Source :- THE AGE NEWS
This opening term has had it all with fierce clashes, brilliant goals and ‘can’t look away’ moments.
Just to add to the drama, Jai Newcombe missed a shot for goal just a second before the siren.
Bring on the next three terms.
Lions star Conor McKenna is in the running for the goal of the year on Monday night during the Brownlow Medal count and he’s come up with another trademark soccer goal.
The Irish pressure forward dribbled the footy like a soccer player before slamming home a goal.
LIons 32, Hawks 30 with 90 seconds to go in Q1.
Jack Gunston has just snapped his first goal of the day and his 50th major in an AFL finals match.
He’s only the 24th player to reach that milestone according to Kayo Sports.
This is a super match.
Hawks 30, Lions 26 with three mins to go in Q1.
There’s definitely the extra-man factor here at the MCG, as the vocal Hawthorn fans threaten to lift the (non-existent, proverbial) roof of this stadium with their support. Honestly, it wouldn’t shock me if EPA officials rocked up to investigate noise complaints because we are entering ear-splitting territory.
The roar when Nick Watson scored the first goal was just insane.
Still, the brown-and-gold army will need to keep something in reserve as back-to-back Brisbane goals from Will Ashcroft and Eric Hipwood suggest this game might be going down to the wire.
Will Ashcroft had a fierce run-in with Mabior Chol a few minutes ago but he bounced off the big Hawk and kept going.
He has just run through the lines and taken a few bounces, ignored Charlie Cameron in a better position, and booted a running goal.
“He said “Nup, leave it to me, I have a couple of Norms [Norm Smith Medals],” Garry Lyon said on Kayo.
The Lions followed that up and Eric Hipwood snapped a cracking goal.
The Lions have the lead.
Lions 26, Hawks 24 with five mins to go in Q1.
Hawks big man Mitch Lewis has had to earn his spot in the side as this season has gone on, but he’s shown his quality in the first term – booting a goal from right in front, and then a much tougher, long-range shot from hard up against the boundary.
He loves those goals and the Hawks are up and running now.
Hawks 24, Lions 12 with 11 mins to go in Q1.
This clash between Lachie Neale and Jai Newcombe will get a very close look from the AFL and every pundit in the game.
Meanwhile, Kayo are reporting that Neale is fine to continue and has not been sent for a head injury assessment after saying he was just a bit winded.
Lions 12, Hawks 12 with 14 mins to go in Q1.
The Lions could be forced to make an early change as Nick Watson is having his way with Ryan Lester, who has just given away a free kick and Watson has snapped his second goal.
Lions coach Chris Fagan said during the week that Darcy Wilmot had the speed to go with Watson. He could be called in to show exactly that shortly.
Hawks 12, Lions 6 with 16 mins to go in Q1.
Nick “the Wizard” Watson has ghosted in behind the pack to soccer home the first goal of this blockbuster.
“He’s come from four deep!” Garry Lyon exclaimed.
As predicted, Ryan Lester has gone to Watson, but the veteran defender couldn’t keep up with “the Wizard” on that one.
But the Lions bounced back from the restart, finding Charlie Cameron who marked and kicked the goal.
Today is his 30th finals match. What a career he continues to build.
Hawks 6, Lions 6 with 18 mins to go in Q1.
