In a game that swung wildly from quarter to quarter, Hawthorn overcame a determined Adelaide Crows side to clinch a nail-biting win at University of Tasmania Stadium in Round 14 of the AFL 2025 season. With momentum seesawing and the scoreboard under constant pressure, it was the Hawks who dug deepest when it mattered most, holding on to secure a much-needed four points.
Hawthorn players rally after a late goal shifts momentum at UTAS. AAP Image
Gunston’s Return Sparks the Hawks
Veteran forward Jack Gunston turned back the clock in his return to form, finishing with three goals and providing vital leadership in Hawthorn’s forward 50. His clean ball use and game sense steadied the Hawks during key passages of play, particularly when the Crows looked ready to surge.
Gunston’s accuracy contrasted with Adelaide’s inconsistency in front of goal, as the Crows failed to capitalise on several golden opportunities, especially during a dominant second quarter.
“He’s a cool head in a young team,” Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said post-match. “When the pressure ramps up, Jack doesn’t flinch.”
Thilthorpe Threatens but Fades Late
For the Crows, Riley Thilthorpe was electric early. His aerial presence and second-effort pressure caused problems for the Hawks’ defenders throughout the first half. Thilthorpe kicked two first-quarter goals and looked set for a breakout game before fading as the Hawks tightened defensively.
Jai Newcombe was the standout in the midfield, racking up clearances and providing consistent inside-50 entries. The Hawks’ rising star showed poise beyond his years, guiding his team through tense final minutes as the Crows closed the margin to under a goal.
Caption: Riley Thilthorpe flies high early, giving the Crows scoreboard momentum.
Source: [AFL]
Key Stats from UTAS Stadium Clash
The match was played in chilly but dry conditions at UTAS Stadium in Launceston, with over 15,000 fans in attendance. Here’s a quick stat snapshot:
- Disposals: Newcombe (28), Laird (31)
- Goals: Gunston (3), Thilthorpe (2), Moore (2)
- Tackles: Berry (9), Nash (7)
- Clearances: Newcombe (8), Keays (6)
While Adelaide vs Hawthorn matchups have often been high-scoring in recent years, this Round 14 fixture was defined more by defensive pressure and contested ball wins than flashy run-and-gun footy.
Tactical Shifts Define the Final Term
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell made a key positional shift in the final term, swinging James Sicily into a more intercept-focused role off half-back. That move blunted several Crows forward entries in the closing stages. Meanwhile, Adelaide’s decision to bring Rory Sloane into the centre square late raised eyebrows, as the veteran struggled to contain Newcombe’s burst from stoppages.
“We had our chances,” Crows coach Matthew Nicks admitted. “The group will learn from this—we lacked polish at key moments.”
Jai Newcombe has stood up!
– 19 Disposals, 6 Clearances
– 4 Tackles, 8 Score Involvements
+ 1 Goal… with a half left to go#AFLHawksTigers pic.twitter.com/9KzpTrz0fw— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) August 18, 2024
What It Means for the Ladder
The result sees Hawthorn climb to 9th on the ladder with a 7–6 record, putting them firmly in the race for finals contention. For the Adelaide Crows, the loss leaves them 11th with mounting pressure to string together wins as the season approaches its final stretch.
With upcoming fixtures against Melbourne and Carlton, the Crows’ path to the top eight becomes steeper. Hawthorn, meanwhile, will take confidence into their next clash at the MCG against a vulnerable Gold Coast Suns outfit.
Fan Reaction: Tense But Thrilled
Fans from both clubs took to social media to express relief and frustration. “Big win at UTAS! Gunston still clutch!” wrote one Hawks supporter on X. Meanwhile, Crows fans lamented missed chances and scoreboard pressure. The trending hashtags #hawksvscrows and #CrowsGameToday were among the top AFL tags over the weekend.
Final Score – Round 14:
Hawthorn: 12.10 (82)
Adelaide: 11.13 (79)
