Hawthorn dismantles Geelong

Hawthorn has won its first AFL Premiership since 1991 after defeating Geelong 18.7 (115) to 11.23 (89) in a classic Grand Final in front of 100,112 at the MCG on Saturday, with Luke Hodge winning the Norm Smith medal.

The Cats led by a point at quarter-time, Hawthorn led by three at half-time and then Brad Sewell and Stuart Dew stepped up in a six-goal-to-three third quarter which was the difference in the game.

Down by 30 points with under a minute to go in the third term, the Cats managed two late goals to make things interesting, but with Hawthorn sticking to a game-plan of using patience when in possession to find the loose man, Alastair Clarkson's side ended Geelong's dreams of going back-to-back.

The Hawks conceded 11 behinds in the match on purpose, as they showed a commitment to keep the ball out of the hands of Geelong's dangerous midfield brigade. There is no doubt the AFL will take a look at 'rushed behinds' in its post-season review.

After a tense period of stalemate in the early stages of the final term, Chance Bateman - with dreadlocks bandaged and left shoulder strapped from two separate injuries sustained in the bruising encounter - found Lance Franklin for his second goal which put the Hawks up by 21 points on 12 minutes.

Further goals to Sam Mitchell and Rick Ladson in a four-goal-to-two final quarter for Hawthorn spelled the end of Geelong's reign as champion.

Sewell was fantastic for the Hawks with 27 touches, and it was his hard work in very tight packs in the third term which allowed Dew to step up and perform a vital cameo.

Dew finished with 19 touches and kicked two goals, but such was his dominance in a five-minute passage in the third term, he will be considered as the match-winner by many.

Hawthorn's win was made all the more amazing given Trent Croad played no further part in the game after succumbing to a broken foot he carried into the game during the second quarter, and first-half star Clinton Young (19 touches and a goal) was rendered useless after sustaining an ankle injury early in the third.

Franklin and Roughead booted two goals apiece, but Matthew Scarlett took the points against 'Buddy', who appeared below full fitness having entered the game under a hand injury cloud. Mark Williams added three goals in the decider to the five he kicked in the Hawks' preliminary final win against St Kilda.

Hodge, the heart and soul of the brown and gold, gathered 26 disposals and kicked an important goal. More importantly, he played the role of defensive general, marshalling his backline and constantly providing rebound off half-back which resulted in attack for Hawthorn. Bateman was brave throughout on Gary Ablett.