From Injury to Inspiration: Jack Gunston Seals Victory with Last-Minute Goal in Easter Monday Showdown

Hawthorn clinched a nail-biter on Easter Monday, edging out Geelong by a single point, thanks to Jack Gunston, who salvaged a crucial behind with less than a minute remaining.

This moment was particularly remarkable since the seasoned forward battled through what appeared to be a hamstring issue during the closing stages of the match.

In what many fans would argue was their finest performance of the season thus far, the lead shifted hands five times in the last 40 minutes. The Hawks managed to overcome a 13-point deficit against Geelong late in the game to snatch the win.

Gunston took centre stage once again. He started strongly with three goals early on, outsmarting the Geelong defence. However, during the third quarter, he went down clutching his hamstring after a lead.

Although the 34-year-old hobbled off to the change rooms, he returned to play the final quarter but found it hard to influence the game.

This changed dramatically in the dying moments. After Mitch Lewis scored to bring Hawthorn level at 91-91, the game was on a knife-edge with just 50 seconds left and a crucial ball-up at centre stage—the next score would prove decisive.

Geelong secured the clearance through Tom Atkins and Max Holmes, but James Sicily intercepted their kick.

Sicily then distributed to fellow co-captain Jai Newcombe on the wing who launched the ball inside the 50-metre arc, leading to a frantic scramble for the ball as both sides battled fiercely for control, with Hawthorn players striving to force a final score while the Cats desperately defended.

Amidst the mayhem, Gunston emerged, managing to strike the ball with his boot for a match-winning behind.

In an interview with Fox Footy post-match, Gunston downplayed his hamstring discomfort, calling it “a bit of carry on,” and stated he felt fine to finish the final quarter.

At 34 years old, it’s unlikely the Hawks would risk their prolific goal-scorer.

He concluded the match with three goals from seven shots, and that pivotal behind will surely be one that stays in his memory.

Shannon Neale was outstanding for Geelong, scoring four goals, one of which came during the last moments to briefly give the Cats the lead before Lewis and Gunston flipped the match on its head.

Bailey Smith showcased brilliance throughout the match, amassing 33 disposals while effortlessly finding space with his relentless running.

He had a playful exchange with the Hawthorn players, particularly Jack Ginnivan, during the three-quarter time break, as he casually strolled amongst them and shared a few light-hearted words.

Josh Ward led the way for the Hawks with an impressive 29 disposals, while Nick Watson scored three remarkable goals, displaying skill despite being closely monitored by Oisín Mullin.

Watson’s creativity at stoppages kept Hawthorn in contention, as he managed to score some exceptionally difficult goals.

Both teams will now focus on the upcoming Gather Round, with Hawthorn gearing up to challenge the unbeaten Western Bulldogs, while Geelong prepares to face West Coast, who recently suffered a heavy defeat by 130 points.