The Hawks ended their eight-game losing streak at ENGIE Stadium with a dramatic 19-point victory over the Giants on Saturday, securing their place in a cut-throat semi-final showdown against the Crows next week.
After building a commanding 42-point lead midway through the third quarter, the Hawks watched helplessly as the Orange Tsunami surged back into contention.
The Giants kicked seven consecutive goals to snatch a one-point advantage, leaving Hawthorn staring down the barrel of elimination from September football.
With their season hanging by a thread, two unsung Hawks defenders rose to the occasion in a last quarter that will live long in Hawthorn folklore, sealing a memorable interstate victory against the top-eight Giants.
Small defender Blake Hardwick had already done an admirable job containing Giants skipper Toby Greene throughout the match, accumulating 12 disposals by three-quarter time while keeping the star forward quiet.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 06: Jack Ginnivan of the Hawks is congratulated by Blake Hardwick after kicking a goal during the AFL Elimination Final match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Hawthorn Hawks at ENGIE Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
The 28-year-old Hardwick may not be renowned for his pace, but his toughness in the contest and never-say-die attitude have made him a fan favourite among the Hawthorn faithful, who know him affectionately as “Dimma”.
It was these qualities that proved decisive when his team needed him most.
Hardwick’s defensive brilliance in the final term began with a spectacular run-down tackle on known speedster Toby Bedford, earning a crucial holding-the-ball free kick.
Moments later, he outmarked the same opponent on the wing to snuff out another Giants scoring opportunity.
With the Giants pushing forward late in the game to narrow the gap, Hardwick once again proved crucial.
He lunged desperately to get a fingertip on the ball, preventing what would have been an easy clearance from the congested area that could have sent the Giants streaming toward goal.
His eight final-quarter disposals included six intercept possessions, two marks and a score involvement as he helped turn the tide when it mattered most.
He wasn’t alone in stemming the Giants’ attacking flow.
Jack Scrimshaw used his rangy 194cm frame to devastating effect, intercepting forward entries and displaying courageous marking under pressure.
Flying fearlessly for contested balls, 27-year-old Scrimshaw nullified the Giants’ key forwards, outpointing the likes of Aaron Cadman and Jesse Hogan to prevent further scoreboard damage.
The Hawks’ defensive unit weathered an incredible storm, withstanding 72 Giants entries into their forward 50 throughout the match.
This resilient performance has propelled the team into the second round of the AFL finals for consecutive seasons, setting up a mouth-watering clash with minor premiers Adelaide.
The Crows will be licking their wounds after Thursday night’s loss to Collingwood, making them a dangerous proposition for Sam Mitchell’s men.
If Hawthorn are to continue their pursuit of the club’s 14th premiership, they must first contend with Adelaide’s potent forward line.
However, with players like Hardwick and Scrimshaw demonstrating their ability to rise to finals pressure, the Hawks will enter the semi-final with confidence that their defensive core can handle whatever the Crows’ dangerous forward line throws at them.