On a beautiful spring day Geelong and Hawthorn turned on a goal-kicking spectacular which was littered with highlights and controversy. In the end, Hawthorn had back-to-back flags, Allan Jeans a magnificent personal achievement, and Geelong the promise of better things ahead. From the opening bounce this game was buzzing. Hawthorn's magnificent centre-half forward Dermott Brereton was crushed by Geelong's Mark Yeates and was left holding his ribs and in obvious distress. Geelong was attacking the man, trying to unsettle Hawthorn, while the Hawks focussed on the footy and attacked it with vigour. Early goals to both sides squared the ledger, but Hawthorn's will began to impose itself on the Cats and when Brereton, who was recovering in the forward pocket, marked in a pack and goaled the Hawks had their engines revving at maximum output. "Inspirational" was the simple message Jeans sent to Bretreton via the runner and by the end of the first term, the Hawks led by over 6 goals. Geelong settled down and while there were spot fires all over the ground, that margin held until the final change. That's when the majesty of this contest reached its peak. Geelong kept coming with Gary Ablett rewriting the record book at full-forward, while Hawthorn kept counter punching. But the physical examination Geelong had put Hawthorn through began to take its toll and the reigning premiers began to stall. In the final few minutes this game was up for grabs, and it was then that we saw the true strength of this magnificent Hawk outfit. It held form despite injury and fatigue to win a contest which had been played at breakneck speed all day.

Estimated despatch 5-10 days after ordering.