A highly anticipated match at the MCG on Friday night turned into a disaster for Hawthorn as they suffered a hefty defeat against Collingwood and are likely to be without their ruckman, Lloyd Meek, for at least three weeks following a collision with Magpies midfielder Pat Lipinski. The impact led to Lipinski being taken off the field due to concussion, drawing attention to the AFL’s strict stance on head injuries, which typically results in a suspension of around three weeks for such incidents.
Prominent commentators expressed their views on Meek’s situation; Gerard Whateley suggested that Meek would not return for some time, while fellow journalist Jon Ralph was sceptical about any chance of him escaping a penalty. Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall provided a more nuanced take, noting that Meek’s intention didn’t seem to be to deliberately bump.
The game itself was challenging for Hawthorn, who played in front of 83,000 spectators and struggled against a dominant Collingwood side. After a competitive opening quarter, the Magpies took control, scoring 12 goals to Hawthorn’s five throughout the second and third quarters, ultimately winning 107 to 56. Jamie Elliott shone for Collingwood with five goals, while former Magpie Jack Ginnivan performed admirably for Hawthorn, scoring three goals and leading the team in disposals.
Commentator Garry Lyon lauded Collingwood’s performance, describing it as an “old-fashioned belting” and praising their varied strategies on the field. The result places even more pressure on Hawthorn, who now prepare to face the Western Bulldogs next Thursday, while Collingwood looks ahead to an upcoming contest against Melbourne on King’s Birthday Monday. Collingwood, however, will be without Lipinski due to his concussion, along with small forward Lachie Schultz, who is dealing with a hamstring injury.