12.25am on Sep 4, 2026‘I’m so glad he’s on our team’: Mitchell on Wizard, Ginnivan and the HawksBy Hawks coach Sam Mitchell spoke to the media post game.On the win:I’m still coming to terms with it.It was a genuine final. I think in 10 years time, you could put on any 10 minutes of that game and anyone watching will say that that looks like a final.Hawks coach Sam Mitchell.AFL Photos via Getty Images11.57pm on Sep 3, 2026Full-time statsBy 11.46pm on Sep 3, 2026‘We are not dead and buried’: LongmuirBy Dockers coach Justin Longmuir spoke to the media post-game.On the difference between the sides:“There was a lot of different aspects. The contests were pretty even, but their contest method was better than ours.“They were a little more decisive in getting it to the outside.Dockers coach Justin Longmuir.AFL Photos“Down the other end, we got stuck in our back half. We had 20 back-half turnovers in the first half, [and] we usually do that for a whole game. That was where the damage was done, really.11.23pm on Sep 3, 2026‘It’s a good look for us’: Ginni’s apparent Swans digBy An elated Jack Ginnivan has laid down the challenge to the rest of the AFL to stop his Hawks as they prepare for a home preliminary final at the MCG.Ginnivan called teammate Nick Watson the best player in the AFL and claimed his side thought they were on the right side of the draw, appearing to dismiss the undermanned Sydney Swans’ hopes of winning their qualifying final against Brisbane Lions at the SCG on Saturday.He named the Swans and elimination finalists Western Bulldogs and Adelaide Crows as their likely opponents in the preliminary final, but left out the Lions.The Hawks celebrate a goal from Jack Ginnivan, middle.AFL Photos via Getty Images“It’s special. I’ve always wanted to play for the Hawks,” Ginnivan told Kayo Sports.11.06pm on Sep 3, 2026‘It’s taken a lot to get here’: DayBy Hawthorn star Will Day spoke to Kayo post-game.On the win:“It’s so special to come over and knock off the top team, it’s not easy, especially in this environment.Will Day of the Hawks runs with the ball.Getty ImagesThe theme leading into the win:“Our big thing was loving your teammate and doing it for your teammate, so it’s not about yourself but making your teammate’s day a little easier.“Coming in as the underdog, we could play with a bit of freedom as everyone had written us off and we used that as fuel.10.54pm on Sep 3, 2026‘Enormous pressure’ on Longmuir: KingBy All eyes will be Justin Longmuir and his Dockers this week as they face the heartbreak of a potential straight-sets exit from the finals.The Dockers will host the winners of Geelong and Carlton in Perth next week in a knockout semi-final.Dockers coach Justin Longmuir.AFL Photos“I think this puts enormous pressure on the coach,” David King said on Kayo Sports.“I mean, [it’s] the perfect preparation – it’s almost the healthiest list you can have, [and they were] unbeaten at home.“It was all set up to go home final here, home prelim, and now the heat is right on.“Next weekend’s clash is huge.”10.50pm on Sep 3, 2026Hawks are lapping up the winBy Hawks star Will Day and coach Sam Mitchell are leading some emotional celebrations after winning tonight’s match and setting up a preliminary final in two weeks’ time.Mitchell was hugging every one of his players and whispering messages in their ears. He took extra time with Day, Tom Barrass and a few others.Will Day.AFL PhotosDay was playing his first finals match tonight after injuries had robbed him of previous appearances.You can hear Hawks fans chanting “Hawthorn, Hawthorn” as the team walks off the ground.10.42pm on Sep 3, 2026‘A lot of emotions’: WatsonBy Hawthorn star Nick Watson spoke to Kayo Sports post-game.On the win:“[It’s] a whole lot of emotions, the belief in the group is outstanding, and I’m just so happy we got up tonight.Nick Watson making his presence felt early at Optus Stadium.AFL PhotosOn the pressure from the Hawks:“The last two years playing finals, we knew coming in that it was going to be hot, it was a bit slippery as well. It was hot early, but the boys handled it well.On the defenders doing well:“It was good to see them get on top all night.On the plan for the week off:“I’m not sure of the plan. We will talk about it after this, but I’m sure we will kick the legs up for a bit and watch the other games.”10.37pm on Sep 3, 2026FT: Hawthorn 10.12 (72) d Fremantle 5.10 (40)By Hawthorn will host the preliminary final at the MCG in a fortnight after smashing the Dockers by 32 points in a massive upset which has flipped the finals series on its head.The win gives the Hawks their best chance to win the flag under Sam Mitchell after losing the preliminary final last season with the Lions, the Swans, the Bulldogs and the Crows all potential opponents.The Dockers, who had beaten Hawthorn in eight of their past nine meetings and sat no lower than second since Gather Round, will now host a semi-final against the winner of Geelong and Carlton. It was their first loss at Optus Stadium for the season.Just how will the Dockers respond next week?AFL Photos10.31pm on Sep 3, 2026Treacy kicks a late goalBy Josh Treacy has struggled all night but won a free kick and booted his first goal of the evening.“He’s had a tough night and this was one of the first times the ball has come down the middle of the ground,” Jack Riewoldt said on Kayo Sports.“It’s a big week to come for the footy club.”Hawks 71, Freo 40 with five mins to go.1 of 6