Pies fall to Hawks
In a thrilling clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Collingwood Magpies have suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Hawthorn Hawks, marking a surprising twist in what many expected to be a straightforward contest. The Hawks outclassed the reigning premiers with a blend of youthful energy and strategic brilliance, sending a clear message that they’re not to be underestimated this season.
Played under grey skies at the MCG, the Saturday afternoon match saw the Pies start strong, dominating early possession and creating multiple inside-50 entries. However, despite their early territorial advantage, they struggled to convert chances into goals. Hawthorn, on the other hand, remained composed, soaking up pressure before unleashing a counter-attacking style that caught Collingwood off guard.
By halftime, the Magpies had squandered their initial lead, trailing by nine points as the Hawks grew in confidence. Jai Newcombe led the charge for Hawthorn, racking up contested possessions and driving the ball forward with purpose. His efforts were complemented by Mitch Lewis, whose three-goal haul proved critical in building scoreboard pressure.
The third quarter was where the game truly slipped from Collingwood’s grasp. Sloppy ball use and uncharacteristic turnovers invited the Hawks to take control. James Sicily’s return to form in defense helped shut down the Pies’ forward line, while young gun Connor Macdonald provided a spark in midfield with his relentless run and clean disposal.
Despite a late push in the final term—highlighted by a brilliant goal from Nick Daicos—the Magpies couldn’t bridge the gap. Hawthorn’s pressure, particularly around stoppages, made it hard for Collingwood to generate any meaningful momentum. The final siren sounded with the scoreboard reading 91–78 in favor of the Hawks.
For a team that’s been touted as a premiership favorite, this loss will sting the Magpies, especially as they were largely at full strength. Coach Craig McRae acknowledged post-match that his side had been “outworked and out-hunted” around the ball, a rare admission from the typically upbeat leader.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell praised his young side’s maturity and composure under pressure. “We’ve been building all season, and today we showed we can match it with the best,” Mitchell said. “It was a total team effort.”
The loss drops Collingwood down the ladder and raises questions about their ability to maintain consistency through the winter months. It also gives hope to teams chasing a top-four spot, knowing the reigning champs are beatable.
For the Hawks, this win injects belief and momentum into a rebuilding season. If Saturday’s performance is anything to go by, they may yet surprise more than a few sides before the year is out.
With plenty of footy still to come, one thing is clear: the Pies have some soul-searching to do, and the Hawks are flying high once again.
