Hawthorn captain James Sicily was the surprise hero as a forward as the Hawks came from behind to post a thrilling 13-point AFL win over Fremantle in Launceston.
Sicily, on his return from his second dislocated shoulder of the season, struggled physically in defence during the first half and seemed reluctant to lay tackles at times.
But his switch into attack with his team trailing by 15 points in the third term proved a masterstroke, kicking three crucial goals to help lift his side to the 13.9 (87) to 10.14 (74) victory.
“I wasn’t doing much down back, I was probably a liability,” Sicily said after the match.
“I’m rapt the coach made the move. It was just one of those days when you get on the end of a few.”
The result improved Hawthorn to 9-8 and put them within percentage of eighth spot.
“That well and truly keeps our season alive. That’s a big win for us,” Sicily said.
“I’m really proud of how we went about today.”
Fremantle (10-6-1) started the round in third spot, but could drop as low as seventh depending on other results.
Hawthorn ruckman Lloyd Meek, who played 15 games for the Dockers before seeking a move away for more opportunities, was huge with 51 hitouts and 15 disposals.
His opponent Luke Jackson finished with 31 hitouts, 20 disposals and a goal for Freo.
Hawthorn trailed by 10 points midway through the second quarter before unleashing a four-goal burst inspired by 18-year-old forward Calsher Dear.
The son of late Hawthorn premiership player Paul Dear kicked his first goal when he snatched the ball from Jackson and snapped truly.
A minute later, he took a strong mark to kick a second, with Josh Weddle’s major minutes later giving the Hawks a 13-point edge.
Fremantle at least had something to cheer about heading into the halftime break when Patrick Voss nailed a 52m set shot on the siren.
Alarm bells were ringing for the Hawks early in the third term as Voss, Jye Amiss, Michael Frederick and Caleb Serong all unleashed unsuccessful shots on goal.
Jackson took a pack mark close to goal to finally end Fremantle’s run of misses, and when Jeremy Sharp followed up with a 50m bomb, the margin was 15 points.
Sicily was sent forward late in the third term, and it paid instant dividends when he took a diving mark and kicked the goal.
Fremantle led by nine points at three-quarter time, and still held a three-point edge with 10 minutes remaining.
Sicily snatched back the lead for Hawthorn with a soccered goal.
And when he took a huge mark near the goal line before snapping truly with less than four minutes to go, it gave the Hawks breathing space they needed to secure victory.
AAP