In a thrilling contest at UTAS Stadium in Launceston, the Hawthorn Hawks and GWS Giants faced off in a highly anticipated Round 3 clash of the 2025 AFL season. With both teams looking to maintain their unbeaten records, the match quickly turned into a showcase of skill and determination, significantly influenced by a "four-to-five goal" breeze that played a crucial role throughout the game.
The Hawks, who entered the match with a perfect start to the season, boasting two wins and a bye, were eager to solidify their position at the top of the AFL ladder. On the other hand, the Giants, also unbeaten and coming off a bye week, aimed to capitalize on their full-strength lineup for the first time this season.
As the game commenced at 7:35 PM AEDT, the Giants wasted no time in asserting their dominance, scoring five unanswered goals in the first quarter. Hawthorn, facing the challenging breeze, struggled to find their rhythm early on. However, the resilient Hawks managed to regroup and responded with six consecutive goals in the second quarter, turning the tide of the match.
One of the key highlights of the night was the debut of Jake Stringer for GWS. The marquee off-season recruit, alongside fellow newcomers Jesse Hogan and Kieren Briggs, brought fresh energy to the Giants' front line. Stringer, reflecting on his transition from Victoria to New South Wales, stated, "(I) come here, train, go home (and) not really talk about footy. (I can) go to the supermarket and just be a normal human, it’s nice. (I can) go to the beach with the kids and no one will even notice me — it’s quite nice actually." This change of environment seemed to have a positive impact on his performance as he contributed significantly to the Giants' efforts.
However, the decision to include Stringer raised eyebrows among commentators. Jon Ralph questioned the Giants' choice, citing Stringer's limited preparation due to a hamstring injury that had sidelined him for most of the pre-season. "(He’s had) 15 minutes of match practice across the pre-season, he damaged his hamstring in (those) 15 minutes ... I know he’s great first up, but it does seem like an unnecessary risk," Ralph remarked. Nathan Buckley, former Collingwood coach, countered this skepticism, asserting, "They wouldn’t put him out there if they didn’t think that he was able to play whatever minutes they’re planning to play him for, or if he wasn’t going to make the team better. They’re obviously keen to get him in, keen to get him around that front six ... they’re stacked, their front four is stacked."
As the match progressed, the tension mounted, with both teams exchanging goals and showcasing their offensive prowess. By the end of the third quarter, the score was tight, with Hawthorn leading 54 to GWS's 51. The statistics reflected a closely contested battle, with both teams recording 50 marks each. Hawthorn had 135 kicks and 123 handballs, while GWS closely trailed with 126 kicks and 123 handballs.
The defensive efforts were equally impressive, with Hawthorn achieving 20 clearances compared to GWS's 24. However, the Giants had a slight edge in tackles, recording 43 to the Hawks' 32. The clanger count was notable as well, with Hawthorn registering 37 compared to GWS's 46, indicating the pressure each side was under during the match.
Fans were treated to a spectacle as the match unfolded, with the excitement palpable in the stands. The broadcast on Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo Sports ensured that supporters could follow every moment of the action live. The match was not just about the current season; it was a testament to the fierce rivalry that has developed between these two clubs over the years.
The game held significant implications for both teams as they aimed to establish themselves as genuine premiership contenders. Hawthorn, after a tumultuous previous season that saw them start with four losses, had rebounded strongly, while GWS sought to build on their previous success after reaching the finals series last year.
As the final quarter approached, the atmosphere was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how the match would unfold. With the stakes high and both teams showcasing their best, it was a perfect advertisement for the AFL and its thrilling brand of football.
In conclusion, the Hawthorn Hawks and GWS Giants delivered a gripping contest that lived up to its billing as a clash of premiership contenders. With the match still in progress, fans were left wondering who would emerge victorious in this tightly contested battle. Both teams demonstrated resilience and skill, setting the stage for an exciting finish to a memorable night at UTAS Stadium.
