This week, hawthornfc.com.au will take a look at just some of the great moments from clashes between Hawthorn and Essendon.
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson labelled it a “special” win.
With a 32-point lead at the major break in Round 2 last year, the Hawks looked to have the game under control.
The Bombers had scored just three goals in the opening half and the reigning premiers were in a brilliant position.
But matches between these fierce rivals have a habit of producing great moments.
The Bombers fought back after half-time, kicking seven unanswered goals to claim a two-kick lead early in the final term – a lead they maintained for the bulk of the quarter.
“The message really was just take some risks and hang in the contest because you never know what happens," Clarkson said after the game.
"We handled the last five to eight minutes of the game really well, not just when we were in front but also when we were behind, to try to create an opportunity for ourselves to get the ball forward and somehow create a goal.
“It's a special win for our club in that we haven't played all that flash really, perhaps in the end (we were) pretty lucky to get the victory."
A quick centre clearance in the final handful of minutes led to a Luke Breust goal, after Bomber Paul Chapman had given his side a two-kick advantage with three minutes of playing time on the clock.
The stage was set for a thrilling finale.
It was Cyril Rioli who delivered.
In his first game back from suspension, Rioli was the hero with a goal at the 28-minute mark of the final quarter.
Isaac Smith booted the ball forward off the ground, before Breust knocked it on to Bradley Hill, who handballed over the top to Rioli.
Off his left foot, Rioli made no mistake from 20 metres out, dead in front.
After the Hawks’ 2014 premiership triumph, Matt Suckling (who missed the 2013 season with a knee injury) described the goal as one of the moments that defined the Hawks’ season.
“I saw Junior get the ball and kick the goal, and I think I was first there to celebrate with him, so it was a pretty special moment for me,” he said.
“Obviously missing all of last year (2013), they’re the big games and the big moments you crave when you’re sitting in the stands.
“To be back out there and a part of that was pretty special for me.”
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