Hawthorn lifted the Kennett curse with an enthralling five-point win over Geelong at the MCG on Friday night to book its place in the AFL grand final.
In an end-to-end clash, the Hawks emerged on the right side of six lead changes, kicking three unanswered goals in the dying stages to seal a 14.18 (102) to 15.7 (97) win.
They will meet the winner of tomorrow’s preliminary final between Fremantle and the Sydney Swans in the AFL’s showpiece decider next weekend.
Geelong led the first quarter, kicking four goals from as many efforts to lead by a single point at first change, before Hawthorn powered back after a lull in the second period to lead by four at half-time.
The Hawks looked to extend their lead in the third quarter, only for Geelong to fight back fiercely, leading by a mammoth 20 points at three-quarter time.
But Hawthorn’s four-goals-to-one effort in the stanza that matters ensured they finally got one over their bogey team for the first time since the 2008 grand final.
Geelong’s Travis Varcoe had a late chance to level the game with 20 seconds left on the clock, but his shot from 30 metres skewed wide.
Jack Gunston led the Hawks’ scoring charts with four goals, while Shaun Burgoyne kicked three. Sam Mitchell led the victors’ disposals count with 38 touches.
Steve Johnson was excellent in a losing effort, kicking four majors and dishing out 32 possessions.
More to follow.
Hawthorn: 14.18 (102) – J Gunston 4, S Burgoyne 3, B Hill 2, D Hale 2, L Franklin, B Guerra, L Breust
Geelong: 15.7 (97) – S Johnson 4, S Motlop 2, J Selwood, A Christensen, N Vardy, H Taylor, C Guthrie, T Hawkins, J Caddy, J Bartel, J Murdoch
