We have had a number of close finishes in finals contests over the years, and this is where we head today in Finals Face Off #7. Specifically, when we’ve crushed South Australian hopes.

It’s John Barker’s goal in the 2001 Semi Final against Port Adelaide versus Lance Franklin’s goal against Adelaide in the 2007 Elimination Final.

In the hostile environment of Football Park, the Power were seeking to avoid a straight sets exit. The Hawks were doing the unthinkable and taking the contest right up to the home side.

With just over two minutes left on the clock, the Hawks trailed by three points.

Barker marked a pass from Angelo Lekkas and lined up his kick from 45 metres out on a tight angle. 

He kicked truly and the Hawks would win through to the penultimate week of the year for the first time since 1991.

The 2007 Elimination Final was the first final the Hawks had played since the aforementioned 2001 series. It was the first final under the stewardship of Alastair Clarkson and ended Hawthorn’s longest finals drought since 1971, so already the anticipation was high.

Enter Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin. Buddy already had six goals to his name when he marked on the lead from Rick Ladson with less than a minute remaining, with the Hawks three points down.

The young superstar went back and without flinching slotted the goal from beyond 50 metres to put the Hawks in front with just seconds remaining. 

Vote for your favourite moment below and tune in Monday to see who progresses and who will be in Finals Face Off #8.

Watch previous Finals Face Off rounds and see who won here.