In a Tweet...
Some late Cyril brilliance seals the deal - we've downed the Dockers and are into our fourth consecutive Grand Final!
The Rundown
The Hawks overcame a gallant Fremantle side by 27 points at Domain Stadium to reach their fourth Grand Final in as many years and give themselves a chance at back-to-back-to-back flags.
Despite the Dockers rallying at various stages of the game, the Hawks held their nerve – particularly in the last quarter when they kicked four-goals-to-two to seal the win.
Hawthorn’s big game players stood up when it counted, taking control of the big moments – particularly in the second half – with both hands to end Fremantle’s season.
The Star
Sam Mitchell ran around on his own for most of the night, collecting 35 disposals and five clearances in the midfield in an integral role.
Taylor Duryea (26 disposals and a goal) and Bradley Hill (25 disposals and a goal) also stood up as the Hawks had contributors all over the ground.
The Moment
With nine points separating the two sides with just over 10 minutes to play, Tom Sheridan spilled an uncontested mark at half back – Cyril Rioli swooped on it and snapped a critical goal which all but sealed a Hawthorn victory.
The Coach
“Really pleased that we ground out the win and give ourselves a chance at another title” – Alastair Clarkson
FREMANTLE 2.1 4.4 8.4 10.7 (67)
HAWTHORN 5.2 7.2 11.3 15.4 (94)
GOALS
Fremantle: Walters 3, Griffin 2, Hill, Pavlich, Ballantyne, Barlow, Mayne
Hawthorn: Rioli 3, Schoenmakers 2, Suckling 2, Roughead 2, Smith, Hale, Breust, Hill, McEvoy, Duryea
BEST
Fremantle: Spurr, Ibbotson, Mundy, Walters, Griffin, Fyfe
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Hodge, Gibson, Duryea, Rioli, Stratton, Suckling
INJURIES
Fremantle: Matthew Pavlich (corked leg), Nat Fyfe (leg)
Hawthorn: Taylor Duryea (shoulder), Luke Hodge (leg)
SUBSTITUTES
Fremantle: Nick Suban replaced Matt Taberner at three-quarter time
Hawthorn: Billy Hartung replaced David Hale in the fourth quarter
Reports: Michael Walters (Fremantle), reported for striking Taylor Duryea (Hawthorn) at three-quarter time.
Umpires: Dalgleish, Stevic, Rosebury
Official crowd: 41,508 at Domain Stadium
