Hawthorn opened up a commanding lead over minor premiers Fremantle in their AFL qualifying final in Perth, with Max Beattie’s relentless pressure helping create a crucial goal for Dylan Moore.
Beattie was caught by Karl Worner on the 50-metre arc and appeared set to concede a holding-the-ball free kick. Instead, the Hawthorn forward immediately recovered and continued the chase.
His closing speed forced a Fremantle defender into a rushed kick, which went straight to Moore. The Hawks forward gathered the ball, took several bounces and drove inside 50 before finishing emphatically.
The goal extended Hawthorn’s advantage to 41-10 with nine minutes remaining in the second quarter at Optus Stadium.
Beattie began the season outside the AFL before being selected by the Hawks in the mid-season draft. The speedy ball-winner has since become a regular presence in the side during the latter stages of the campaign.
His effort summed up Hawthorn’s intensity as they sought to unsettle a Fremantle side that had earned a home qualifying final after a record-breaking 19-win home-and-away season.
