Hawthorn’s September run has gathered momentum, with Friday night’s 34-point win over Adelaide propelling the club into its first preliminary final since 2015. It also ended the Crows’ campaign in straight sets and ensured the Hawks avenged last year’s semi-final heartbreak at Adelaide Oval.
The achievement is rare: Hawthorn are the first side since North Melbourne a decade ago to reach a prelim from eighth place.
For forward Dylan Moore, who was named All-Australian in 2024, the contrast with last season is striking.
From false optimism to real belief
“I think it is that maturity piece,” Moore told SEN’s Crunch Time. “Last year, we had the momentum at the end of the season, and we were like, ‘Anything is possible, but it was kind of like, are we meant to be here?’
“Whereas this year, we have had a lot of performances throughout the year, where it’s been mature. We saw that last week, we saw that last night, that we didn’t give Adelaide an inch. Even if they did kick a couple of goals, we knew that we would be alright, and last year, we probably had false optimism.
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“Where this year, we have genuine belief that we can go all the way.”
The Hawks’ next hurdle is as big as it gets: a date with old rivals Geelong at the MCG. Moore admitted the prospect of rekindling that finals rivalry has already set pulses racing. “Even last night, we were in the pool doing some recovery, and we were like, ‘How good is this, Hawthorn vs Geelong just like the good old days in a prelim at the ‘G with 95,000 people there’. It’s going to be crazy.”
The ball will be bounced at 7:40 pm AEST on Friday, with Hawthorn chasing the Grand Final stage once more.