sydney will be a massacre on SCG
Fabes
Guest
MattyB Stupid comment. Hawks definitely better off with Lake in then out.
mattyb
Guest
Lake looked a little uninterested last night.I agree with Don.hope he's physically fit so he's other side can play finals.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Corked thigh is usually a 1 week tops injury. I would be very surprised if he is not playing the first week of finals.
Axle an the guru
Guest
Gee Don your firing on all eight cylinders today mate. You better hope your mates macca and strapon dont get on and upset your day.
Don Freo
Guest
I hope Lake is fit... ...if he is playing, it is an open passage to goal for opposition forwards.