Hawks Survive Giants’ Charge in Finals Thriller
What a rollercoaster this elimination final turned out to be. At Engie Stadium, Hawthorn and Greater Western Sydney gave us one of those games that fans won’t forget anytime soon. On paper, it looked like the Hawks had things wrapped up. They exploded out of the gates with seven goals in the opening quarter and were as much as 42 points clear midway through the third term. At that stage, their semi-final ticket against Adelaide seemed all but stamped.
But as finals footy always reminds us—momentum can swing in an instant. The Giants, who had looked flat and almost finished by halftime, suddenly roared to life. Their trademark “Orange Tsunami” surged late in the third quarter, rattling home six straight goals and reducing what had felt like an unbridgeable margin to just one straight kick. From a near-certain blowout, the game was transformed into a nail-biting classic.
Leading that fightback were midfield stars Tom Green and Finn Callaghan, each gathering 34 disposals, while super-sub Josh Kelly delivered one of the most impactful cameos you’ll ever see in September. Injected into the game before halftime due to Darcy Jones’ knee injury, Kelly lit up the third quarter with two goals and relentless energy, helping swing the contest on its head. For a moment, it really looked like the Giants might produce a famous comeback.
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Yet when the heat was at its peak, Hawthorn steadied. Jai Newcombe, playing his 100th game, was immense again with 32 touches and 12 clearances, supported by Jarman Impey’s run and Tom Barrass’ leadership down back. Jack Ginnivan provided flair with a pair of crucial third-quarter goals, but it was Sam Butler and Mabior Chol who finally iced the game in the last term. Butler’s composed finish gave Hawthorn breathing room, and then Chol sealed the deal with back-to-back majors that sent Hawks fans into raptures.
The final siren confirmed a 19-point win, 16.11 (107) to 13.10 (88). Relief washed over the brown and gold faithful, while the Giants were left to rue what might have been. For all their fight and brilliance in that second-half surge, their season has come to an end.
The match had just about everything—early dominance, a dramatic comeback, star turns from both teams, and a finish that kept everyone on edge. It was proof again of why finals footy is so special: games aren’t simply won on the scoreboard, they’re earned in the moments when pressure bites hardest.
For Hawthorn, the journey continues with a semi-final clash against Adelaide. For GWS, it’s heartbreak, but also a reminder that their spirit of “Never Surrender” is more than just a motto. They nearly pulled off the unthinkable.
This elimination final will be remembered not just as a win for the Hawks, but as one of those September battles where drama, resilience, and raw emotion all collided.
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