Hawks overcome 35-point deficit to down Giants in Launceston

Hawthorn pulled off a gutsy comeback in wild conditions at UTAS Stadium on Saturday night, overturning a 35-point first-quarter deficit to defeat Greater Western Sydney by 12 points and remain undefeated in the 2025 AFL Premiership season.

The 10.16 (76) to 9.10 (64) win was the Hawks’ fourth straight victory and a testament to their resilience and growing maturity.

Blown away early by a five-goal opening blitz from the Giants with a strong breeze, Hawthorn responded emphatically, piling on six unanswered goals in the second term to snatch the lead by half-time.

The game was played under difficult conditions, with a four-to-five-goal wind heavily influencing scoring direction throughout.

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“It’s a tornado heading down that end of the ground,” Hawthorn defender Tom Barrass said at half-time.

In the third term, Hawthorn stamped their authority, kicking four goals against the wind while restricting the Giants to just two.

GWS did manage the opening goal of the final quarter to bring the margin back into single digits, but the Hawks’ control of territory and composure under pressure got them over the line.

It was an all-round team performance for Sam Mitchell’s side, with nine individual goalkickers.

Veteran Jack Gunston slotted two, while Will Day fought through tight attention from Toby Bedford to gather 24 disposals and register four shots at goal, including a crucial major.

Lachie Whitfield led all comers with 34 disposals for the Giants, Jesse Hogan was dangerous inside 50 with four goals, and Toby Greene and Bedford kicked two each.

Hawthorn are now $5 favourites with top sports bookmakers to win the premiership.

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