The very popular and quirky free spirit, man of the match Brian Lake Photo: avlxyz
The Hawthorn Football Club has taken out the 2013 AFL Grand Final after a solid display against a resilient Fremantle Dockers in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon. In a game of cat and mouse where Fremantle never managed to get the lead, their efforts made it an entertaining contest right up to the end.
The early running of play was evenly dictated as the Hawks were first to put some pressure on their opponents, scoring a goal before an immediate reply from the Dockers. However, the Dockers could only convert their pressure into a couple of behinds as the Hawks’ accuracy saw the first quarter score favour them 15 points to 3.
Hawthorn continued to capitalise on their opportunities in the second quarter as they stretched the lead out with two more goals before the Dockers finally managed to register their first goal for the day. Meanwhile, Fremantle continued to miss their opportunities managing another two behinds through some more ordinary kicking. Hawthorn led at half time 35 points to 12.
The third quarter saw both teams trade goals with the margin staying at 23 to the Hawks. Some disciplined contesting of possession saw Fremantle finally hit their straps, whittling that margin down to only 5 with 9 minutes of the quarter to go. Hawthorn scored another goal before the end, setting up an exciting last quarter with the difference down to only 10 points.
As the final quarter began to unfurl, Hawthorn managed to stretch the lead out to a game-high 30 points with 11 minutes to go. Fremantle hit their straps once again and reduced it to 15 points, but ran out of time handing the Hawks their 11th premiership title in the club’s history in what was a well contested and entertaining match.
Hawthorn 11.11.77
Fremantle Dockers 8.14.62
Norm Smith Medallist: Brian Lake
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