Hawthorn’s historic Collingwood bloodbath flips finals race on its head
The AFL has been put on notice with a club proving they’re the real deal after producing a demolition job against the reigning premiers.
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In the battle of the birds it was the Hawks who ended up feasting on the Magpies.
Hawthorn’s resurgence continued as they tore the reigning premiers apart during a wet Saturday contest at the MCG.
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In what many believed would be one of the best games of round, Hawthorn proved they’re a force to be reckoned with as they ran rings around Collingwood and claimed the 20.13 (133) to 9.13 (67) win.
After both sides kicked a goal in the opening five minutes of the match, the Hawks flicked the switch and put the Pies to the sword.
Sam Mitchell’s men kicked 10 unanswered goals as the lead ballooned out to 57 points before Collingwood responded late in the third quarter.
While their was hopes of a fourth-quarter comeback, the Hawks weren’t having it as they piled on the misery.
The win made it seven wins from their past eight matches and put them on the cusp of breaking into the top eight.
For Collingwood things are as bad as they could be with the loss making it their fourth straight, the first time coach Craig McRae has ever suffered that fate.
Jack Ginnivan enjoyed a day out against his old side as the young Hawks forward line proved to be an unstoppable force for the Collingwood defenders.
Ginnivan, 21, was everywhere for his new side as he racked up a game high 31 disposals, had 11 score involvements and kicked two goals.
After his first goal in the third quarter the enigmatic forward planted a kiss on the Hawks logo in celebration before he gave it to the Pies cheersquad in the fourth quarter after his second goal.
Ginnivan walked straight towards the fence with his two hands on his face as he said goodnight to the remaining Pies fans.
His excitement in getting the win over his old side came spilling out post-game as he dropped an F-bomb on Fox Footy.
“Yeah f*** … sorry that’s a great start,” Ginnivan said to Cameron Mooney.
“I love those guys so much but wow … what a win.”
The damning loss drops Collingwood to 13th on the ladder and puts them squarely behind the eight ball to make the finals.
They’re firmly staring down the barrel of joining Geelong (2023), Richmond (2021), Western Bulldogs (2017) and Hawthorn (2009) as premiers in the last 20 years to miss finals the following season.
The Pies could find themselves two games outside of the top eight by the completion of round 19. They’ll finish the season with games against Carlton, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
While many are left pondering the stunning fall from grace, it’s polar opposites at Hawthorn with the young club proving they’re the real deal.
The Hawks are now only outside of the top eight on the ladder by percentage and will finish their season with games against Adelaide, GWS, Carlton, Richmond and North Melbourne.
Win two or more games and they could be taking part in the September action.
Originally published as Hawthorn’s historic Collingwood bloodbath flips finals race on its head
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