AFL: Mannagh magic wins Easter Monday classic for Geelong

Geelong has outlasted a brave Hawthorn outfit in one of the games of the season, with Shaun Mannagh the unlikely hero in a nailbiting seven-point Easter Monday win at the MCG.

In front of a packed crowd of 88,746, Mannagh kicked the match-sealing goal — his third for the game — to secure a thrilling 12.14 (86) to 11.13 (79) win for the Cats in a see-sawing AFL contest that had everything.

From big moments to big misses, bone-rattling tackles and a healthy dose of spite, the two modern-day rivals wrote another memorable chapter in their storied Easter Monday rivalry — with Geelong now winning 12 of the 15 meetings since the fixture began in 2010.

The 27-year-old Mannagh was ice-cool when it mattered most, converting after a critical turnover inside defensive 50 from the Hawks, moments after Connor MacDonald had tied the scores and James Sicily missed a chance to put Hawthorn in front.

Patrick Dangerfield wound back the clock with three goals, including a clutch finish early in the last term, while Bailey Smith (28 disposals, 630m gained) was in the thick of it — including a potential MRO moment for striking Jarman Impey.

Geelong were without several key names but had no interest in excuses. They hit the ground running, kicking the first two goals through Mannagh and Ollie Dempsey, and went on to register the first major of every quarter in a dominant display of scoreboard pressure.

Hawthorn had its chances. Jack Gunston kicked three goals but also missed three other shots, including one out on the full, while Mabior Chol booted three of his own but was also erratic at times. The Hawks twice drew within a kick — and levelled scores late — but were left to rue missed chances and untimely turnovers.

The game turned ugly in the third term, when Hawthorn’s Conor Nash collected Gryan Miers high in a tackle, knocking the Cat out cold. Miers took several minutes to leave the ground and is set for a stint on the sidelines, while Nash now faces likely suspension.

It was one of several flashpoints on a fiery afternoon, with Smith also drawing heat from the MCG faithful for slamming the ball into Impey’s head — an act that will draw the MRO’s attention after his “middle finger” incident in Gather Round.

Nick Watson (2 goals) had flashes of brilliance and nearly became the hero when he had a late chance to level scores again, but missed his shot. Sicily, usually the most composed player on the ground, then missed everything with his set shot as Mannagh’s earlier finish proved decisive.

The win keeps Geelong firmly in the top four, and adds another layer to a rivalry that continues to deliver Easter magic. For Hawthorn, it was a case of so near, yet so far — a brave showing, but a costly missed opportunity.

Geelong v Hawthorn final score

Geelong 12.8 (80)
Hawthorn 9.15 (69)

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