Introduction
The Round 22 clash between Hawthorn and Collingwood on August 7, 2025, was more than just a game—it was a statement. The Hawks dismantled the Magpies in a 64-point thrashing (110-46) at the MCG, sending shockwaves through the AFL and reshaping the finals race 34.
This match had major implications:
Hawthorn’s finals hopes skyrocketed, putting them in prime position for a September campaign.
Collingwood’s premiership credentials crumbled, with their top-four spot now under serious threat.
Key injuries and tactical failures exposed the Pies’ vulnerabilities.
In this in-depth analysis, we break down the game’s biggest moments, key performances, and what this result means for both teams heading into the finals.
Match Summary: A Dominant Hawthorn Performance
Final Score
Hawthorn – 17.8 (110)
Collingwood – 6.10 (46)
Key Takeaways
Hawthorn’s Forward Line Dominance – The Hawks’ tall forwards (Gunston, Chol, Meek, Lewis, Dear) combined for 9 goals, exploiting Collingwood’s weakened defense 4.
Collingwood’s Defensive Collapse – The loss of Jeremy Howe (concussion in the first minute) left the Pies exposed, with Billy Frampton and Darcy Moore struggling to contain Hawthorn’s attack 10.
Midfield Battle Won by Hawthorn – Jai Newcombe (28 disposals, 1 goal) and Massimo D’Ambrosio (24 disposals) outworked Collingwood’s star-studded midfield 9.
Game-Changing Moments
1. Jeremy Howe’s Early Concussion (59 Seconds In)
In a sickening collision, Howe and Newcombe clashed heads contesting a loose ball. Howe was knocked out cold, stretchered off, and taken to hospital 34.
Newcombe passed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and returned to dominate the game, while Collingwood never recovered defensively 10.
2. Hawthorn’s Seven-Goal Second Quarter Blitz
The Hawks kicked 7.0 to Collingwood’s 1.3 in the second term, turning a tight contest into a rout 4.
Lloyd Meek (3 goals) and Mabior Chol (3 goals) were unstoppable, exposing Collingwood’s lack of defensive pressure 9.
3. Nick Daicos’ Struggles
Daicos, Collingwood’s best player, started on the bench due to injury concerns and finished with 24 disposals but had minimal impact 7.
Fox Footy’s David King noted: "They refuse to defend in the midfield. Right now, they are being absolutely sizzled." 10.
Key Performances
Hawthorn’s Best Players
| Player | Stats | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jai Newcombe | 28 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal | Dominated midfield, set the tone early |
| Jack Gunston | 4 goals | Clinical finishing, leadership up forward |
| Lloyd Meek | 3 goals, 7 marks | Career-best game as a forward-ruck |
| Massimo D’Ambrosio | 24 disposals, 6 score involvements | Elite ball use off half-back |
Collingwood’s Few Positives
Scott Pendlebury (27 disposals) – Tried hard but lacked support.
Brody Mihocek (2 goals) – One of the few Pies who troubled the scoreboard.
Jordan De Goey (1 goal, 15 disposals) – Showed glimpses but not enough.
Tactical Breakdown: Why Hawthorn Won
1. Forward Line Mismatch
Hawthorn’s four tall forwards (Gunston, Chol, Lewis, Dear) + Meek as a ruck-forward overwhelmed Collingwood’s defense 4.
Billy Frampton was exposed, with Fox Footy’s Jack Riewoldt saying: "Frampton has been asleep at the wheel." 3.
2. Midfield Pressure & Clearances
Hawthorn won clearances 40-30, with Newcombe and Worpel controlling stoppages 6.
Collingwood’s midfield (Daicos, Mitchell, Crisp) was outworked and out-defended 10.
3. Collingwood’s System Failure
Coach Craig McRae admitted: "Lack of system, lack of fight, lack of effort." 7.
The Pies conceded 39 points from turnovers, their third-worst under McRae 10.
What This Means for the Finals Race
Hawthorn’s Finals Hopes Skyrocket
The Hawks jumped to 5th on the ladder (56 pts, 121.2%) and need one more win (vs. Melbourne or Brisbane) to secure a finals spot 5.
Sam Mitchell’s young team is peaking at the right time, with their forward line now a premiership weapon 4.
Collingwood’s Top-Four Hanging by a Thread
The Pies (60 pts, 124.2%) have lost 4 of their last 5 and face Adelaide (1st) and Melbourne next 7.
If they lose to Adelaide, they could drop to 7th, meaning no double chance in finals 10.
AFL legend Leigh Montagna said: "They look broken. The midfield mix isn’t right." 7.
Post-Match Reactions
Craig McRae (Collingwood Coach)
"I apologize to our Magpie army. That’s a disappointing performance. You can’t sugarcoat it." 7.
"We’ve got to turn it around quickly. Judge us on our response." 10.
Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn Coach)
"This is the best we’ve seen the Hawks this year." – Jack Riewoldt on Fox Footy 3.
"Our forwards were outstanding. We played our brand of footy." 4.
Historical Context: Collingwood’s Alarming Slide
A month ago, Collingwood was 10 points clear on top of the ladder. Now, they’re fighting for top four 7.
Their percentage has dropped 14.8% in five weeks, a worrying sign for their premiership hopes 10.
Only the 2016 Bulldogs have won a flag from outside the top four since 2000—Collingwood risks facing the same uphill battle 7.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Both Clubs
This match was a season-defining moment:
For Hawthorn, it proved they are genuine finals contenders, with a dynamic forward line and fearless midfield.
For Collingwood, it exposed serious flaws—over-reliance on Daicos, defensive fragility, and a midfield that’s lost its edge.
The Pies must regroup fast before facing Adelaide, while the Hawks are now one win away from September glory.
Final Thought
"This wasn’t just a loss for Collingwood—it was a wake-up call. For Hawthorn, it was a declaration: they’re coming, and they’re dangerous."