Overview
- Hawthorn beat Sydney 14.15 (99) to 13.4 (82) after trailing by 20 points in the third quarter, with Jack Gunston kicking four goals, Dylan Moore three and Jai Newcombe starring around stoppages.
- The Hawks generated 12 more scoring shots and finished with a 5.5 to 1.1 final term to hand the Swans their first loss of the season.
- A late free kick and 50m penalty against Tom McCartin put Gunston in range during a key fourth-quarter passage that was contested in post-match analysis.
- The AFL said it is working with the MCG and Victoria Police after Nick Watson reported a drink container was thrown near Hawks players, noting the alleged offender was not from the Swans cheer squad.
- Sydney played without Errol Gulden, who faces shoulder surgery and about four months out, and without Isaac Heeney, as coach Dean Cox highlighted a heavy second-half contested-ball deficit and said Charlie Curnow is still adjusting to the system.