A Patrick Dangerfield-led Geelong has defeated Hawthorn by three points in an absolute thriller at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
Early in the first quarter, Dangerfield went down in what was a suspected leg injury, but made his way back onto the field. While he struggled to run, Chris Scott put the Cats’ best and fairest into full forward, which proved to be a masterstroke.
Dangerfield went on to score 5.6 from the position, and helped the Cats break open the game in the third quarter, before they kicked the first goal of the last term to put Geelong up by 17 points.
Hawthorn weren’t finished though, and with 20 seconds left on the clock, 300-gamer Luke Hodge kicked a goal from 50 meters out to put the Hawks only 4 points behind.
In the final passage of play, Isaac Smith had the chance to redeem himself for his miss in last year’s qualifying final, against the Cats, when he marked with five seconds left on the clock.
Instead, he chose to play on, and his following shot was offline, giving Geelong a famous 3-point win against their greatest rivals of the modern era.
For the Hawks, Tom Mitchell was outstanding, racking up 43 possessions and kicking two goals, in what has been a breakout season for the former Swan. Luke Shiels had 29 touches, and Ben McEvoy and Will Langford had strong games.
Geelong however, had Patrick Dangerfield, who put on one of the great performances in AFL history. Five goals on one leg, as well as 20 touches and 12 marks. Captain Joel Selwood was fantastic with 30 touches of his own, whilst Daniel Menzel kicked three crucial goals.
The extent of Dangerfield’s injury is yet to be found out, but this display will go down in AFL folklore, and adds to another classic between Geelong and Hawthorn.
Geelong will now travel to Adelaide Oval to take on the Adelaide Crows next Friday night, while the Hawks themselves will travel to Perth to face Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Saturday night.
Asd
Guest
Does Kane Cornes ever say anything smart.
Jonas
Guest
Mathews 15 years of sheer dominance! He had no peer. Just short of 1000 goals and was more rover than forward!
Nineteen
Guest
Watching him from level 4 I could see Paddy badly hobbling around to stay in one passage of play. It was an incredible effort by him and reminiscent of Gary Ablett senior in the 89 Grand Final who off the strength of one boot turned a game around. Full credit to him and his Herculean effort. No doubt the young Hawks defenders will learn a lot from this. Great to see them so competitive with one of the best teams in the competition.
I hate pies
Guest
Hawks vs cats is always must watch viewing; clearly the best rivalry of the last 30 years. Danger is the best player in the game, and should take Charlie home for the second year in a row. Another year or two of this and he'll be talked about in the same breath as the Albetts and Matthews.
Kane
Guest
Listened to the game on the radio and it sounded like a great game. It sounded like there only one umpire out there tho which usually means he wasn't doing a very good job. I think it was half time when they said that Ray Chamberlain had paid 11 free kicks and 3 50's. Can this bloke ever umpire a game without trying to get noticed?
Sydneygirl
Guest
As a neutral observer, a really good close game to watch. Dangerfield was incredible and the tough 300 game Hodge nearly got them over the line.
Peppsy
Roar Guru
Past on everything post bye I'd say the low period is already over
Cat
Roar Guru
I'd happily trade all the H&A wins for the 08 flag lol
Cat
Roar Guru
Sounds like bone bruising in the leg, there were some fears he broke a leg. I feared a knee when he first couldn't get up
dave
Guest
Love how the Hawks are going through a low period this season but as soon as they face Geelong or Sydney its game on.
Birdman
Guest
Agree it's some kind of rivalry - would just prefer to be on the winning end a bit more regularly.
Birdman
Guest
if it is, he must of been on some seriously good stuff as he didn't have any problems on the burst or marking. Just seemed to hobble taking up position
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Just hope Danger's injury isn't in the midfoot.
Cat
Roar Guru
My first time holding the Geelong banner up on the ground, Zac Smiths 100th, Luke Hodges 300th and a Ripper of a game with the Cats getting the four points. A day I won’t forget. Loved every minute of it. This is the modern day rivalry that just keeps giving.