Hawthorn produced a stunning fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Geelong 14.18 (102) to 15.7 (97) in an AFL preliminary final thriller at the MCG, ending the Cats' 11-game winning streak against them.
Trailing by 20 points at three-quarter time, the Hawks kicked 4.8 to 1.1 in the final term, overcoming persistent inaccuracy to snatch victory in front of 85,569 fans. Geelong's Travis Varcoe had a chance to level the scores with a 30-metre shot with 20 seconds remaining, but his kick drifted wide.
Hawthorn veteran Sam Mitchell was instrumental, amassing 38 disposals and 11 clearances, while Shaun Burgoyne contributed three goals, including the go-ahead snap in the final quarter. For Geelong, Steve Johnson was outstanding with four goals and 32 disposals.
The win sets up a potential grand final rematch with Sydney, who defeated Hawthorn in last year's decider, or a clash with Fremantle, depending on the outcome of Saturday night's other preliminary final.
