Hawthorn triumphed in a one-point Easter Monday one-point over Geelong, with Jarman Impey starring in his distributor role as he notched his 150th at the club.
As if scripted, scores were tied inside the final 30 seconds before a minor score handed the Hawks their first win in the public holiday blockbuster since 2022.
The Hawks claimed another classic between the two clubs 13.14 (91) - 14.7 (91) in front of 84,000.
It was veteran Jack Gunston, following an injury scare which threatened to cut his day short during the third quarter, who hit the post during a manic final moments to split the difference.
There were nine lead changes throughout the contest, with the margin never exceeding a few kicks.
Continuing his influence from recent seasons and early-season form, Impey ended with 26 touches, two clearances and over 550 metres gained in his milestone match in brown and gold.
The Yorta Yorta rebounder played his part with seven disposals in the final quarter, having already taken four score involvements and six intercept possessions with three inside 50s into the final break.
A quarter to play 👀 pic.twitter.com/mSzAdIZBHw
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) April 6, 2026
Both Hawks and Cats fans appeared destined to go home disappointed when Geelong forward Shannon Neale edged his side ahead with 90 seconds remaining, undone when Mitch Lewis re-squared things inside the final minute.
It came after neither side made the most of their final quarter opportunities, with a string of behinds at either end after the mid-way point of the term.
After the Cats turned a four-point deficit into a slim lead with the opening three majors of the final quarter while keeping Hawthorn at bay, two Hawks majors in quick succession reversed a slim buffer with eight minutes remaining.
It was from that point the pressure lifted to another level.
Impey didn't expect anything less, without trying to focus on his 150th for the club.
"It's always a big match and a big rivalry. They've had the wood over us the last few times now," he told Fox Footy pre-game.
"Geelong have always been so good and regimented in the way that they like to play...we're hoping today that we've been able to build continuity amongst our group now...we know exactly what we need to do to be able to play four quarters and consistently.
"I think today we'd like to take that step into winning...to build that continuity amongst the group and get a win."
Impey had a hand in the Hawks' final drive inside fifty, finding the ball as Hawthorn burst out of their back half.
Karl Amon missed the marquee match with a knee issue, with two debutants coming into the Hawks 23.
For the Cats, Jack Martin and Lawson Humphries were solid without being able to edge their side to a 3-1 record to start the year.
Martin showed his speed and ability to read the bouncing ball after heading towards goal before squeezing in a kick early in the contest.
He also missed out on a couple of hanger attempts, but collected 11 touches and stuck three tackles inside 50.
Humphries will want his time again after finding an opponent as he tried to clear the ball late, resulting in Hawthorn's final major at the death.
His afternoon ended with 20 disposals, a pair of clearances and five intercept possessions.
Impey's 150th for the Hawks was his 225th AFL game after spending four years at Port Adelaide early in his career.
Hawthorn move on to another test against the undefeated Bulldogs at Gather Round next Saturday night.
