Midway through the third term, Hawks fans would have been forgiven for thinking about getting in on some early airfares to Adelaide.
Jack Ginnivan had just booted his second goal in a matter of minutes – and his third for the game – and Hawthorn’s lead had blown out to 42 points.
ake Riccardi of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal.Credit: Getty Images
About 20 minutes later, the Hawks are in a fight for their lives. In one of the most dramatic changes in a final in recent memory, the Giants slammed on six goals in 15 minutes to snap the margin to just six points at the final change.
The Hawks have fallen asleep at the stoppage. Five of the Giants’ six goals that quarter came from stoppage. I’m not sure what the average is per game, but five is a lot. The Hawks were smashed at the coalface.
Josh Kelly, subbed on for the injured Darcy Jones after several weeks out, has been pivotal to the savage momentum change.
The Giants veteran collected 14 possessions and booted two goals in that quarter. Finn Callaghan, the Giants’ most consistent performer, has been massive with 32 disposals, along with Tom Green with 32 as well.
The Hawks have gone to sleep. Jai Newcombe was quieter that term – and nobody else has filled the void. They need more from Conor Nash, Josh Ward and James Worpel. Karl Amon and Jarman Impey have been quelled as well. They need to dig deep to regain the ascendancy.
Now Hogan has marked and goaled to tie the scores.
GWS 79, Hawks 79 with 19 mins to go.