In a Tweet

The Rundown

In a game that befitted the rivalry, Hawthorn outlasted Essendon in this Round 20 classic by four points. The win put the Hawks into the top four, while the made the Bombers’ chances of a top-four berth even more unlikely. Both sides had their fair share of time in the lead, but the Hawks proved too good despite a fast finish from the red and black.

The Star

In a performance that earned him three Brownlow votes, Jack Gunston was a clear best on ground choice in this game. Booting five goals, Gunston also gathered 24 touches, eight marks and seven inside 50s.

The Moment

It was a moment that no doubt much of the Hawthorn faithful has relived multiple times since. The game had been a seesawing battle for the entirety of the day with violent momentum changes constantly. But ultimately it was sixth-gamer James Worpel's clutch goal in the final minute – after keeping his feet in a contest with dual All Australian Michael Hurley – that proved the difference.

The Coach

"We worked our way back from tough positions on at least two, possibly three occasions throughout the course of the game, which is fantastic for the resilience of this group. It's particularly pleasing that we've got some leaders who can correct the manner in which the game's being played. We've also got some young players who understand that just because you're down by two or three goals, the game's not shot for you." – Clarkson

 

HAWTHORN       3.1       9.3       13.5     16.11 (107)
ESSENDON         3.3       7.4       12.5     16.7 (103)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Gunston 5, Breust 3, Smith 2, Henderson 2, Roughead, Whitecross, Ceglar, Worpel
Essendon: Baguley 3, Stringer 3, McKenna 2, Hooker 2, Bellchambers, Fantasia, Brown, McDonald-Tipungwuti, McGrath, Colyer 

BEST 
Hawthorn: Gunston, Mitchell, Stratton, O'Meara, Henderson, Burton
Essendon: Z.Merrett, Hooker, Smith, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Stringer, Fantasia

INJURIES 
Hawthorn: Nil
Essendon: Dea (concussion) replaced in selected side by McNiece, Guelfi (illness) replaced in selected side by Colyer

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Margetts, Hosking, Findlay

Official crowd: 68,857 at the MCG