Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Hawks coach Sam Mitchell spoke to the media post game.
On the win:
I’m still coming to terms with it.
It was a genuine final. I think in 10 years time, you could put on any 10 minutes of that game and anyone watching will say that that looks like a final.
Dockers coach Justin Longmuir spoke to the media post-game.
On the difference between the sides:
“There was a lot of different aspects. The contests were pretty even, but their contest method was better than ours.
“They were a little more decisive in getting it to the outside.
“Down the other end, we got stuck in our back half. We had 20 back-half turnovers in the first half, [and] we usually do that for a whole game. That was where the damage was done, really.
An elated Jack Ginnivan has laid down the challenge to the rest of the AFL to stop his Hawks as they prepare for a home preliminary final at the MCG.
Ginnivan called teammate Nick Watson the best player in the AFL and claimed his side thought they were on the right side of the draw, appearing to dismiss the undermanned Sydney Swans’ hopes of winning their qualifying final against Brisbane Lions at the SCG on Saturday.
He named the Swans and elimination finalists Western Bulldogs and Adelaide Crows as their likely opponents in the preliminary final, but left out the Lions.
“It’s special. I’ve always wanted to play for the Hawks,” Ginnivan told Kayo Sports.
Hawthorn star Will Day spoke to Kayo post-game.
On the win:
“It’s so special to come over and knock off the top team, it’s not easy, especially in this environment.
The theme leading into the win:
“Our big thing was loving your teammate and doing it for your teammate, so it’s not about yourself but making your teammate’s day a little easier.
“Coming in as the underdog, we could play with a bit of freedom as everyone had written us off and we used that as fuel.
All eyes will be Justin Longmuir and his Dockers this week as they face the heartbreak of a potential straight-sets exit from the finals.
The Dockers will host the winners of Geelong and Carlton in Perth next week in a knockout semi-final.
“I think this puts enormous pressure on the coach,” David King said on Kayo Sports.
“I mean, [it’s] the perfect preparation – it’s almost the healthiest list you can have, [and they were] unbeaten at home.
“It was all set up to go home final here, home prelim, and now the heat is right on.
“Next weekend’s clash is huge.”
Hawks star Will Day and coach Sam Mitchell are leading some emotional celebrations after winning tonight’s match and setting up a preliminary final in two weeks time.
Mitchell was hugging everyone of his players and whispering messages in their ears – he took extra time with Day, Tom Barrass and a few others.
Day was playing his first finals match tonight after injuries had robbed him of previous appearances.
You can hear Hawks fans chanting “Hawthorn, Hawthorn” as the team walks off the ground.
Hawthorn star Nick Watson spoke to Kayo Sports post game.
On the win:
A whole lot of emotions, the belief in the group is outstanding and I’m just so happy we got up tonight.
On the pressure from the Hawks:
Hawthorn have flown to WA and stolen the hosting rights for a preliminary final as they’ve overpowered Fremantle at Optus Stadium.
Nick Watson, James Sicily and many others impressed in what many would call the best win of Sam Mitchell’s coaching career.
The Hawks will have a week off and host a preliminary final while Fremantle will be fighting for their season at home next weekend.
Josh Treacy has struggled all night but won a free kick and booted his first goal of the evening.
“He’s had a tough night and this was one of the first times the ball has come down the middle of the ground,” Jack Riewoldt said on Kayo Sports.
“It’s a big week to come for the footy club.”
Hawks 71, Freo 40 with five mins to go.
