As the GIANTS and the Hawks prepare to add another epic chapter to their string of recent nailbiters in Opening Round, we’ve taken a look at the history between the sides as the GIANTS look for revenge for last year’s Elimination Final heartbreak.
The GIANTS and the Hawks have met on 17 occasions since the GIANTS entered the league in 2012, with the Hawks holding a slim 9-8 advantage across many heart-stopping encounters.
Highlighting the exciting history that is fast building between the sides, the average winning margin across the last six games between the clubs is just seven points.
Ahead of a huge Opening Round clash at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday, March 7, here are some of the standout games between the clubs as they get set to face off in a huge season opener.
Finals Heartbreak - 2025 Elimination Final at ENGIE Stadium
You can’t go past the most recent encounter between the sides which saw the Hawks end the GIANTS’ season in cruel fashion with a 19-point Elimination Final win on the road at ENGIE Stadium last September.
The visitors jumped out of the blocks with a seven-goal opening term and appeared set for a cruisy victory, up by 42 points midway through the third quarter, before the orange tsunami surged home with a six-goal blitz to set up an epic finish.
Unfortunately for the GIANTS, the Hawks dug deep in the final term and steadied late to end the GIANTS’ season and leave them heartbroken, following a 16.11 (107) to 13.10 (88) defeat.
The Ultimate Upset - Round 6, 2015 at ENGIE Stadium
History was made in round six, 2015 as the GIANTS claimed their first ever win over the Hawks with a huge upset win over the reigning premiers.
After losing the first three contests against the brown and gold, the fourth time was the charm for the GIANTS as Jeremy Cameron kicked seven goals to lead the orange and charcoal to the best win in the club’s history at that point in time.
Deadlock - Round 16, 2017 at Utas Stadium
More history was made in round 16, 2017 as the first and only ever draw between the GIANTS and the Hawks took place.
Trailing by 15 points heading into the final term, the GIANTS looked set for a big comeback win with a six-goal fourth quarter – but the Hawks responded late.
The GIANTS conceded the final two goals of the game in red time as the Hawks clinched a thrilling draw in Tassie, the score deadlocked at 14.13 (97) to 15.7 (97).
Tassie Thriller - Round 13, 2024 at Utas Stadium
Another epic clash between the sides in Tasmania, the in-form Hawks claimed their biggest scalp of the season at the time with a thrilling six-point win over the GIANTS at Utas Stadium.
With scores tied with a minute to go, a downfield free kick fell in the lap of Luke Breust who converted in front of goal to give the Hawks an 12.13 (85) to 12.7 (79) win.
The Canberra Comeback - Round 21, 2024 at Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka
Two months after their heartbreaking loss to the Hawks in Tassie, it was time for the GIANTS to dish out some pain of their own in round 21, 2024, completing a remarkable final-quarter comeback to claim a nail-biting two-point win in Canberra.
Down by 28 at the last break, the GIANTS stormed home in the nation’s capital with a monster seven-goal final term. Local hero Tom Green kicked a brilliant match-winner in the dying minutes to give his side an epic 12.12 (84) to 12.10 (82) win.
Let’s Gather Round for a Win - Round 5, 2023 at Norwood Oval
Another recent classic between the sides took place in the City of Churches for Gather Round in 2023 where once again less than a goal separated the sides at the final siren.
Down by eight points at the final break, the GIANTS wasted a host of opportunities in front of goal in the final term before some Harry Himmelberg heroics in the final two minutes saw the GIANTS claim a thrilling two-point win.
First, Himmelberg took a spectacular contested mark inside 50 before kicking the go-ahead goal. Himmelberg was then stationed in the backline moments later where he executed a brilliant desperate save on the goal line, sealing an epic 10.17 (77) to 11.9 (75) victory.
Hogan the Hero - Round 17, 2023 at ENGIE Stadium
No more than two goals separated the sides at each break in another nailbiter between the sides at ENGIE Stadium in round 17, 2023, as the GIANTS backed up their two-point Gather Round win over the Hawks with a gutsy 13-point win.
Leading by 11 points at the final change, the GIANTS withstood a scare from the Hawks as Jesse Hogan kicked his fourth of the day with two minutes left to seal the 12.13 (85) to 12.12 (72) win.
Gone with the Wind- Round 3, 2025 at Utas Stadium
Another enthralling battle between the sides in Tasmania, the GIANTS jumped out to a huge 35-point lead at the first break before the Hawks piled on six unanswered goals in a massive second term to have their noses in front at the main break.
Despite a valiant effort from the GIANTS, the Hawks proved too good at their second home in Tassie as they held on for a 10.16 (76) to 9.10 (64) win in extremely windy conditions.
Be there to witness the next chapter in what’s fast becoming one of the competition’s most thrilling rivalries as the GIANTS look to start their 2026 season with a bang, while seeking revenge for last year’s Elimination Final loss.
