Hawthorn have sensationally prevailed in a fourth-quarter shootout with GWS, claiming a 19-point win as they advanced to another Adelaide Oval semi-final.
The Giants had clawed back a game-high 42-point deficit in the third quarter of the elimination final to level the scores at 13.7 (85) early in the fourth at Engie Stadium on Saturday.
Sam Mitchell, Senior Coach of the Hawks embraces Josh Battle and Tom Barrass.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
But after the Hawks steadied, Sam Butler kicked truly to give them a seven-point lead 17 minutes into the last term, before Mabior Chol slotted two straight goals in a 16.11 (107) to 13.10 (88) win.
Sam Mitchell’s side will meet minor premiers Adelaide in a semi, while it’s season over for GWS.
The Hawks will be out for redemption at Adelaide Oval, after suffering a semi-final loss to Port Adelaide last year.
Jai Newcombe was electric in the midfield with 31 touches and 11 clearances, while Jarman Impey starred in defence with 28 disposals.
Hawthorn’s star-studded defence lived up to their billing, keeping GWS to 16 goals from 72 inside 50s.
“The message at three-quarter time – if you ask the players, I doubt they would have a clue what I said,” Mitchell said.
“But the message was, ‘We have to win the game, we can’t try to save it’.
“I’m really proud of all the lads and how they went about it.”
A suspected ACL tear to youngster Darcy Jones added to the Giants’ woes.
Flashy Hawks forward Jack Ginnivan also slammed through two goals in the third quarter, and celebrated accordingly, before GWS came roaring back with seven unanswered goals.
“He won’t like me saying it, (but) he was a bit flustered early,” Mitchell said.
“But then to turn it around, he kept a bit of momentum for us in that third quarter, and I’m really proud of what he’s producing.”
AAP
