From hamstring to hero: Jack Gunston kicks winning point in Easter Monday thriller
Hawthorn has won an Easter Monday thriller at the death by one point, with Jack Gunston forcing through the winning behind with under a minute to play.
The act was made all the more impressive as the veteran played through what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the final quarter.
In what was clearly the best game of their season to date, the lead changed five times in the final 40 minutes, with the Hawks reeling in a 13-point Geelong lead late to pinch victory.
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Jack Gunston celebrates the winning goal. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Gunston was the story however. He kicked three goals early and looked too crafty for the Geelong backline, before grabbing at his hamstring on a lead in the third term.
The 34-year-old went down into the rooms but returned and played out the fourth quarter. He then struggled to get near the ball.
That was until the final minute of the game. Hawthorn had just kicked a goal through Mitch Lewis to tie the game at 91 apiece.
This left us with 50 seconds on the clock and a ball-up in the centre which effectively became next score wins.
Geelong actually won that clearance through Tom Atkins and Max Holmes, but the kick was intercepted by James Sicily.
He found his fellow co-captain Jai Newcombe on the wing, who pumped the ball inside 50, ending with a mad scramble as Hawthorn players desperately tried to force it through for a point, while Cats did everything they could to keep it out.
Gunston emerged amongst the chaos and managed to get boot to ball through for a match-winning point.
Jack Gunston grabs his hamstring. Fox Footy
Speaking to Fox Footy in the aftermath, Gunston said his hamstring soreness was "a bit of carry on" and that he felt he ran out the final quarter OK.
Given he is 34, it's hard to imagine the Hawks taking a risk with their superstar goal kicker.
He finished with three goals from seven shots on goal, but that last behind was one he will remember fondly.
Shannon Neale kicked four goals for Geelong, including one in the final few minutes to actually give the Cats the lead, before Lewis and Gunston swung the result.
Jack Ginnivan and Bailey Smith interact at 3QT. Fox Footy
Bailey Smith dominated all afternoon, finding space through his hard running and finishing with 33 disposals.
He had a cheeky interaction with Hawthorn players, in particular Jack Ginnivan, at three quarter time, walking amongst them as they left the ground and exchanging friendly words.
Josh Ward led the way for the Hawks with 29 disposals, while Nick Watson kicked three enormous goals despite a hard tag from Oisín Mullin.
Watson made magic happen at stoppage, kicking some incredibly difficult goals to keep his side in it.
Both teams will now eye off Gather Round, with Hawthorn taking on the undefeated Western Bulldogs, while Geelong will face West Coast, who are coming off a 130-point loss.
