The GIANTS have the chance to square the ledger against the Hawks this Saturday at Spotless Stadium.

Since losing their first three clashes with Hawthorn, the GIANTS haven’t lost to the three-time premiers since 2015.

With the record standing at two wins, one draw and three losses, a win would see the GIANTS square things up and, more importantly, potentially push them into the top eight.

So with that in mind, we’ve delved into the archives to find some cracking photos from the GIANTS’ six clashes with the Hawks. 

Don't miss the GIANTS' round 15 clash with Hawthorn at Spotless Stadium. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.

Round 15, 2012 – The First Clash

The young GIANTS faced an in-form Hawthorn at the MCG in round 15. The Hawks were marching towards September action with their win-loss record standing at 9-4 while the GIANTS had won just one game. The inexperienced GIANTS were torn apart by a side then-coach Kevin Sheedy described as ‘this year’s premiers’, losing by 162 points. While Sheedy’s prediction didn’t come true (the Hawks lost the Grand Final to Sydney by 10 points) it was the start of a dominant period for the Hawks.

Round 8, 2013 – Tassie Troubles

With a season under their belts, the GIANTS travelled to Launceston to take on the high-flying Hawks in round eight. After losing round one to Geelong, the Hawks had won six straight games heading into the Saturday afternoon clash. The GIANTS battled hard but lost to the eventual premiers by 83 points. Jeremy Cameron was the standout performer, kicking four goals on his way to a place in the 2013 Virgin Australia All Australian side.

Round 11, 2014 – Getting Closer

The GIANTS added some strength to their list during the 2013 Trade Period in Shane Mumford and Heath Shaw, while the bulk of their list were into their third AFL season. The GIANTS had won two games heading into the round 11 clash with the reigning Premiers. Led by four goals from Devon Smith and two goals from Jonny Patton, Will Hoskin-Elliot and Rhys Palmer, the GIANTS gave the Hawks a real scare. Adam Treloar and Lachie Whitfield gathered 32 disposals and Shane Mumford won 46 hitouts as the GIANTS fell just seven points short of their first win over the Hawks and their first win at the MCG. The Hawks would go on to win their second consecutive premiership, while the GIANTS would go on to win another four games including their first at the MCG in round 21.

Round 6, 2015 – The Tide Turns

Heading into round 6, 2015 both the GIANTS and the Hawks had won three games each. It was Hawthorn’s first match at Spotless Stadium and they couldn’t handle the rising GIANTS at home. The GIANTS trailed by 10 points at three-quarter time but a five goal to two last quarter saw the GIANTS storm home to claim a memorable 10 point win. Jeremy Cameron was inspired, kicking seven goals, while co-captain Callan Ward took home the three Brownlow Medal votes after picking up 31 disposals. The GIANTS would miss out on finals by two games, while the Hawks would overcome two trips to Perth on their way to a third successive Grand Final win. 

Round 6, 2016 – Here Come the GIANTS

The GIANTS’ thumping of the reigning premiers in round 6, 2016 was the moment the footballing world stood up and took notice of the compeition’s youngest team. The GIANTS were ruthless, kicking seven goals in the opening quarter to open up a 32 point lead at the first break. The Hawks never came back into the game, with the GIANTS recording a memorable 75 point win. New recruit Steve Johnson bagged five goals, as Rory Lobb announced himself by kicking four goals and taking an outstanding eight contested marks. Tom Scully, Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron and Rhys Palmer each kicked three goals as the GIANTS kicked their then-highest ever score - 24.14 (158). The GIANTS would reach their first Preliminary Final in the club’s first finals series, while Hawthorn would finish third before crashing out of the finals in straight sets.

Round 16, 2017 – The Draw 

The GIANTS had already recorded their first draw in an enthralling encounter with the Cats the weekend before they headed to Launceston to take on Hawthorn. The GIANTS trailed  by 15 points at the final change and the game looked over as Hawks veteran Shaun Burgoyne kicked the first goal of the last quarter to extend the margin to 21 points. The GIANTS then flicked the switch, kicking five goals taking a 13 point lead with not long to go. A Luke Breust goal saw the margin cut back to seven points as time ticked away, before Breust kicked a behind to see the GIANTS’ lead just six points with minutes to play. Hawthorn’s Will Langford pounced on a loose ball and got a shot away, it looked destined to land in the arms of Heath Shaw who was patrolling the goal line but a freak bounce took it over the experienced defender’s head and through for a goal. With scores now tied and just seconds on the clock, Langford hacked a kick inside fifty, again the ball bounced high and young Hawk Ryan Burton looked to desperately punch the ball forward. The siren sounded just in the nick of time before Burton could make contact with the ball. The ball rolled over for a point but the GIANTS were saved from defeat by the narrowest of margins.