{"id":51107,"date":"2025-08-07T19:23:25","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T19:23:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/51107\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T19:23:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T19:23:25","slug":"afl-hawks-batter-struggling-magpies-to-keep-top-four-hopes-alive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/51107\/","title":{"rendered":"AFL: Hawks batter struggling Magpies to keep top four hopes alive"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hawthorn have taken a huge step towards an AFL finals berth with a 64-point upset of Collingwood, who lost star defender Jeremy Howe to concussion after a sickening collision with Jai Newcombe.<\/p>\n

Howe was knocked out in a dramatic opening before the Hawks pulled away with a dominant seven-goal second quarter to set up their crucial 17.8 (110) to 6.10 (46) victory at the MCG on Thursday night.<\/p>\n

Editor’s Picks<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n

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It ensures Hawthorn (14-7) will retain a spot in the top eight for at least another week, ahead of clashes with Melbourne and the third-placed Brisbane Lions to complete the home-and-away season.<\/p>\n

Collingwood (15-6), who were ladder leaders for 11 consecutive weeks, have now lost four of their last five outings and will be without Howe for at least one more match.<\/p>\n

The experienced defender’s return from a hamstring injury lasted less than two minutes when he collided with Newcombe as the pair chased a loose ball.<\/p>\n

Howe got to the bouncing ball a fraction of a second earlier than his opponent and took possession before he was cannoned into by Newcombe, who looked like he was attempting to tackle.<\/p>\n

The pair appeared to clash heads and Howe also hit his head on the turf when he landed.<\/p>\n

Mitch Lewis celebrates a goal for the Hawks.\u00a0Photo by Robert Cianflone\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

The 35-year-old was knocked out and taken off on a stretcher before being taken to hospital for precautionary scans.<\/p>\n

“He was non-responsive for a little while and we were all really worried about him,” Collingwood football manager Charlie Gardiner told the Seven Network at halftime.<\/p>\n

“But once the doctors got him down into the rooms he was up and walking around.<\/p>\n

“I don’t think there are any other concerns (aside from concussion). They just want to rule everything out and take every precaution possible.”<\/p>\n

Hawks midfielder Newcombe (28 disposals, seven clearances) was also groggy after the collision but passed a concussion test and returned to be one of his side’s most important players.<\/p>\n

“It’s just part of the game, both committed,” Newcombe told the Seven Network at halftime.<\/p>\n

Watson to Newcombe, the Hawks are on FIRE \ud83d\udd25#AFLHawksPies<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/xgxD7pyLR2<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 AFL (@AFL) August 7, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n

After the dramatic start, Nick Watson’s two early goals gave Hawthorn a narrow quarter-time advantage.<\/p>\n

They took complete control in a scintillating second term, piling on 7.0 to 1.3 to lead by 39 points at the main break.<\/p>\n

Newcombe importantly kicked the opening goal of the second half to reassert the Hawks’ authority and they powered clear for a convincing win in front of 68,515 fans.<\/p>\n

The margin gave their percentage a significant boost — from 117.6 to 121.2 — which could be important in a tight finals race.<\/p>\n

Hawks ruckman Lloyd Meek kicked three goals in an outstanding display, with Watson a constant threat in the forward-line and captain James Sicily important in a tight defensive unit.<\/p>\n

Jack Gunston (four goals) and Mabior Chol (three) were dangerous, and Jack Ginnivan (27 disposals) was busy without hitting the scoreboard against his former club.<\/p>\n

Collingwood’s heavy defeat was a disappointing way for club great Steele Sidebottom to mark his 350-game milestone.<\/p>\n