Macpotata
Norm Smith Medallist
- Mar 22, 2017
- 9,595
- 10,877
- AFL Club
- Geelong
Huge. The stakes on the line are massive as each game now heading into September has big implications for the finals and for the four. Clashes between these two are already titanic. For the rivalry, the history, the finals meetings but meetings of the biggest occasion, the Grand Final. Hawthorn will come into this match shocking many this season and shocking many at present as they find themselves in the top 4 as we stand { 3rd place with games to be played }. The Cats ever so gallant in defeat lost to reigning premiers Richmond by less than a kick, in a game that what was there for the taking when Ablett missed the chance to snatch victory at the death. Geelong simply can't afford to lose as at the conclusion of todays round 20 they will find themselves a game outside the top 8. They're in a log jam with many others not only vying for a top 4 birth, but fighting for the right to take place in September finals action. Victory for the Hawks would retain their place in the 4 and they'd fancy their chances after already eclipsing the Cats in a round 2 Easter Monday Blockbuster where they came up trumps by a solitary point.
There have been various classics in the last 3 decades between the two powerhouse clubs. The classic Grand Final of 1989 where Gary Ablett booted 9 goals in a losing side and Dermott Brereton played on after sustaining broken ribs. The Hawks led by 6 goals at 3qtr time only for Ablett and Geelong to go off in the final term falling short by just 6 points 21.18 to 21.12, with Ablett winning the Norm Smith medal. The other famous Grand Final meeting occurred in 2008 where the highly fancied Cats went into the match dropping only one game all season. The Hawks finished second on the ladder and fell short in their only home and away meeting that year and came into the decider with red hot form smashing the Western Bulldogs and St.Kilda in the preliminary. If there was one thing that optimised Hawthorn that day, it was this tackle from Cyril Rioli
They simply wanted it more and had a deep insatiable hunger. They weren't going to be denied. Strangely enough after that Grand Final defeat Geelong went on to own the Hawks for a very long time it seemed with many classic encounters and many close games. Bartel's goal in 2009 after a 4 goal last quarter deficit missing several stars, Tom Hawkins goal after the siren in a game where the Hawks overcame a 50 point margin only to let it slip again.
There were several other gripping contests too and there was a qualifying final win for the Cats in 2011. Geelong didn't lose to the Hawks until a famous Friday preliminary night final at the G in 2013 where Travis Varcoe missed a goal in the dying stages. It would have forced extra time. The Hawks broke their '' Kennett Curse '' after trailing by 20 points at 3 quarter time then went on to win the Grand Final against Fremantle.
We had the Qualifying final in 2016 where Issac Smith famously missed a shot after the siren which would have put the Hawks in a 6th straight prelim
And strangely enough it was Smith again who missed at the death after the Hawks made a last quarter rally where they were seemingly out of it going into the last change in last years late home and away season encounter. Dangerfield booted 5.6 playing full forward after getting injured in the first quarter.
On to the upcoming game. It is a contest that will be played with Grand Final like pressure matched with Grand Final like atmosphere with a bumper crowd expected. There is only one game separating the sides and the Hawks should find themselves in 5th place after today with GWS taking on Carlton and Melbourne meeting Gold Coast. Geelong sits just outside the 8 in 9th. Once again the two rivals find themselves playing in a game of significant magnitude not just for themselves in season 2018 but also for others in the pursuit of the holy grail.
Predictions, crowd tips. margin, players who will shine and match up's your're most looking forward to?
There have been various classics in the last 3 decades between the two powerhouse clubs. The classic Grand Final of 1989 where Gary Ablett booted 9 goals in a losing side and Dermott Brereton played on after sustaining broken ribs. The Hawks led by 6 goals at 3qtr time only for Ablett and Geelong to go off in the final term falling short by just 6 points 21.18 to 21.12, with Ablett winning the Norm Smith medal. The other famous Grand Final meeting occurred in 2008 where the highly fancied Cats went into the match dropping only one game all season. The Hawks finished second on the ladder and fell short in their only home and away meeting that year and came into the decider with red hot form smashing the Western Bulldogs and St.Kilda in the preliminary. If there was one thing that optimised Hawthorn that day, it was this tackle from Cyril Rioli
They simply wanted it more and had a deep insatiable hunger. They weren't going to be denied. Strangely enough after that Grand Final defeat Geelong went on to own the Hawks for a very long time it seemed with many classic encounters and many close games. Bartel's goal in 2009 after a 4 goal last quarter deficit missing several stars, Tom Hawkins goal after the siren in a game where the Hawks overcame a 50 point margin only to let it slip again.
There were several other gripping contests too and there was a qualifying final win for the Cats in 2011. Geelong didn't lose to the Hawks until a famous Friday preliminary night final at the G in 2013 where Travis Varcoe missed a goal in the dying stages. It would have forced extra time. The Hawks broke their '' Kennett Curse '' after trailing by 20 points at 3 quarter time then went on to win the Grand Final against Fremantle.
We had the Qualifying final in 2016 where Issac Smith famously missed a shot after the siren which would have put the Hawks in a 6th straight prelim
And strangely enough it was Smith again who missed at the death after the Hawks made a last quarter rally where they were seemingly out of it going into the last change in last years late home and away season encounter. Dangerfield booted 5.6 playing full forward after getting injured in the first quarter.
On to the upcoming game. It is a contest that will be played with Grand Final like pressure matched with Grand Final like atmosphere with a bumper crowd expected. There is only one game separating the sides and the Hawks should find themselves in 5th place after today with GWS taking on Carlton and Melbourne meeting Gold Coast. Geelong sits just outside the 8 in 9th. Once again the two rivals find themselves playing in a game of significant magnitude not just for themselves in season 2018 but also for others in the pursuit of the holy grail.
Predictions, crowd tips. margin, players who will shine and match up's your're most looking forward to?
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