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Hawthorn pip Adelaide in AFL thriller

3 minute read

Hawthorn have come from behind to beat Adelaide by three points in a thrilling Anzac Day AFL clash in Launceston.

ALASTAIR CLARKSON
ALASTAIR CLARKSON Picture: Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images

Hawthorn young gun Jacob Koschitzke has slotted five goals as his side notched a thrilling three-point comeback AFL win over Adelaide in Launceston.

The Hawks had to deal with a stunning debut from Crows' teenager Riley Thilthorpe, who booted five majors of his own, to grab their second victory of the season.

Hawthorn trailed by 32 points in the third quarter on Sunday afternoon but finished with a wet sail in the 15.12 (102) to 16.3 (99) victory.

Remarkably, Adelaide had a 10-goal second term and were 14.0 at halftime - a competition record for the most majors without a miss in the first half.

It is Hawthorn's first win since round one, when they came from 39 points down to beat Essendon by a point.

"I would have liked it to be a little easier than the way the game unfolded. But we can't be too choosy," Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said.

In just his fifth top-grade game, Koschitzke kicked three in a free-flowing opening quarter that set the tone for the match.

Adelaide, who hadn't played at University of Tasmania Stadium since 2010, went on a six-goal run in the second term to open up a 84-59 halftime lead.

Eighteen-year-old Thilthorpe, last year's No.2 draft pick, was a colossus up front and grabbed several pack marks, scoring three goals in succession.

He also netted 16 disposals and one goal assist after shaking off early nerves and turnovers from his first two touches.

"It was a matter of us getting the timing right (with his debut)," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said.

"At the start, it looked like the game was pretty quick for him. But good players slow the game down.

"The fact he was finding the footy and was busy and was straight into the game. I'm really pleased for him."

Thilthorpe opened the scoring in the third term after a mark on the goal line, with the Crows threatening to run away with the contest.

But the Hawks mustered a revival to reduce the margin to 97-84 heading into the final term.

They got to within a point when Mitch Lewis slotted his second of the day, a series of behinds giving them the lead as they held the Crows to just two points for the quarter.

The Crows had chances to take the lead but missed several set shots.

Jaeger O'Meara topped the possession count for Hawthorn with 31, while Rory Laird had a game-high 32 touches.

Hawthorn lost Shaun Burgoyne to an ankle injury, with Clarkson indicating he may not back up against St Kilda on Saturday.

"We're hoping it's not too significant. He just couldn't have the power through that ankle," he said.

The Crows remain on the fringe of the eight and are now 3-3 to start the season, while Hawthorn are 2-4.

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