In a Tweet

The Rundown

The Hawks were slow to jump out of the gates in this Round 21 clash, failing to kick a goal in the opening term. But Alastair Clarkson’s men soon found their groove, booting nine majors to the Cats’ three through the second and third quarters. A 26-point Hawks buffer at three quarter time might have looked enough, but the Cats didn’t lie down. Chris Scott’s side got within a goal, before a classy finish by Jaeger O’Meara sealed the Hawks’ second win of the year.

Read: In the mix

The Star

Coming off a run of four consecutive 40-plus-possession games, Tom Mitchell was again outstanding against the Cats, collecting 32 disposals. His full-ground influence can be told from the statsheet, recording seven tackles, six rebound 50s, six inside 50s and six clearances to go along with his team-high touch count.

The Moment

After a nine-week hiatus back with Box Hill, James Worpel was putting together a strong month of footy back in the senior side. Kicking the game-clinching goal against Essendon the previous week, Worpel’s star continued to rise with one split-second decision on the MCG wing. The ball bobbled between the then 19-year-old and his idol Joel Selwood, but this was Worpel’s moment. The youngster put his head down, won the ball and then pirouetted out of trouble. This action would incite instant admiration from the football world.

The Coach

"We strangely enough didn't have a focus so much on the game in terms of ladder position and (our) finals push, as much as we did, 'Here's a finals-type atmosphere right now, boys, and what a great opportunity to play (on the) MCG'. If ever we get the chance somewhere down the track, whether that's the end of this year or the end of next year or beyond that, these are the types of games you love to play in and so that was a dress rehearsal for what might come.” - Clarkson

 

HAWTHORN     0.4     5.8     9.10     10.11     (71)
GEELONG          2.4     2.6      5.8        8.12      (60) 

GOALS
Hawthorn: Smith 2, Gunston 2, Breust 2, Ceglar, Schoenmakers, Morrison, O'Meara
Geelong: Ablett 3, Narkle, Hawkins, Henry, Menzel, Kelly 

BEST 
Hawthorn: Worpel, Mitchell, Burgoyne, Hardwick, Ceglar, Shiels, O'Meara
Geelong: Ablett, Dangerfield, J.Selwood, Hawkins, Menegola, Duncan 

INJURIES 
Hawthorn: Roughead (ankle) replaced in selected side by Pittonet
Geelong: Stanley (calf)

Reports: Nil 

Umpires: Stevic, Harris, Ryan

Official crowd: 59,529 at the MCG