The Greatest AFL team of the last 30 years – Part 6 (Semi-Final 2) | Thebigtip

Hawthorn 88-89' vs. Geelong 07/09’

This could have been the greatest matchup of all time.  The attacking Hawthorn team of the late 80’s versus the play on at all costs Geelong of the late 00’s.  A sell out crowd at the MCG would be entertained by a goal fest watching both these teams play wonderful attacking football.  No flooding, zones or ridiculous interchange rotations, just hard at it, straight down the guts, full on football.

Few could argue Hawthorn’s talent; 7 consecutive grand finals for 4 premierships.  A complete team of champions who dominated their era without peer.  On the other side of the coin Geelong have been the complete package in recent times.  Two Premierships, three consecutive Grand finals and who knows if Nick Davis didn’t produce his magic the reign could have been longer.

To help you decide I have selected three key matchups to remind you of their individual brilliance in their team environment.

The Full Forward

Jason Dunstall (Games 269 Goals 1264)

Sometimes you forget how good Dunstall was, with his constant banter on Fox sports and MMM we now see a completely different side of him.  Playing in an era when full forward was the king, Dunstall was still able to win coveted awards against players of the ilk of Ablett and Lockett.  Jason was a team player first and an individual second, a well respected fair player who was a major part in Hawthorns success.  After all he left the game with four day and five night premierships.

Cameron Mooney (Games 210 Goals 283)*

Not even in the same category as Dunstall, Mooney while creating some acts of brilliance often goes unnoticed by his unselfish acts.  As a key forward he probably should take more responsibility and shots at goal, but few would argue with the ‘big hairy cat’ as he has three premiership medallions to his name.  The attacking nature of Geelong allows Mooney to be surrounded by Stevie J, Chapman, Hawkins and Varcoe.  This is not to say Mooney doesn’t hold his own; 7goals in Geelong’s two winning grand finals is not a bad record.

The Engine Room

John Platten (Games 258 Goals 228)

Here is one man who could walk onto the field with hair longer than most female supporters and win universal respect for his sublime talents.  ‘The rat’ as he was known played an integral part in the hawk’s success, winning the ball out of the middle and feeding the likes of Brereton and Dunstall.  His football CV reads Magarey medal, Brownlow medal, premierships, all Australian selection and Hawthorn team of the Century.  Platten was a remarkable player, and would have held his own in any footballing era.

Gary Ablett Jnr (Games 189 Goals 262)*

When his father retired many feared that it would be the last time a Gary Ablett would run around Kardinia Park.  Fear not cat fans because we have witnessed something special with Gary jnr.  No longer in the shadows Ablett has been a standout in Geelong’s premiership success.  A midfield maestro with the ability to go forward Ablett proves a difficult matchup for all opposing coaching staff.  Assisted by Bartel, Corey and Ling the Geelong midfield provides the spark that has seen premiership glory down the highway.

The Inspirational Leader

Michael Tuck (Games 426 Goals 320)

We will never see a more unassuming, but inspirational leader like this again; leading teams wouldn’t allow it.  Tuck hardly said boo outside the football field, but his words and actions to his Hawthorn teammates inspired greatness.  A standout captain, Tuck was like an energizer bunny playing an AFL record 426 games, and rarely succumbing to injury or suspension.  Through his relationship with Coach Allen Jeans the two were the glue that created greatness at Glenferrie.

Tom Harley (Games 198 Goals 12)

From the outside it looked as though Geelong were taking a risk when it announces Harley as captain in 2007.  Only playing 13 games in 2006 many would have said that form and injury doesn’t warrant this type of decision.  But what a great call it turned out to be, Harley proves once again that the best player doesn’t have to be captain.  Through the two Premiership years Harley was inspirational getting everything he could not only out of himself, but his teammates as well.

*Ablett and Mooney figures are correct as of 10/9/10

Over the last six weeks I have matched up some great teams, but without doubt this would be the match to see.    

Please leave a comment on WHO you think was the better team, and WHY.  If you have a special memory or moment from either teams premiership year feel free to leave that as well.

The winning team will go through to the Grand Final next week.

NEXT WEEK: THE GRAND FINALE