A seven-goal final quarter propelled the Giants to the 12.12 (84) to 12.10 (82) win at Manuka Oval in Canberra, with the match-winner coming off the boot of local Tom Green.
Jesse Hogan’s five goals have sent him back to the top of the Coleman Medal leaderboard, and captain Toby Greene (17 disposals, three goals) stood up when it mattered.
Over the first three quarters, the Giants were forced into slow, careful ball movement in an attempt to retain possession against Hawthorn’s relentless pressure.
But the Giants threw off the shackles in the last quarter, putting the foot down and injecting speed into their game, to devastating effect on the scoreboard. They kicked the first three goals of the final term and continued to gather momentum as the minutes passed.
Early on it seemed that Hogan’s personal best of nine goals was in danger, with the forward kicking the opening goal within a minute, then setting up two of the Giants’ next three scores.
Brent Daniels (23 disposals, one goal) was another who came to the fore late, spending some time at the contest, and powering forward to hit the scoreboard to record a 12-disposal final quarter.
Lachie Whitfield (37 disposals, 10 marks) was a consistent presence for the Giants all day.
With his five goals against the Hawks, Hogan has now kicked at least four goals in eight games this season, including each of his last five games.
The Giants next head to the Gabba to take on the Brisbane Lions from 1.45pm on Saturday.
Giants thrill in comeback
IN a remarkable comeback, the GWS Giants have defeated Hawthorn by two points on Sunday afternoon and moved up to third place on the ladder.