Hawthorn have fallen short in their bid to avoid a qualifying final match up with Fremantle in Perth despite defeating West Coast by 62 points on Sunday night.
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The Hawks needed to win by around 90 to dodge the Dockers and instead land in Sydney’s side of the finals draw.
But their 16.11 (107) to 6.9 (45) victory at Optus Stadium wasn’t enough, with a return trip now on the cards for Sam Mitchell’s men.
Three touched shots on goal in the second term ended up costly as they were denied in three consecutive score reviews.
But there was still plenty of joy during the wet contest in the west with Nick Watson taking a mark of the year contender before he was benched for the final term, while veteran Jack Gunston had a 300th to remember.
Gunston had four goals to half time in a dominant display, as the Eagles’ tough 2026 continued to unravel.
Jake Waterman’s goal woes rolled on as ill-discipline from veteran Liam Baker proved costly on the scoreboard.
But their biggest concern will be for star Harley Reid after his dangerous tackle on Hawk Jai Newcombe in the final term.
While Newcombe was able to shrug off the sling-like tackle, replays clearly showed his head making contact with the Optus Stadium turf in worrying signs for Reid’s start to 2027.
“It is everything the AFL has been legislating to avoid,” AFL great Nathan Buckley said.
It’s season over for West Coast with just four wins to see them finish third last, while the Hawks now get next week off before returning to Perth for a qualifying final with Fremantle in a fortnight’s time.
It’s the first time since 2018 the Hawks have secured top four, while their 15-2-6 record is their best recorded under coach Sam Mitchell.
THE 3-2-1… (With Josh Higgins at Optus Stadium)
3. GUNSTON’S 300-GAME HEROICS AS HAWKS SOLIDIFY TOP FOUR
