THERE wasn't a line-in-the-sand moment, but Hawthorn might have drawn a line through Essendon's finals chances with a four-point victory at the MCG on Saturday.
A seesawing battle with violent momentum changes stuck in the Hawks' favour just long enough for them to deny the Bombers' last-gasp fightback.
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.
Travis Colyer responded quickly with a long-range major with barely 10 seconds on the clock that cut the deficit to four points again, only for Hawthorn to win the resultant clearance.
The Hawks suddenly sit comfortably inside the top eight, with the 16.11 (107) to 16.7 (103) triumph in front of 68,857 baying fans placing them in the race for the top four.
The Bombers now must win all of their final three matches and rely on other results if they expect to be part of the September action.
It was their sixth defeat in seven starts at the home of Australian football in 2018, whereas Hawthorn improved to 6-2.
Worpel was the hero, but the brilliant Jack Gunston (24 disposals, eight marks and five goals) was central to every other Hawks uprising.
Gunston provided what seemed one of the final daggers when he steered through his fifth goal after clutching a third mark inside 50 to send Hawthorn a game-high 21 points clear in the fourth term.
Only minutes earlier he smashed through his fourth with a toe poke on the goalline.
Gunston was also there when the Hawks needed an early spark, after Alastair Clarkson's men conceded the game's first three goals.
His incredible awareness and skill to maneuver a kick over his left shoulder to Ricky Henderson set up Hawthorn's first goal and ignited the brown and gold challenge.
There will also be further discussion about Tom Mitchell's grasp on the Brownlow Medal, with the gluttonous ball-winner racking up 29 of his 43 touches in a magnificent opening half.
Mitchell rounded out his afternoon with 13 clearances and seven inside 50s, opposed predominantly by Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell, whose disposal let him down.
Ben Stratton (11 marks) was a tower of strength down back in another reminder of his value to this Hawks outfit, while Jaeger O'Meara (30, seven clearances) provided Mitchell with his greatest midfield ally.
Unheralded pair Ricky Henderson and Harry Morrison also made telling contributions.
The Bombers' brave bid to rescue a season that looked as good as over at 2-6 through eight rounds is back on life support.
Zach Merrett (42, nine clearances, five inside 50s) gave his all and went almost possession for possession with Mitchell from the get-go.
Cale Hooker (21, 13 marks), like Stratton on the other side, played the role of goalkeeper for Essendon and repeatedly cut off Hawthorn attacks with his aerial prowess.
Beyond that pair, little men Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Mark Baguley had some great moments, especially in the third quarter.
Jake Stringer was also excellent before an ankle injury curtailed him late in the third term and left him powerless to impact the contest.
MEDICAL ROOM
Hawthorn: Blake Hardwick came off second best when he initiated contact with Orazio Fantasia in the opening term and hurt his right shoulder, but he played out the match. Jaeger O'Meara was on the end of a massive Aaron Francis bump in the dying stages.
Essendon: The Bombers elected not to risk Matt Dea after he sustained concussion in last week's win over Sydney when he landed on the back of his head from a marking contest. Matt Guelfi (illness) was also a late withdrawal. Jake Stringer hurt his left ankle in the third term in a marking contest with Jarman Impey and came from the field shortly after – punching the bench in disgust. He tried valiantly to play on, but was clearly hindered.
NEXT UP
Essendon simply must sweep aside St Kilda under Etihad Stadium's Friday night lights next week, while the Hawks have another Saturday afternoon blockbuster at the MCG against Geelong.
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
