Arabic version: نهائي تمهيدي بين بريزبين وهوثورن يُشاد به ككلاسيكية لا تُنسى

According to The Guardian, Brisbane’s preliminary-final win over Hawthorn delivered violent momentum swings, exceptional skill, tactical intrigue and late controversy, prompting the question of whether it was the finest Australian rules football match ever played.

Hawthorn had trailed by 28 points against a Brisbane side described as one of the best teams seen, but fought back and came close to securing a grand final berth. Coach Sam Mitchell said after the match that the feeling was “the pits”, speaking of rage, desolation, confusion and pride after his side’s comeback fell short.

The decisive late moment came with a free kick against Jarman Impey. The report said Impey was tackled, had an arm free and did not dispose of the ball properly. It noted that there had been line-ball decisions during the game, especially late, but argued the umpire should be commended for making the call under intense pressure rather than being targeted by bottles.

Nick Watson starred for Hawthorn with six goals, including a fifth that he toe-poked through after appearing suddenly in the contest. Brisbane’s response was gradual but decisive during the third quarter, while Josh Ward helped Hawthorn regain initiative in the final term. The closing sequence also featured interventions from Josh Dunkley, a lunging spoil by Levi Ashcroft and composure from Will Ashcroft at the final stoppage.

Charlie Cameron kicked three goals for Brisbane, while other notable passages included Conor McKenna’s play, Tom Barrass’s mark, Impey’s rundown tackle on McKenna and Brisbane’s defending on the last line. Dunkley said it was the most emotionally and physically demanding game he had played since the 2016 preliminary final, another match he said could rank among the sport’s best.