‘Drama at the MCG’ as AFL clash brought to a halt mid-game

The Easter Monday AFL clash was stopped mid-game for an anticlimactic reason that had legends scratching their heads.

The game was stopped due to lightning.

The Easter Monday AFL game between Geelong and Hawthorn was stalled by a rare mid-game delay as wild weather wreaked havoc in Melbourne.

Geelong led by 36 points at three quarter time and the players were ready for the umpire to bounce the ball to start the final term before officials intervened.

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The first half was played in dry conditions but in typical Melbourne fashion, the heavens opened and the threat of lightning was enough for the umpires to pause the game.

Match officials and on field umpires were heard telling the Hawks and Cats players to head down to their respective changerooms at the MCG because there was lightning within 10km of the stadium.

After a 46-minute delay, play was allowed to resume at 6.11pm AEDT in persistent rain.

The umpires weren’t taking any chances. Photo: Fox Footy.

There were fears lightning would strike at the MCG. Photo: Fox Footy.

“Drama at the MCG,” Sarah Jones said on Fox Footy.

Leigh Montagna said: “That’s a big story unfolding at the MCG. It’s not ideal for the players. In fact, they’ll be hating this.”

While the rain fell steadily at the MCG, commentators were frustrated play was stopped when there was no lightning at the ground.

David King said: “Has lightning got worse over the last few years because we used to play in these conditions all the time.”

Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall quipped: “When did we decide the Bureau of Meteorology was this accurate?

“Seriously, have they never got things wrong before? All of a sudden they’re deciding when we can start and stop games.”

The conditions were miserable at the MCG. Photo: Fox Footy.

It’s the first time lightning has stopped an AFL game since similar circumstances brought a Melbourne vs West Coast game to a halt at Perth’s Optus Stadium in 2021.

The clash between Melbourne and Brisbane was stopped last season when the lights went out at the Gabba in a power outage.

Geelong kicked seven goals to one in the first quarter but Hawthorn fought back to trail by just 11 points at halftime.

But the Cats blew the game open again in the third term with six goals to two.

When play eventually resumed, the margin remained exactly 36 points as Geelong won 17.4 (106) to 10.10 (70) to go 3-0 and join Fremantle and GWS as the only unbeaten teams.

Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins kicked scored four goals in his 350th game. Hawthorn are one of five teams yet to record a victory.

Originally published as ‘Drama at the MCG’ as AFL clash brought to a halt mid-game