Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell admitted he became a "glorified fan", watching on in shock as the Hawks drew with Collingwood for the second time this season.
Hawks forward Dylan Moore, who kicked a goal to tie the match in round eight against the Magpies, failed to make the distance when he kicked from 40m out on a tight angle.
Moore's kick was in the air when the siren sounded, but was knocked back into play by Magpies youngster Sam Swadling on the line, leaving the scores tied at.
"I'm a glorified fan at that point."
— AFL (@AFL) August 15, 2026
Sam Mitchell speaks on Moore's late opportunity to win the game.#AFLHawksPies pic.twitter.com/vNS7YMxwtM
It was the first time the same teams have drawn against each other in the one season in VFL/AFL history.
"You've got no control at that time," Mitchell said of the dying stages of Saturday night's epic.
"You can't get a message out.
"You can't do anything, so I'm a glorified fan at that point.
"When you've been in the game a long time, you feel like you've seen those things -- but I certainly haven't seen that."
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A draw was not a disaster for Hawthorn, even though they led Collingwood by 21 points early in the final quarter.
If they can defeat West Coast in Perth next week, the Hawks will be guaranteed to finish in fourth and have a double chance.
That would set-up a qualifying final back at Optus Stadium against minor premiers Fremantle.
The Hawks could still finish in third and play Sydney at the MCG if the Brisbane Lions lose to Collingwood on Friday night.
"Our focus will go heavily onto the Eagles and make sure we're ready for them next week," Mitchell said.
"We're the last game of the round, so we'll know what's needed, and we'll be very focused on making sure we can play our best footy to knock them off."
