3 minute read
A snapshot of the second AFL semi-final between Geelong and GWS at Optus Stadium.
SNAPSHOT OF THE SECOND AFL SEMI-FINAL
* Result: Geelong 15.13 (103) bt GWS 10.8 (68) at Optus Stadium
* Key moment: Geelong led by 38 points early in the fourth quarter and looked to be home before GWS flipped the script, piling on three goals in five minutes via Nick Haynes, Conor Stone and Callan Ward. The Giants looked to have all the momentum but when a Harry Perryman turnover eventually resulted in a Tom Hawkins set shot, the flame was extinguished. Hawkins' clever left-foot snap sailed through and the Cats didn't look back.
* Key stat: When the Giants defeated Geelong in round 21, key defender Sam Taylor held Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins to one goal in a best-afield performance. This time, the young backman was outclassed with Hawkins booting five majors to lift Geelong to victory.
* Injuries: Cats midfielder Brandan Parfitt left the ground clutching his hamstring after lunging to tackle a Giants opponent in the first term. He was subbed off at quarter-time. Spearhead Tom Hawkins copped a heavy cork to the thigh from Giants ruckman Shane Mumford in the third term but played out the game. Giants youngster Zach Sproule was subbed off after injuring his shoulder during a fourth-quarter ruck contest. Jesse Hogan, who had been due to play his 100th AFL game, was a late withdrawal for the Giants after suffering calf tightness.
* What's next: Geelong remain in Perth to take on minor premiers Melbourne in a preliminary final at Optus Stadium next Friday night. For GWS, it's season over and finally time to head home after spending 73 days on the road across four states.
