Hawks edge out Crows by three points in AFL thriller in Launceston

Thanks for your company tonight!

Congratulations to the Hawks on their victory over the Crows, as well as the hearty souls who braved the cold Launceston night.

Round 14 continues on Saturday, so make sure to check back with ABC Sport’s live blog.

Have a great evening!

The Crows had led the Hawks for much of the contest, only to see the ‘home side’ come away with the four competition points.

Crows coach Matthew Nicks admitted his side let the match slip through their fingers.

In the end we just did not take opportunities.

Really pleased with the way we attacked it and came to play, but against the top sides you have to put them away.

We’re a pretty disappointed locker room at the moment, knowing that is how the game played out.

Hawks coach Sam Mitchell isn’t one for hyperbole, so his assessment of his side’s three-point win deserves to be noted.

Speaking at his post-match media conference, Mitchell expressed pride in how the Hawks stayed in the contest against the Crows.

I was really proud of the boys. Adelaide are a good side, they’re very good. They’re going to be right there [in finals contention].

So, it was probably our best win of the season. It was a really tough night.

Jack Gunston proved a handful for the Crows’ defence, with two first-half goals helping keep the Hawks in the contest.

The three-time premiership player told the Seven Network he had to call upon all his guile to outsmart his younger opponents.

I just tried to position myself to cut an angle and go deep sometimes.

I just try to stay active and keep moving, and try to get where I need to be.

That is what works for me. That is what will disrupt them.

Albeit, I missed a couple [of shots on goal] late.

HAWKS TRIUMPH BY THREE POINTS!!!

WHAT A FINISH!!!

The Hawks trailed until the final quarter and even then the Crows were not done with in Launceston, reclaiming the lead after giving it up.

But a late Jai Newcombe goal put the Hawks back in front and they come away with the four competition points.

For the record, the Hawks won 6.11 (47) to 5.14 (44).

Two to go on the clock and the Hawks are up by three …

Hawks back in front!

Jai Newcombe snaps a major from close to goal after a neat offload from Jack Gunston.

The Hawks lead by three points, with just under four minutes on the clock.

It’s a grandstand finish in Launceston!

Crows still leading the Hawks by three points.

Izak Rankine, come on down!

Rankine snaps with the outside of his right boot inside 50, sending the Crows back into the lead.

A slender three-point advantage to the visitors.

The Hawks claim the lead for the first time in the match, via the boot of Connor Macdonald.

Jarman Impey got the ball to Macdonald, who kicked truly from just inside the arc to put the Hawks in front by three points.

The Hawks are chipping away at the Crows’ lead, which has been reduced to three points.

Another behind to Jack Gunston moves the Hawks a bit closer on the scoreboard.

Sam Butler had the chance to put the Hawks in front with a set-shot inside 50.

Butler went around the corner but couldn’t manage a goal, instead picking up a behind.

Jack Gunston had another set-shot, this time from outside the arc.

It wasn’t good enough for a major score, but he did record a behind to help the Hawks edge closer to the Crows.

Crows by five.

The Crows’ advantage is back to a goal after a Hawks’ rushed behind.

It came after Jack Gunston went left with a set-shot inside 50, having got separation to take a mark on the lead.

This time, it’s Riley Thilthorpe.

They all count, it must be said, and the Crows lead by seven points.

Another minor score to the Crows, this time from Izak Rankine.

Crows leading by a goal, but it’s still early in the final term.

Less than a minute into the fourth quarter, Josh Rachele had a snap at goal inside 50.

But Rachele was off target and his effort went through for a behind.

Crows by five.

Only four points separate the two teams in Launceston, with the Crows having their noses in front.

Do they have enough in the tank to hold on?

Or will the Hawks finish over the top?

Here we go!