AFL Easter Monday LIVE: AFL Easter Monday LIVE: Gunston again a force in gripping Hawks-Cats clash, blockbuster finish looms

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The Hawks are back in front.

Hawthorn have rallied in the final 30 seconds and Jack Ginnivan takes a mark a fraction before the siren. He slots it through and the hometown heroes are ahead by four points.

Jack Gunston has emerged from the rooms, however it’s unclear if he will play in the fourth quarter.

Hawthorn 10.9 (69) leads Geelong 10.5 (65)

The Hawks are in each other’s way. They’ve botched several opportunities and seem to be suffering from some miscommunications.

At one point Jack Ginnivan and his teammate both go to mark the same ball and crash into each other.

Jack Gunston is heading towards the rooms to seek treatment and an assessment for what looks like a potential hamstring injury.

This is unpleasant news for Hawthorn fans. We will keep you posted when we know more.

So far, this has been a low-scoring third quarter with both teams amping up the pressure. Hawthorn crowd members appear to be yelling out and voicing their frustrations at umpires.

Our sport reporter Peter Ryan is at the MCG today and this to say:

If Hawthorn supporters were given free petrol cards at the moment, they would complain. Although free kick count is 16-7 in favour of Geelong.

However, the bigger story at the moment is Gunston who appears to be clutching his hamstring. He looks concerned and has gone to the bench.

Score: Geelong lead 10.3 (63) to Hawthorn 8.8 (56).

Neale is on fire today. The Geelong star has booted his third goal of the match to push the Cats’ lead to seven points with 12 minutes left to go in the third quarter,

Neale’s got some pretty good goal celebrations today. Here’s one below:

After a blistering first half, Q3 has begun and both teams have amped up the pressure.

Jack Gunston misses a running mark but it doesn’t matter. He chases it and kicks it around the goal and hits an umpire. But it’s unclear if it’s a goal.

There’s a review and it’s deemed a behind. That would have been a contender for Goal of the Year otherwise.

Moments later, Gunston slots his third goal for the day.

Score: Geelong lead 9.2 (56) to Hawthorn 8.7 (55).

Five lead changes in this quarter and Hawks v Geelong is living up to it’s billing as an Easter Classic.

Geelong fought back with the first three goals of the second quarter, before the Hawks kicked the next three.

The pressure is high and the quality players are coming to the fore with Nick Watson kicking a brilliant stoppage goal and Jack Ginnivan saving two goals with desperate efforts in - believe it or not - defence.

The Cats kicked seven goals that quarter and managed to open up a nine-point lead with a long goal after the siren to Shannon Neale, who, along with Jack Bowes, kicked two for the quarter.

The Hawks missed a couple of set shots and also completely blew a gilt-edged chance to goal when a mis-kick somehow saw the ball bounce in between four free Hawks inside 50.

The second half is shaping up as a ripper.

Shannon Neale has booted a goal after the siren to propel the Cats forward and solidify their halftime lead.

What a contest and what a game of high-pressure footy.

Score: Geelong lead 9.2 (56) to 7.5 (47)

As the clock ticks down, Geelong were probably hoping to stay out in front for the second quarter. Unfortunately for the Cats, Nick Watson is there and works his magic.

Watson bursts through the inside 50 and slots it through. I’m not an expert lip-reader but he appears to slap his chest and say “Lets F-—kin go”.

Moments later Jack Bowes, bursts through and slots one through. The lead changes again. I think that’s the fifth time this quarter.

After being well-held, wingman Ollie Dempsey has taken a strong mark and booted a goal to push Geelong out front.

The lead has see-sawed continuously, but Geelong appear to be finding their groove.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Cameron keeps shaking the arm he broke in the grand final and looks sore. He is battling to get into the game but has moved to the wing in an attempt to win the ball up the ground.

Score: Geelong lead 7.2 (44) to 6.4 (40)