Geelong’s 10 goals from 52 inside-50s paint a clear picture of the defensive pressure Hawthorn were able to exert on the Cats in their AFL qualifying-final clash.
Hawthorn’s 15.14 (104) to 10.8 (68) win at the MCG on Friday night in front of almost 75,000 fans has allowed the Hawks a week off en route to the preliminary final, while the Cats will host the winner of Saturday night’s North Melbourne-Essendon elimination final.
Star fullback and 2013 Norm Smith Medallist Brian Lake kicked off his finals campaign by holding Geelong’s in-form key forward Tom Hawkins to one goal and seven disposals.
But it was Hawthorn’s tackling intensity in midfield that most pleased winning coach Alastair Clarkson.
The Hawks dominated possession 387-332 and topped the tackle count 81-59.
Geelong coach Chris Scott lamented dropped marks, including some by Hawkins, but also missed targets going forward.
Scores were level at halftime before the defending premiers kicked nine goals to Geelong’s four in the second half.
“We stuck at it and eventually broke the game open later on,” Clarkson said.
“To put real pressure on the Geelong ball-carriers is just crucial for us.
“We were able to turn the ball over and give ourselves a chance in the middle of the ground.”
Wingman Bradley Hill (27 disposals, including 18 in the first half) and utility Sam Mitchell with 36 touches were stand-out players for the Hawks, but there were plenty of others.
“Hill was strong, Isaac Smith, Grant Birchall, Jordan Lewis was able to kick three goals which is really important for our midfielders to kick goals,” Clarkson said.
Jack Gunston also booted three goals for the Hawks, who are hoping to have dual-premiership small forward Cyril Rioli available for selection in two weeks’ time after his being out since June 28 with a hamstring injury.
Hawthorn have won three of their past four clashes with Geelong after a run of 11 consecutive defeats.
“You guys might have felt like the balance of power in the game shifted but it wasn’t until the last three or four minutes of the game that we felt like we were going to win,” Clarkson told reporters.
The Hawks scored four of the last five goals.
“In terms of the Geelong-Hawthorn thing, they’re two very, very good sides and … they’ll continue to have epic battles I’m sure,” Clarkson said.
Clarkson said Brad Sewell, who had 14 touches and six tackles in his 200th game, was a great warrior.
“Two hundred games in a final, it’s probably fitting really,” Clarkson said.
“He has played some of his best footy for our club in big games in September.”
