Preliminary Final, 2013, MCG: Hawthorn 14.18 (102) def. Geelong 15.7 (97)

The 2013 home and away season saw two more instalments of this enthralling rivalry. Two more gut-wrenching Cats wins.

Of the 11 matches between the two sides since the 2008 grand final, the Cats had been victorious in every one.

But to further the pain for Hawks fans, nine of these 11 losses were by 10 points or less- a simply ridiculous statistic.

Each encounter had had its respective consequence, pivotal home and away season games or important finals but none had gone as deep as a preliminary final.

This meeting was the perfect storm.

The Cats looked likely to improve their winning streak to a dozen games midway through the final quarter, leading by 19 points.

But with a ticket to meet Fremantle in the 2013 grand final beckoning, the Hawks hit back.

Two quick goals in succession to Jack Gunston and Bradley Hill had brought the margin back to a single kick.

With minutes remaining, Shaun Burgoyne popped up in the pocket of the Hawks forward 50, slotting a goal that would ultimately put the game out of reach for the Cats.

Travis Varcoe had an opportunity as the final seconds died down to steal victory back for the Cats but let it go begging.

The siren followed soon after. A second consecutive grand final and a broken curse for the Hawks.