Lions Roar into Grand Final as Hawthorn Fans Vent Frustration

Brisbane has secured a thrilling 20.11 (131) to 19.8 (122) win over Hawthorn in their AFL preliminary final showdown at the MCG, sending the Lions to their first grand final in over a decade. The match ended in controversy and ugly scenes, with furious Hawthorn fans throwing bottles at the field umpires after a contentious late call.

Controversial Call Sparks Outrage

The decisive moment came with 18 seconds remaining on the clock, when Brisbane's Hugh McCluggage was awarded a set shot on goal from 30m out after Hawthorn defender Jarman Impey was penalised for holding the ball. The call was met with deafening boos from the Hawthorn faithful, and appeared to be the correct one, with Impey's left arm free to dispose of the football while being tackled.

"I think this might be the bravest umpiring decision I've seen in my time in footy," Melbourne great Garry Lyon said.

McCluggage converted the set shot to put Brisbane in front, before Kai Lohmann goalled after the siren to seal the win. McCluggage said he knew the umpires would call holding the ball on Impey after he pinned a single arm.

"I tried to grab a lever [arm] like we're taught," he said. "We've been taught that you have to try and make an effort to get the ball out if you've got an arm free, so I'll take it."

Hawthorn Coach Emotionally Responds

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was left deeply emotional, and said his focus was on other umpiring calls, particularly a deliberate out of bounds call against Mitch Lewis and a high contact free kick to Dayne Zorko.

"It's probably not the one I'm focused on. There were a couple leading up to it," Mitchell said. "I'm sure the umpires will assess how they performed in that game in key moments."

The final moments led to ugly scenes after the match, and Mitchell joined former teammate Luke Hodge in condemning the behaviour from the fans.

"The emotion of sport is why we love it so much," he said. "At the end of the game, part of me wanted to break down in tears, part of me wanted to scream with rage, part of me wanted to throw chairs. When you're in the stands, you need to continue to be feeling that emotion, because that's why we love it, but we shouldn't be throwing things on the field. But the passion of the game is why we love it. I hope for the vast majority that it was done responsibly."

Match Highlights

Nick Watson was outstanding for Hawthorn in the loss, finishing with a game-high six goals, while Jack Gunston and Mitch Lewis combined for nine goals between them. Lohmann's five goals led the way for the Lions, while Eric Hipwood, McCluggage and Charlie Cameron kicked three goals apiece. Brisbane's win means it will contest Fremantle in next weekend's grand final.