In a tweet...

 

The Rundown

This round 5 match-up proved to be one of the best games of season 2016 as the respective stars of each side collided in a Friday night blockbuster. The stage was set for a beauty to celebrate Shaun Burgoyne’s 300th game, and it certainly did not disappoint.

The game was played at a frenetic pace with the ball buzzing back and forth down the MCG. Despite three first quarter goals from Eddie Betts, the Hawks were able to keep in touch in the early stages.

Momentum continuously swapped sides as the Hawks were able to get a handle on the game in the latter stages of the first half to claim a slender two-point lead at the half.

The second half continued to be full of highlights as the brilliance of the Hawthorn small forward brigade began to come to the fore.

The Hawks trailed by 15 points at the 18-minute mark of the final term after Crow Luke Brown goaled from outside 50m. It quickly became apparent that nothing but a miraculous comeback would suffice in order to snatch victory.

Paul Puopolo would hear this call as he kicked two of the three required goals, including the sealer with 18 seconds to go that would cap off an incredible game.

The Star

Pivotal in the Hawks comeback, Puopolo was clearly the most influential player on the ground. Kicking two and playing a major part in the third last gasp Hawks goal, Puopolo finished with five goals and was an obvious choice for the umpires’ three Brownlow votes.

Watch: Poppy earns MOFY nomination against Adelaide

The Moment

With the game still hanging in the balance, Paul Puopolo found himself on the end of a scrappy kick inside 50. Holding front position, “Poppy” drew the free kick before steadily going back and slotting the game’s sealer to cap off an incredible individual performance.

The Coach

“Gee whiz! Its hard work coming from behind! We had to work really hard to find a way to win tonight”.- Alastair Clarkson

Read: Which Hawks are in the mix for Saturday's match?

HAWTHORN 4.3 10.5 12.6 17.10 (112)

ADELAIDE 7.1 10.3 14.6 17.7 (109)


GOALS

Hawthorn: P Puopolo 5, C Rioli 4, J Sicily 2, B McEvoy, I Smith, J Ceglar, J Gunston, L Breust, T O'Brien. 

Adelaide: E Betts 3, J Jenkins 2, J Lyons 2, M McGovern 2, T Lynch 2, T Walker 2, C Cameron, L Brown, P Seedsman, R Sloane.


BEST

Hawthorn: Puopolo, Rioli, Mitchell, Hodge, Langford, Smith, Burgoyne. 

Adelaide: Sloane, Thompson, Jacobs, Smith, Betts, Lynch, Douglas, McGovern.
 

Umpires: Shaun Ryan, Mathew Nicholls, Nicholas Foot.
Official Crowd: 45,781 at the MCG.