Hawthorn fended off Fremantle to reach their fourth consecutive Grand Final with a 27-point win at Domain Stadium.
The final quarter fattened the margin considerably as the Hawks came home with a 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win over the Dockers.
Brownlow favourite Nat Fyfe injured his leg in the opening minutes of the game, but stood tall and continued playing despite his apparent soreness. He managed 24 disposals and six tackles – but not enough to put his side through to the Grand Final.
The battle of the midfield was clearly won by the Hawks, with Sam Mitchell recording 35 disposals and captain Luke Hodge 25 touches from halfback. Hawthorn finished with 40 more disposals than the Dockers, suggesting Alastair Clarkson’s men remain the best tip for this year’s Premiership.
Cyril Rioli was among the best on ground for Hawthorn with three goals. Matthew Suckling, Ryan Schoenmakers and Jarryd Roughead each scored two to help push their team over the line.
Hawthorn will face the winner of the West Coast Eagles v North Melbourne game tomorrow afternoon, also at Domain Stadium. – Anthony Johnston
Fremantle 2.1 4.4 8.4 10.7 (67)
Hawthorn 5.2 7.2 11.3 15.4 (94)
Goals
Fremantle: Walters 3, Griffin 2, Hill, Pavlich, Ballantyne, Barlow, Mayne
Hawthorn: Rioli 3, Schoenmakers 2, Suckling 2, Roughead 2, Smith, Hale, Breust, Hill, McEvoy, Duryea
Top photo from Hawthorn’s official Facebook page.
About the author
Liverpool FC fanatic and a Collingwood Magpies tragic.
