Hawks in Deep Trouble as Pies Deliver an ‘Old-School Thrashing’ at the MCG

A highly anticipated showdown at the MCG on Friday night turned disastrous for Hawthorn, as they not only suffered a significant defeat to Collingwood but also now face at least three weeks without ruckman Lloyd Meek.

During the third quarter, Meek collided with Pat Lipinski, who was subsequently substituted due to concussion symptoms.

The AFL has made it crystal clear that if a player opts to bump and results in a concussion, they will face a suspension—often starting at three weeks.

Gerard Whateley is confident Meek will be sidelined, mentioning that following Lipinski’s substitution, he believes Meek has “played his last game for a while”.

Fox Footy colleague Jon Ralph chimed in, stating, “I can’t see any chance of him getting off”.

However, Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall expressed some uncertainty, saying, “He had his arm raised. It’s a late spoil. It’s not a bump decision. I’m unsure if that will make a difference”.

Lachie Schultz, a former teammate from Fremantle, expressed his displeasure with the incident, pulling Meek off Lipinski as a minor altercation ensued.

It was a dismal night for the Hawks in front of an impressive crowd of 83,000, who witnessed their team struggle against the top-placed Magpies.

The Magpies turned the game around in the second and third quarters, scoring 12 goals to five following the first quarter.

With the sting gone from the contest, Collingwood cruised to a final score of 16.11 (107) to 8.8 (56).

Jamie Elliott shone for the Pies, contributing five goals, while Jack Ginnivan did his best against his former club, kicking three early and emerging as Hawthorn’s top disposal winner. Nick Daicos led overall with 32 touches.

Garry Lyon was thoroughly impressed with Collingwood’s performance against a fellow contender, commenting, “That’s an old-fashioned belting”.

“This Collingwood side is incredibly impressive. They can defeat you in numerous ways,” Lyon observed.

“They are very slick. Their ball movement has been top-notch.”

Hawthorn’s challenges don’t ease, as they are set to face the Western Bulldogs next Thursday night.

In contrast, Collingwood will take on Melbourne on King’s Birthday Monday, although they will be without Lipinski due to the concussion and small forward Lachie Schultz, who is nursing a hamstring issue.