Jack Gunston rolled back the years against Fremantle but he had a goal controversially called off by the finest of margins as Hawthorn fell to a defeat.
The forward has kicked six goals, including five in the first half, yet he could have had more.
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He thought he had kicked a goal to give his team a 24-16 lead in the first quarter, before a goal review intervened.
The goal was chalked off after replays showed the ball scraped the post as it went over – the second time that has happened to Hawthorn in as many weeks.
The club reacted on X, tweeting: “NOT AGAIN. TWO WEEKS IN A ROW.”
The technology which ruled the goal out may have been conclusive, but commentator David King was left questioning why it was required in the first place.
He argued the umpire should have been better positioned so he could see the ball clipped the post.
“I wonder why the goal umpire is not in line with the kick?” he said on Fox.
“Look where the goal umpire is. He should be in line with the kick so he can have the post in his vision.”
Gunston, 34, did not let the setback affect him and continued to prove a thorn in Fremantle’s side.
Fremantle withdrew Luke Ryan who was given a torrid time by the veteran, but it proved pointless as he scored two more goals in the second quarter.
Fans were impressed with his display and showered him with plaudits.
“Gunston making mince meat of Luke Ryan in this first quarter,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “Gunston is special.”
A third commented: “Can’t believe how good Gunston is right now, he was like retired like three years ago.”
Hawthorn were left ruing the key call as they suffered a fourth quarter collapse to lose 88-73.