Déjà vu hit everyone at the MCG on Saturday night after the Hawks and Magpies played out a second draw against each other this season.
With seconds on the clock, Hawthorn’s Dylan Moore had a chance to win the game for his side after he took a mark just inside 50, on the boundary.
Dylan Moore reacts after his kick didn’t reach the goal. Fox Footy
Ironically, Moore kicked the goal in round eight that sealed the first draw between these sides.
On this occasion, he couldn’t produce the clutch moment with his kick landing short. The score was therefore left at 13.14 (92) – 13.14 (92).
“You feel for him, you always want the guy left with the footy to create history, but what a game,” David King said on Fox Footy.
The match had started the way it ended, with both sides even at 2.3 (15) – 2.3 (15) at the end of the first quarter.
Collingwood then ran away from the Hawks to lead by 22 points at the main break.
By three-quarter time that margin had changed significantly with Hawthorn in front 8.12 (60) – 8.9 (57).
The Hawks were out of the blocks strong in the final term, kicking the first three goals before Collingwood answered that with four in a row.
The see-sawing affair ultimately ended in a draw and the contrast in reaction was striking.
Hawthorn’s players all looked dejected while Collingwood coach Craig McRae punched his fists in the air towards the Magpies fans.
“I think Craig McRae is a master at finding the shining light,” Jack Riewoldt said later on Fox Footy.
“And the standard that he sets as a coach … he would have said, ‘That is a big step forward for us’.
“The way he behaves publicly and behind the scenes, makes sure that they can grab momentum and roll on from this, in what is a really good performance against a side that many believe are going to challenge for the premiership.
“He will always take that silver lining; he knows that is the way to motivate this group.”
Craig McRae and Darcy Cameron. Getty Images
The result has the Magpies in eighth and Hawthorn fourth.
McRae explained his reaction post-match, admitting it may have been “a bit over the top”.
“But I don’t want to sit and not celebrate what we just did. Of course, we want two more points, but here we are and celebrating the small wins that we got tonight,” he said.
“Our want and desire to get after them was there for everyone to see, and we got energy from that. And when we had pressure in the game, we dominated those phases and the scoreboard at those times, and particularly before half-time.
“We’re playing a top-four team, a team that wants to be a top-four team, and so they’re always going to have threats and strengths … but we stay true to who we want to be.”