Final Analysis
What can you say that’s worth saying? The tactics and execution will be unpicked over the coming days but sometimes it’s better not to dwell on the minutiae and just revel in the spectacle. And we just witnessed something breathtaking.
From the opening bounce to the final siren no quarter was given, every contest was fierce, and energy and effort pulsed from the MCG. It was a brutal match full of collisions and cuts, bumps and bravery, spittle and spite. It was exactly the game you hoped for when you saw the ladder at the end of the home and away season.
Both teams played to type. Hawthorn, meticulous with ball in hand for three quarters of the ground and manic in their opponent’s defensive 50. Geelong barely had time to draw breath in possession, but won enough fast, decisive clearances for that not to matter.
It was a game of moments. Rioli’s mark like a computer game sprite seemingly expunging Enright beneath him. Motlop’s airey. Gunston’s threaded needle. Hawkins guarding his area like a nightclub bouncer. Smith, deciding a contest of 744 disposals with a single swing of the boot.
It was bloody marvellous.
Thanks for sticking with me. Let’s do it again soon.
Some stats:
Hawthorn + 38 disposals, + 9 inside 50
Geelong +52 contested possessions
Disposals - Lewis 36, Dangerfield 35, Mitchell 30
UNBELIEVABLE! #AFLFinals #ohwhatafeeling pic.twitter.com/MmoMKe6nuf
— AFL (@AFL) September 9, 2016
So what does that all mean?
Geelong are through to a preliminary final at the MCG in two weeks. Hawthorn will be back at the G same time next week to face the Bulldogs in a semi-final.
Even as this era fades, they are completely admirable. #AlwaysHawthorn #AFLCatsHawks
— Tony Wilson (@byTonyWilson) September 9, 2016
I think I just about kept up with all that, apologies if not!
What on earth just happened? What is it that makes these teams deliver such jaw-dropping games with such regularity?
Spare a thought for Isaac Smith. He received the ball about 35m out just to the left of the corridor and he dragged his shot across the face.
The chance occurred because Motlop tried the impossible, kicked a behind, and handed possession back to the Hawks. They went up the guts as route one as possible and despite an all-time great smother from Enright still fashioned a chance to reach the preliminary final. It wasn’t to be.
GEELONG WIN BY TWO POINTS
Geelong 12.13 (85) vs Hawthorn 12.11 (83)
Wow.
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4th quarter (00:00 remaining) Geelong 12.12 (84) vs Hawthorn12.11 (83)
Wide! Geelong win!
4th quarter (00:00 remaining) Geelong 12.12 (84) vs Hawthorn12.10 (82)
Smith to kick for the win after the siren!
4th quarter (00:34 remaining) Geelong 12.13 (85) vs Hawthorn 12.10 (82)
One roll of the dice left...
4th quarter (01:14 remaining) Geelong 12.12 (84) vs Hawthorn 12.10 (82)
Geelong stymie a decent looking Hawthorn build up and they’re clearly now playing for time. Hugging the boundary, looking for territory. Men committed to the contest, doing everything they can to hold it in, but a high tackle from Joel Selwood opens the door.
Cats behind - 4th quarter (03:14 remaining) Geelong 12.12 (84) vs Hawthorn 12.10 (82)
Geelong look the likelier again for now, but you can never write off Hawthorn, can you? Ball spends a long time in Hawthorn’s defensive 50 but only concede a Motlop behind.
Cats Goal! 4th quarter (04:14 remaining) Geelong 12.11 (83) vs Hawthorn 12.10 (82)
Another lead change! Geelong edge a point in front. The game’s fraying at the edges with desperate contests all over the field. Bartel wins one, feed Selwood and Taylor picks out Caddy deep in the right forward pocket. He runs into an open goal and buries the ball into tier 3.
Hawks behind - 4th quarter (05:14 remaining) Geelong 11.11 (77) vs Hawthorn 12.10 (82)
Cats behind - 4th quarter (06:04 remaining) Geelong 11.11 (77) vs Hawthorn 12.9 (81)
Geelong on the fast break sneak an opening but Motlop can only fire a point. Excellent work from Hawkins in the build up. The big man has put himself about admirably tonight.
Hawks behind - 4th quarter (06:44 remaining) Geelong 11.10 (76) vs Hawthorn 12.9 (81)
There are cut heads, bruised ribs and aching lungs all over the place but the intensity will not relent. Geelong look to be the best placed at the moment but they’re making poor choices around their attacking 50, Bartel the latest. And then Blicavs smashes what should have been a routine top of the square set up into the man on the mark.
Oh dear, Ruggles again with the cheap turnover completely alters the course of the game. Gunston can’t capitalise and kicks a long range point.
Cats behind - 4th quarter (09:40 remaining) Geelong 11.10 (76) vs Hawthorn 12.8 (80)
4th quarter (11:09 remaining) Geelong 11.9 (75) vs Hawthorn 12.8 (80)
Breathless, end-to-end stuff now with both sides wasting chances to score. I’m exhausted just typing, let alone playing.
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Each team has led for exactly 47 minutes, scores tied the other 8 #AFLCatsHawks #tight
— Darren O'Shaughnessy (@RankingSw) September 9, 2016
Hawks goal! - 4th quarter (15:34 remaining) Geelong 11.9 (75) vs Hawthorn 12.8 (80)
Give me a break lads! Burgoyne smashes a 2-iron fade from distance that soars through. Lead change again.
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Cats goal! 4th quarter (14:34 remaining) Geelong 11.9 (75) vs Hawthorn 11.8 (74)
And as I’m typing, Guthrie puts the Cats back in front. Cowan nails one deep that Stanley does well to bring to ground, then it’s Dangerfield and Guthrie fighting for time and space, which the latter uses expertly.
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Hawks behind - 4th quarter (15:34 remaining) Geelong 10.9 (69) vs Hawthorn 11.8 (74)
Hawthorn have wrestled the ascendancy back again, starting with a Burgoyne tackle but ending with Breust just inside 50 but his set shot slides wide.
Updated
Hawks goal! 4th quarter (16:54 remaining) Geelong 10.9 (69) vs Hawthorn 11.7 (73)
Hawthorn knitting together their best chain of possession of the quarter and it ends with Rioli in acres inside 50 and he returns his side to the lead.
Updated
4th quarter (17:07 remaining) Geelong 10.9 (69) vs Hawthorn 10.7 (67)
The quarter begins with another Geelong centre clearance, they’re starting to dominate in that area. Hawthorn defend a decent entry inside 50 well and escape to centre wing. Suggestion Burgoyne may now be accountable for Dangerfield - excellent.
Some three quarter time stats:
Hawthorn +45 disposals, + 10 inside 50s
Geelong + 35 contested possessions
Disposals - Lewis 28, Dangerfield 25, Hodge 24
Shiels has 10 tackles
THREE QUARTER TIME - Cats by two
Spot fires all over the place as the siren blows for three quarter time.
That was one of the passages of the season so far, and despite being outplayed in most areas Geelong will enter the final quarter with their noses in front.
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Cats goal! 3rd quarter (0:07 remaining) Geelong 10.9 (69) vs Hawthorn 10.7 (67)
With time running out in the quarter, Geelong win the centre clearance, the ball goes inside 50, and Motlop! Enormous contested mark from the small forward. He goes back and puts the Cats back in front. Blimey O’Reilly, what a quarter!
Hawks goal! 3rd quarter (0:57 remaining) Geelong 9.9 (63) vs Hawthorn 10.7 (67)
Ruggles caught in possession and his turnover changes the momentum of the quarter. A spell of Hawthorn forward pressure forces a harsh (but fair) deliberate out of bounds call against Lonergan, handing Breust a chance in the left forward pocket. And he kicks it! What a finish!
Geelong running away with the quarter and bang, one mistake and the Hawks hit straight back.
Cats goal! 3rd quarter (2:07 remaining) Geelong 9.9 (63) v sHawthorn 9.7 (61)
How do they do it? Geelong, out of nowhere are in front. Blicavs gets the goal but Guthrie earned it at the contest just outside 50. The ball went in the mixer and enough Cats were there to outnumber the Hawks and muscle the ball through. Epic stuff now.
Cats behind - 3rd quarter (2:57 remaining) Geelong 8.9 (57) vs Hawthorn 9.7 (61)
Geelong have been sparked into life. Clearances won, tackles laid all over the place. Hawthorn’s defensive 50 is suddenly under siege. Enright snaps a behind when he had more time than he realised.
Cats goal! 3rd quarter (4:37 remaining) Geelong 8.8 (56) vs Hawthorn 9.7 (61)
Here we go! Dangerfield with another clearance, Stanley does well under the high ball, keeping it alive for his crumbers, one of whom is McCarthy. The youngster wheels around, snaps on his left and kicks Geelong’s second in a minute.
Out of nowhere this is a one goal game.
Cats goal! 3rd quarter (5:41 remaining) Geelong 7.8 (50) vs Hawthorn 9.7 (61)
So often Geelong look to be clear but a fumble or an errant pass slows them down. Menzel the latest culprit but plenty of Cats have been guilty. Hawthorn by contrast have been like a veteran prizefighter, taking the sting out of the game in their back half and then exploding into frenzied action further forward. Chris Scott needs a game changer.
Maybe that’s it? Tom Hawkins lays a thumping tackle on Frawley, goes back and finds Menzel who takes a terrific grab floating across the top of the square. The goal goes through and the Cats are still in this.
Hawks goal! 3rd quarter (8:41 remaining) Geelong 6.8 (44) vs Hawthorn 9.7 (61)
The pressure is still manic with bodies flying at every contest. It’s affecting Geelong’s composure and their skills in tight are below those of Hawthorn, while their rebound play in space lacks the speed and decisiveness.
One of those rebounds ends with Schoenmakers snapping truly for another six-pointer. It all started with Sam Mitchell off halfback and thereafter the Cats were chasing brown and gold shadows.
Cats behind - 3rd quarter (11:31 remaining) Geelong 6.7 (43) vsHawthorn 8.6 (54)
What a miss! Motlop has a fresh air swing at the Sherrin just inches from the line between the posts. Huge let off for Hawthorn. That will haunt Motlop if the Cats don’t go on to win this.
Hawks goal! 3rd quarter (12:11 remaining) Geelong 6.6 (42) vs Hawthorn 8.6 (54)
As with the second quarter, a flurry of goals to start the third. A real sense of Geelong just hanging in here but Hawthorn haven’t put them away yet.
Cats resort to long handball chains for a change and it gets them deep inside 50 but Hawthorn do enough to smuggle the ball clear.
Hawthorn respond by picking their way around the ground with precision until there’s chaos in their forward line and succession of contested balls ends with a handball over the top for Gunston to walk into an empty goal square. Superb pressure from Hawthorn’s forwards to honour skill from their backline and midfield.
Cats goal! 3rd quarter (14:51 remaining) Geelong 6.6 (42) vsHawthorn 7.6 (48)
Quick reply by the Cats, McCarthy floating out the back of a stoppage to drag his side back in touch.
Hawks goal! 3rd quarter (15:41 remaining) Geelong 5.6 (36) vs Hawthorn 7.6 (48)
Hawthorn playing territory and percentage well, as crowd estimates come in around 80,000. They should have witnessed a Hawks goal but Lewis tried to be too clever 40m out on angle on the run. Not that it matters for long as Mitchell spears a bullet pass just above Corey Enright, perfectly for Rioli to take a breathtaking mark. He feeds Gunston who kicks a memorable Hawthorn goal.
Cats behind! 3rd quarter (19:21 remaining) Geelong 5.6 (36) vs Hawthorn 6.6 (42)
Big moment for the Cats. Dangerfield starts the second half with a powerful clearance, gets up the other end and has a set shot from 50m straight in front. Tugged badly for a behind. Geelong need those to go through.
Burton for the Hawks has a calf issue and hasn’t seen much action recently, still being tested.
Some half time stats:
Hawthorn +33 disposals, + 13 inside 50s
Geelong + 23 contested possessions
Disposals - Lewis 20, Hodge 16, Dangerfield 15, Birchall 15 Mitchell 15
Shiels has 8 tackles.
HALF TIME - Hawks by seven
Geelong 5.5 (35) vs Hawthorn 6.6 (42)
As expected, this has been a fractious, intense half of footy. Hawthorn have had the better of it and deserve their lead, and probably more than a seven point margin.
Hawks goal! 2nd quarter (1:21 remaining) Geelong 5.5 (35) vs Hawthorn 6.6 (42)
That goal’s sparked the Cats and they should take the lead but Motlop’s centre picks out McEvoy instead of his two wide open teammates. The pressure continues from Geelong though and Dangerfield forces a rushed behind with a shot just tailing away late.
Hawthorn rebound at pace, isolating Schoenmakers 1-on-1 with Ruggles and offers the Hawk a set-shot 30m out on a slight angle. The 100-gamer gives the scoreboard a fairer reflection of the balance of play as half-time approaches.
Cats goal! 2nd quarter (2:51 remaining) Geelong 5.4 (34) vs Hawthorn 5.6 (36)
Out of nowhere Geelong find the steadier. They smuggled the ball downfield and it’s a 2 on 2 inside 50 with Caddy taking the contested mark and kicking the goal. They needed that!
Hawks behind! 2nd quarter (4:21 remaining) Geelong 4.4 (28) vs Hawthorn 5.6 (36)
Geelong can’t clear their lines from the kick-out and it ends in the hands of Burgoyne 50m out but he slides a set shot marginally past the right hand post.
Over 20 minutes since the Cats scored.
Fitzpatrick launches one from 50 that just misses on the narrow side. All Hawthorn here.
Hawks behind! 2nd quarter (5:21 remaining) Geelong 4.4 (28) vs Hawthorn 5.4 (34)
Geelong are rattled. A cheap 50m gives them field position and then a high tackle from Smith on Duncan gives them a makeable shot at goal. From a narrow angle Duncan misses the lot!
Hawthorn steamroll down the other end and look certain to punish the Cats until Menegola lays a crunching tackle on Schoenmakers.
Fitzpatrick hooks a behind.
Hawks goal! 2nd quarter (9:24 remaining) Geelong 4.4 (28) vs Hawthorn 5.2 (32)
Hawks with the run now, not allowing Geelong any time in possession, everything’s rushed from the Cats and inevitably turned over. After a spell of pressure and turnovers one proves costly with Gunston finishing off a link of rapid handballs to give Hawthorn the lead. That pressure trio of Rioli, Puopolo and Breust are pivotal here.
Hawthorn going a bit too far with this next viral marketing campaign to sell jumpers. https://t.co/9VAHP42CgC
— Russell Jackson (@rustyjacko) September 9, 2016
Hawks goal! 2nd quarter (12:24 remaining) Geelong 4.4 (28) vs Hawthorn 4.2 (26)
This is threatening to boil over as Mitchell and both Selwoods test the tension of opposing guernseys. Umpires are scolding everyone in earshot. Tasty!
Burton’s off the field having his ankle seen to.
Again Hawthorn hit a runner heading toward goal, Bruest this time, like watching a team of quarterbacks and wide receivers. Breust kicks well from 35 on a decent angle to bring the margin back within a goal.
Hawks goal! 2nd quarter (13:54 remaining) Geelong 4.4 (28) vs Hawthorn 3.2 (20)
There’s plenty of niggle out there and Hawthorn keep coming unstuck with the umpires. Hodge to start the quarter, now Mitchell being pinged for matters that look only barely related to the action.
Mitchell brushes it off though and from a throw-in on the right flank hits Rioli lace out on the 50. He passes off to Gunston who takes a set shot for goal but it only carries 45m and Geelong clear. Not comprehensively though as the Hawthorn press works a treat and Burgoyne caresses one home from 40 metres on a slight angle after a sharp turnover.
Cats goal! 2nd quarter (16:44 remaining) Geelong 4.4 (28) vs Hawthorn 2.2 (14)
Another clearance win for Geelong, another launch inside 50, and another powerful mark by Hawkins. He goes back and nails one from 45m straight in front.
After an arm-wrestle of a first quarter, this is becoming a shootout.
Hawks goal! 2nd quarter (17:21 remaining) Geelong 3.4 (22) vs Hawthorn 2.2 (14)
Geelong win the centre clearance after the goal and Dangerfield finds Stanley on the lead but it’s a narrow angle and he earns only a point. More good signs for the Cats though.
Another chance follows soon after but Duncan’s too cute with his delivery and Hawthorn steady.
They rebound decisively and against the run of play Rioli is out the back and ready to take a mark over his shoulder after a beautiful pass from Gunston. Rioli honours the play with a goal.
Cats goal! 2nd quarter (19:44 remaining) Geelong 3.3 (21) vs Hawthorn 1.2 (8)
First 50m penalty of the game goes against Luke Hodge, and his dissent hands Joel Selwood an easy chance to start the second quarter, slotting home from 15 metres. Nightmare for Hawthorn.
Some quarter time stats:
Hawks + 15 disposals, + 6 inside-50s.
Cats +16 contested possessions, + 3 free kicks
QUARTER TIME - Cats by seven
1st quarter Geelong 2.3 (15) vs Hawthorn 1.2 (8)
Hawthorn trying to pick their way through Geelong’s defence but there’s always a spoil or a tackle nearby. The Cats are dangerous on the break but the bounce of the ball didn’t favour Motlop.
There’s hardly been any outside run tonight, all frenetic contested footy all over the park.
Updated
Cats goal! 1st quarter (2:44 remaining) Geelong 2.3 (15) vs Hawthorn 1.2 (8)
Whoomph! Tom Hawkins takes a huge mark on the back of Frawley from a Selwood free-kick. 20 out on a slight angle he goes back and puts the Cats in front. Impressive sight the Tomahawk in full flight.
Cats behind! 1st quarter (3:54 remaining) Geelong 1.3 (9) vs Hawthorn 1.2 (8)
Geelong should do better on a counterattack but Menzel finds himself isolated on his left side on the arc and Hawthorn clear. And boy do they clear, Puopolo taking a glorious speccy!
Geelong controlling play for a while here but the ball keeps favouring Hawthorn defenders until Ruggles snaps from 40 metres that Gibson punches behind.
Hawks behind! 1st quarter (6:03 remaining) Geelong 1.2 (8) vs Hawthorn 1.2 (8)
Good response from the Cats, attacking incisively after that goal and they’re unlucky to see Stanley penalised for a push after a mark in the goal square. A more traditional rushed behind ensues.
Big moment here, Tom Ruggles penalised for worrying Rioli on the arc as a fast break threatened to see the Cats exposed. If this was soccer it’d be a guaranteed yellow, maybe even red for a defender dragging back a striker in a goalscoring position. Rioli fluffs his lines and kicks only one point.
Scott Selwood and Luke Hodge both off having cuts patched up.
Hawks goal! 1st quarter (9:14 remaining) Geelong 1.1 (7) vs Hawthorn 1.1 (7)
Hawthorn finally add the points their pressure warranted. Puopolo wriggled free of one of the many stoppages and got away with a questionable disposal. It landed in the arms of Hill who strolls in to slot the major unopposed.
Hawks behind! 1st quarter (9:34 remaining) Geelong 1.1 (7) vs Hawthorn 0.1 (1)
Plenty of talk about that rushed behind, the C7 commentators are not happy that went unpunished. It was a dribbler from Bartel that was booted through wihtout a lot of pressure on the defender.
Once again, Hawthorn enjoy the lion’s share of possession but fail to create any space inside 50 to exploit. Mitchell snaps a left-foot behind to get them on the board but they’ll want more for their possession and inside-50 dominance early.
Cats behind! 1st quarter (13:34 remaining) Geelong 1.1 (7) vs Hawthorn0.0 (0)
Some match-ups to pay attention to. Looks like Guthrie has a job on Puopolo, Bartel on Gibson, and as expected, Selwood on Mitchell.
Hawthorn again enjoy a spell of possession but Geelong are masters at defending space. Isaac Smith roosts a set shot from 55 metres but it hits the behind post.
Geelong rebound at pace and look dangerous going inside 50 but they can’t make a three on one contested mark work for them. They do get another sniff a moment later though and earn a rushed behind that Wayne Carey described as “deliberate as you get” but it’s not paid by the umps.
Cats goal! 1st quarter (17:40 remaining) Geelong 1.0 (6) vs Hawthorn 0.0 (0)
Hawthorn get their hands on the ball first, working their way across halfback and down the left flank. The pressure is predictably intense, and the Sherrin looks like a bar of soap. A couple of scrappy inside 50s comes to nought and Geelong work their way free.
That work comes to fruition quickly with Bartel finding space in the right forward pocket, sending over a beautiful cross to Motlop who marks uncontested in the goal square.
OPENING BOUNCE
And away we go...
Toss won by Luke Hodge, for all the difference it’ll make.
I don't see the point of the anthem before every final.
— Glenn Peters (@nightwatchman) September 9, 2016
Cats out as well. Everyone upstanding for the national anthem.
We play the national anthem before footy finals because... #afl
— Mick Ellis (@MickEllis) September 9, 2016
Ablett also used to play for Hawthorn, of course...
Under 10 minutes to the opening bounce, just enough time to dip back into the phenomenal @costasports YouTube archive.
This is a doozy, Geelong legend Gary Ablett Sr kicking a goal - with Latin American commentary!
Hawthorn are out on the ‘G, running through a banner celebrating 100 games for Ryan Schoenmakers.
Go time. @adidasAU #FindFocus #EmbraceTheHunt pic.twitter.com/70y3A1BODl
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) September 9, 2016
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The weather threatened to play a major role tonight but it shouldn’t be the quagmire that was feared earlier in the week. It is wet underfoot, and at 13C it is a bit fresh, but conditions are improving and they shouldn’t interfere with the game a great deal.
Rain clearing E VIC Sat. Mostly dry until front approaches SW VIC later Sun. Check the radar https://t.co/NtIZHSWEr5 pic.twitter.com/wM9fvz2ycU
— BOM Victoria (@BOM_Vic) September 9, 2016
And any excuse to replay Tom Hawkins’ roost after the siren from round 19, 2012 is fine by me.
It wouldn’t be a Geelong v Hawthorn final if we didn’t rewind the clock to 1989 now, would it?
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These sides have met only once this year, and that was way back in round one, with the Cats winning by 30 points. At the time there was a sense that Hawthorn were a few weeks behind the rest of the competition in their preparation - which is understandable, and they were with Geelong for most of the game. Patrick Dangerfield hogged the headlines afterwards with one of the all-time great debuts for his new team, grabbing 43 disposals and a mark of the year contender as he set the tone for what promises to be a Brownlow Medal winning campaign.
And for the Cats, a genuine Barry Crocker.
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Some choons to get the die-hards’ blood pumping.
First, the mighty fighting hawks...
Hawthorn 22
The Hawks have sprung a late selection surprise with young key forward James Sicily replaced in the listed starting 22 by Daniel Howe. Sicily has an illness, according to his club.
Hawthorn’s 22 is packed with premiership winning experience and looks the kind of line up a coach dreams about selecting for a final. The three names that leap from the page belong to Fitzpatrick, Burton and Howe, and their inexperience will surely be targeted by Geelong.
B: Taylor Duryea, James Frawley, Shaun Burgoyne
HB: Luke Hodge, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill
HF: Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Cyril Rioli
F: Paul Puopolo, Jack Fitzpatrick, Ryan Schoenmakers
FOL: Ben McEvoy, Jordan Lewis, Liam Shiels
I/C: Ben Stratton, Brendan Whitecross, Daniel Howe, Ryan Burton
One to watch - Shaun Burgoyne has enjoyed another outstanding season in one of the all-time great careers. Tonight he plays his 32nd finals match, moving him second on the all-time list behind Michael Tuck (39). Sometimes it’s worth pausing to reflect that legends walk among us, and witnessing Burgoyne go about his business is something to savour.
Let's hope there's a pot of brown and gold at the end of the of the rainbow! #EmbraceTheHunt #AFLCatsHawks pic.twitter.com/81xekxvfzN
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) September 9, 2016
I’m not sure I’d be thrilled with a pot full of brown and gold...
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Geelong 22
The Cats go in with the 22 as named yesterday. It’s an imposing line up, especially with the addition of Scott Selwood, selected to shut down Sam Mitchell. Only Lachie Henderson is missing from Geelong’s best, so Chris Scott can have no excuses tonight.
B: Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan, Tom Ruggles
HB: Jake Kolodjashnij, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
C: Cameron Guthrie, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Sam Menegola, Rhys Stanley, Daniel Menzel
F: Steven Motlop, Tom Hawkins, Lincoln McCarthy
FOL: Zac Smith, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan
I/C: Mark Blicavs, Josh Caddy, Josh Cowan, Scott Selwood
One to watch - it’s a huge night for Tom Ruggles. In his debut season the 24-year old has featured 17-times but must have been a line-ball decision at match committee for tonight’s game. Hawthorn’s attacking strategy is designed around forward half turnovers, with a specific focus on the pressure of their fleet of small forwards. Ruggles will presumably be accountable for one of those weapons as well as charged with piercing the defensive web with ball in hand so as not to offer easy turnover scoring opportunities. Big job.
Somewhere over the rainbow... #GreatnessAwaits #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/EvnWgmiV7w
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) September 9, 2016
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Preamble
Hello, good evening, and thanks for joining me for the second qualifying final, between Geelong and Hawthorn at the MCG.
The 2016 finals may have arrived a week late, but last night’s boil-over was worth waiting for. The ferocity of the Bulldogs in WA has further complicated what was already the most open postseason in a generation and whetted the appetite for what (on paper at least) should be the tie of the weekend.
If you weren’t aware of the recent history between these two storied clubs, you’ve probably stumbled onto this page by accident (I hope you enjoy the VFL archive clips further up the page while you’re knocking around). Whenever the Cats and the Hawks get together something special seems to happen. Let’s hope history repeats tonight.
The Cats ended the home and away season in second place, the Hawks third, but both were just percentage away from the ladder leading Swans. It’s been that kind of a season.
The perception throughout has been of Hawthorn doing just enough, with ready arguments that the triple-premiers were on their last legs and unable to cope without the loss of so much experience in recent months. Alastair Clarkson’s mob are nothing if not bloody minded though, and they’ve willed themselves across the line often enough to be three games away from an historic four-peat.
The Cats are a tipster’s nightmare. At their best, with Patrick Dangerfield owning the park, they look invincible. At their worst, which can drag on for a quarter or four, they look out of place in finals company. With almost a completely healthy squad and seven wins on the bounce coming home, there are no excuses for Chris Scott’s charges not to bring their A games tonight.
We’ll deal with more of the nitty gritty as we build towards the 7.50pm EST start, and you can be part of the fun if you tweet me @JPHowcroft or email me at jonathan.howcroft.freelance@guardian.co.uk.
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JP will be stopping by shortly to take you through tonight’s action but in the meantime, revel in some of the early-finals magic of years gone by in today’s Joy of Six.
