The ressies ventured out to Central Reserve in Glen Waverley today, to take on Monash Gryphons in the Emimination Final. The ground was in great condition and the weather was perfect for footy. We lost to The Gryphons back in round 1 by 78 points and lost again in round 16 by 76 points. It was bound to be a tough day.
Captain Steve Gunn lost the toss and The Hawks were kicking to the Northern end against a modest breeze. The Gryphs had jumped us at the start both times we met during the year so we knew a fast start was crucial. We held the Gryphs off reasonably well for most of the first quarter but they got clear and kicked a late goal to lead at quarter time 3.2.20 to 1.1.7.
The second quarter was a tight and even contest with neither team being able to make an impact on the score board. It was good quality footy with typical finals intensity. Both teams were giving everything they had. The Hawks finally got clear and kicked the only goal of the second, to win the quarter but still 8 points down at the main break.
We knew we had to break even with the Gryphs in the third quarter to have any chance of winning the game. It was a low scoring affair and goals were at a premium. The Gryphs peppered the goals early and could have built a handy lead if they kicked straight. They got ahead by 3 goals and we had to dig deep to get back in the contest. After Mike was awarded a push in the back free on the boundary line in our forward pocket, he lined up from what was an impossible angle. With the wind now blowing he would need to start the ball on the point post and let the wind pull it back. It never looked like missing. When Liam goaled just before 3 quarter time, The Hawks had all the momentum going in to the last. We were still 11 points down but the hunger was there. We wanted it more than them.
Unfortunately the Gryphs kicked the first goal of the last quarter to pull back a bit of momentum, however, that would be the last time their forwards would get near the footy. The next 15 minutes of the match were spent in the Hawks forward half. It was tough footy. The press was working effectively and the Gryphs had no answers. Big Dan stepped up after a quiet day and kicked 2 goals to have us just 6 points down. We got it forward again and kicked a behind to be within a goal. We kicked point after point but couldn’t snag a major. Big Emu stepped up and took a great mark on the 50 metre arc and went back for a shot. Anyone who’s seen Emu kick was nervous…. He went bang and slammed through a behind. Then the young fella from the Gryphs who took the kickout stepped over the line and caused a ball up at the top of the square, much to the delight of the peanut galley behind the goals! Somehow Willo found the ball and snapped a point to level the scores. Can’t have been long left. We had managed to lock it in again and Billy swooped on a lose ball and slammed it on the boot – SIREN – ball goes through for a point untouched. “ALL CLEAR”! Hawks win by a point!! YOU BEAUTY!!
In 14 years, The Gryphs have never beaten The Hawks in a final, and Phil Avery has welcomed the new breed of Gryph Killers.
In the end the scores were confirmed and we had actually won by 2 points, but still, what a finish.
FINAL SCORE
Hawthorn 6.12-48
Monash Gryphons 6.10-46
Goals: L Clancey 2, Dan 2, Pikey, Mike
Best: Pikey, Gunny, Willo, Benny, Simmo, Phil
Next week we take on UHS-VU in the Semi Final on Sunday at 11:30am. Venue TBA.
