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Hawthorn has defeated Essendon by four points at the MCG in one of the games of the year.
It promised everything, with the season on the line for the Dons and a potential top four position still on the cards for the Hawks. Put simply, it turned into a classic.
In a clash of styles, as the Bombers looked to use their run and the Hawks reliant on their marking game to make inroads, momentum would play a key role.
Both teams had good periods where they were able to assert ascendancy yet it was the Hawks who matched everything the Bombers threw at them and managed to find a way to remain calm in the tight moments.
The Bombers jumped the Hawks in the first quarter and potted three early goals before Hawthorn ground their way into the contest and clawed back within two points at the first change.
The second term was a mirror image although this time the late run of the Hawks saw them take an eleven point lead into the long break.
The second half seesawed and fluctuated and the Bombers outscored the Hawks. In fact they kicked nine goals to seven. However, a few misses and rushed behinds proved to be the numerical difference.
With around six minutes remaining and a seventeen point lead, the Hawks looked to have things under control before a chaotic finish brought three late goals for the Bombers and a chance to score from the centre bounce with around fifteen seconds remaining in the game.
It wasn’t to be and the Hawks move into the top three for now, while Essendon may have just said goodbye to season 2019.
Jack Gunston was brilliant for the Hawks with five goals and Ben Stratton was a rock in defence. Tom Mitchell had twenty-nine possessions at half time and was as effective as always.
The Bombers would be impressed with Jack Stringer’s game and Zach Merrett played an epic match, accumulating possessions right across the park.
It is sad that the Bombers probably won’t play finals this season, on a performance like today, they could really have done some damage.
The Hawks… well they are just the Hawks. As professional as ever and they must be now considered a threat to sneak into the top four and make a real impact in September.