With this September a bit less busy than Hawks fans would have liked, we thought we would take a trip down memory lane to more exciting events that occurred on the same date.

On this occasion, we take you back to 27^th of September…… 2008. Hawthorn faced the seemingly all-conquering Geelong on their quest to breaking a 17-year premiership drought.

This Grand Final could not be more perfectly set.

The two best sides all year, who share the most fierce of rivalries and boast the game’s most exciting talents.

Geelong have created history this year, tying the 2000 Essendon side for the most home and away wins in a season, with their 21-1 record. 

The Hawks, on the other hand, won their first nine games of the season and have been clearly the Cats’ greatest threat to a consecutive premiership triumph.   

The two sides’ Round 17 clash was one of the most heavily anticipated home and away match-ups in recent memory, with the Hawks pushing the Cats all night but unable to overcome the reigning premiers as they emerged 11-point victors. 

While Geelong go in today as favourites, you just never know what might happen on the last Saturday in September.

QT: Geelong full-forward Tom Lonergan got the favourites off to an ideal start when he kicked the first goal of the game inside the first two minutes. 

The Hawks were able to take hold of the early momentum, finding three goals through Chance Bateman, Xavier Ellis and then Jarryd Roughead.

But the Cats were prompt in their response with Gary Ablett Jnr amongst the Cats’ first term goal kickers.

After a tight opening term that saw Geelong gain dominance around the stoppages but Hawthorn punishing on the Cats’ turnover, the one-point lead that the Cats take into the first break seems fitting.

HT: Geelong took over control of the game in the second quarter but their inability to make the Hawks hurt on the scoreboard could prove costly.

The Cats were wasteful in front of goal, kicking 1.9 for the quarter with some alarming misses from forwards Brad Ottens and Cameron Mooney. 

Meanwhile, the Hawks were able to make the most of their opportunities, kicking 3.1 in the term.

Hawthorn defender Trent Croad left the field midway through the quarter with what appeared to be an issue with his foot. 

Despite the Cats’ dominance, it was the Hawks who have taken the lead into the half-time break with a three-point ascendancy.

3QT: The trends of the first half continued into the third quarter as Geelong controlled the midfield battle but struggled to capitalise.

Coleman Medallist Lance Franklin kicked his first goal of the game in the third term, which put the Hawks back in front.

Enter Stuart Dew. 

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson threw his recruit forward in the second half of that quarter, and it was as if all the faith put in Dew by drafting him at the end of last year was repaid in one three-minute patch of brilliance.

The 29-year old either scored or assisted in three vital goals for the brown and gold, helping to open up the 17-point lead that the Hawks now take into the final break. 

FT: After an arm wrestle of an opening ten minutes to the final term, Buddy broke the Hawks out of the shackles as he booted his second of the day. 

Hawks skipper Sam Mitchell goaled moments later and it suddenly became apparent an almighty upset was looming.

The Cats could manage just two goals in the final quarter, as the Hawks ran away 26-point victors. 

A fairy-tale for club great Shane Crawford in the final game of his career.

Luke Hodge has been appropriately awarded the Norm Smith Medal after playing an instrumental role in the Hawks’ backline.