We take a look back at the recent history between the GIANTS and the Hawks ahead of Saturday afternoon’s blockbuster clash at Spotless Stadium.
GIANTS fans will no doubt remember the last time we took on the Hawks, as we over ran the reigning premiers to record a historic 10-point victory.
Jeremy Cameron booted an equal career-high seven goals while co-captain Callan Ward, Ryan Griffen and Stephen Coniglio led the midfield charge.
Devon Smith also kicked three goals for the GIANTS, with Dylan Shiel and Tom Scully sharing plenty of the footy.
Heath Shaw and Joel Patfull provided plenty of run from the back half, and importantly, some composure late in the game.
For the Hawks, ball magnet Sam Mitchell and defender Grant Birchall and Josh Gibson were brilliant, while Shaun Burgoyne and the hard-running Isaac Smith were influential all night.
The Hawks were missing skipper Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis and James Frawley that day, with all expected to line up when the two sides meet again this weekend.
The previous clash, in 2014, was also a close one with the Hawks hanging on to win by seven points.
After back-to-back 100-point thrashings for the GIANTS, it was expected to be a pretty straightforward day at the MCG for the Hawks, but the GIANTS had another thoughts.
With premiership coach Alastair Clarkson watching from home with a back injury, it was left to assistant coach Brendon Bolton to call the shots from the Hawthorn coaches box.
Lachie Whitfield was the GIANTS' best, gathering a career-high 32 disposals and providing run, creativity and class.
Devon Smith kicked four goals, and Will Hoskin-Elliott showed why he was a top-five draft pick with some exciting high marks and clever work across half-forward.
The GIANTS led the Hawks by six points at the first change, having made the most of their early chances.
The GIANTS won the battle in the midfield, spread well and put an undersized Hawthorn defence under pressure with long and deep forward entries.
Things swung slightly the way of the Hawks by half-time, with a seven-point advantage but the GIANTS hung in.
The Hawks got to 13 points ahead after successive goals Gunston and Smith but GWS responded when the wiry Hoskin-Elliott snuck through his second goal.
After the main break, the GIANTS showed the first half was no fluke by continuing to fight until the final siren.
LAST FOUR TIMES
R6, 2015, GWS GIANTS 16.12 (108) d Hawthorn 14.14 (98) at Spotless Stadium
R11, 2014, Hawthorn 14.10 (94) d GWS GIANTS 13.9 (87) at the MCG
R8, 2013, Hawthorn 21.14 (140) d GWS GIANTS 9.3 (57) at Aurora Stadium
R15, 2012, Hawthorn 28.25 (193) d GWS GIANTS 4.7 (31) at the MCG
The GIANTS take on the three-time reigning premiers Hawthorn in their first game at Spotless Stadium for the year on Saturday April 30 at 4.35pm. Click here to buy your tickets now.
