The Cats had all the play and most of the territory, but managed just 1.9 for the quarter, while the Hawks kicked three goals from four opportunities.
The premiers saved their biggest in a series of bungles for siren-time, with full-forward Cameron Mooney somehow missing with a set shot from point-blank range.
At half time the Hawks lead by three points, 8.3 (51) to 6.12 (48).
Coach Mark Thompson gave a impassioned quarter-time address, and the Cats began the quarter with their foot on the gas, pouring numbers forward.
Paul Chapman won a free kick for a high knock, and his goal after 80 seconds appeared likely to be the first of a blue-and-white burst.
Youngster Cyril Rioli replied quickly, adding a grand final goal to his substantial list of achievements in his opening season, but the goal was the game’s last for a 15-minute period, which Geelong dominated.
Andrew Mackie was on the receiving end as Hawthorn returned fire, copping two front-on bumps on the half-forward flank.
Mackie bounced up, and Hawthorn suffered a more damaging blow a few minutes later, with Trent Croad hobbling from the ground.
Ottens had the best chance as the Cats surged forward, met by a mass of brown of gold bodies. But he failed to spot Tom Lonergan running into the goal square and sprayed his kick from 25m.
Lonergan added his own crime to Geelong’s litany of errors, missing with a set shot from a similar distance.
Restricted to counter-attacks, the Hawks made the best of their chances, and regained the lead when Clinton Young followed Mark Williams’ second goal.
Follow the game live.
Geelong 5.3 6.12 (48)
Hawthorn 5.2 8.3 (51)
GOALS
Geelong: Mooney 2, Ablett, Chapman, Lonergan, Rooke
Hawthorn: Williams 2, Bateman, Brown, Ellis, Rioli, Roughead, Young
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
