It’s the last Face Off of the opening round today and we see two different eras clashing in Finals Face Off #8. Peter Knights versus Lance Franklin.
Peter Knights was elevated to status of Legend in the Hawthorn Hall of Fame this year and his role in securing the 1978 premiership for the Hawks is just one of many moments in his career that helped solidify his Legend status.
The Hawks led the Roos at the final change, but coach David Parkin decided to swing centre-half-back Knights forward for the final quarter.
Knights received a hard knock to the head, but recovered to take a couple of telling marks that resulted in goals. Our moment today is when Knights fearlessly marked running back with the flight, played on to kick the goal that sealed the premiership for Hawthorn.
Lance Franklin’s goal against Collingwood in the 2011 Preliminary Final had all the hallmarks of a great finals moment. A tight contest, late in the match and pure skill and speed delivering a goal to put the Hawks back in front.
Ryan Schoenmakers broke off half back and kicked in the direction of Franklin. Chris Tarrant of the Pies, was right there with him but the ball bounced to the space, Buddy gathered and running full tilt towards the boundary kicked with the outside of his left boot to dribble the ball through for a brilliant goal.
Alas, the goal would not be enough to ensure the Hawks victory, as Luke Ball kicked the winner for Collingwood a minute later.
Vote for your favourite moment below and tune in tomorrow to see who progresses and who will be in the first of the Finals Face Off quarterfinals.
Watch previous Finals Face Off rounds and see who won here.