A poster from a hobbling Jack Gunston in the dying seconds of an Easter Monday thriller has handed the Hawks a famous victory over their biggest rival.
In a true heavyweight clash, the sides exchanged haymakers for the better part of two hours, with some wayward kicking for goal in the final term, only adding to the day's theatre.
Nick 'Wizard' Watson was exemplary in front of goal, however, producing multiple mercurial finishes to keep his side in the contest, overcoming a heavy tag from the disciplined Oisin Mullin to dictate proceedings.
The AFL has trudged through a somewhat messy opening month, with complaints abounding from fans and other stakeholders about the inequity of the fixture, the necessity (or lack thereof) of Opening Round, and the quality of football being produced by the competition's cellar-dwellers. As such, Monday's classic was a timely reminder of all that is so great about this code.
Courage, skill, fitness, a loud crowd - this game truly had it all.
Injury carnage threatened to derail Hawthorn's chances of victory, with important veterans Jack Gunston and James Sicily both exiting the game at different times with hamstring and shoulder complaints, respectively.
Post-match, speaking to Fox Footy, Gunston shed some light on his injury, and is hopeful that it is merely cramp, as opposed to something more sinister.
On the lead in the third quarter, the pillar of the Hawks forward line pulled up lame, and bravely soldiered on, ultimately providing the game-winning behind. He was involved in everything positive the Hawks mustered ahead of the ball, with his touch, craft and leadership, a feature of the contest.
Gunston is coming off arguably a career year, and a soft tissue injury, especially at the ripe age of 34, may put paid to his chances of replicating that production this year. Conventional wisdom suggests a hamstring is usually at least a three week recovery timeline, but given his age, and the risk-free approach such a factor necessitates, it may be up to six weeks until fans are given another glimpse of the grizzly veteran.
Co-captain James Sicily injured his shoulder early in the final term of match, after falling victim to a very impressive mark from up-and-coming Geelong ruckman Mitch Edwards. Sicily left the ground nursing his right shoulder, soon after, but, similarly to Gunston, played out the match, taking multiple crucial marks deep in his side's own half.
Gunston was full of praise for Geelong in the post-match, after a career marked by a frankly ridiculous array of battles with the men in hoops.
"I've got full respect for Geelong," Gunston said.
"Every year I play them, I swear they're at the top of the ladder."
Shannon Neale and Bailey Smith did their very best to keep Geelong in the contest, with the former slotting four important majors, and the latter notching an influential 33 disposals.
The Hawks were ultimately harder at the coalface, winning clearances by five, tackles by 10, and contested possessions by 16. Sam Mitchell's men also moved the ball with a more perceptible method, beating the Cats for leg speed on the outside multiple times in the tense final term.
No side led for more than 13 points throughout the contest, and the sides split time spent in front very evenly - 61:17 to 53:19, in Geelong's favour. However, the Cats did not hold the lead when it mattered most - the final siren.
