The Hawthorn Hawks have knocked out the Collingwood Magpies from the 2014 AFL Premiership with a 65-point win at the MCG on Friday night.
Jack Gunston displayed sublime skill, kicking 5 goals, 1 behind in the match. Jarryd Roughead was the Hawks’ next best up front, bagging 4. In a match decided early, Steele Sidebottom kept the Pies honest in the midfield with an impressive 36 disposals for the match.
Debutant Corey Gault kicked the opening goal in the first quarter for Collingwood, as things looked promising for them early. The Pies placed plenty of good pressure on the Hawks midfield, forcing numerous uncharacteristic errors and earning them a slim 5-point lead at the first break.
Three quick goals each to Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston in the second quarter dampened any hope of a contest as the Hawks began to hit some form. Steele Sidebottom was solid in the midfield for the Pies with 17 disposals, matched only by Hawthorn’s veteran midfielder Sam Mitchell, who bagged 18, giving his side the boost they needed.
In a moment of concern for the Hawks, Brian Lake left the field midway through the third quarter with what looked like a groin injury.
The key defender did not look comfortable, and the progress of this injury will no doubt be monitored closely in the lead up to next week’s final against Geelong.
“It was a bit sore so I thought I would rest it,” Lake commented when asked about the severity of the injury post match, “The boys looked good out there.”
Luke Ball ended his career at the conclusion of the game. The 30-year-old, 223 match veteran and 2005 All-Australian midfielder was cheered off the field and embraced by family and fellow players as he left the MCG, “It is a bit sad to end, but I am happy,” Ball reflected.
