Hawthorn beats Essendon by one point after trailing by 40 in AFL clash

Hawthorn has stormed back from 40 points down to beat Essendon by a point in a thrilling clash at Docklands Stadium

The Hawks trailed by 40 points late in the second quarter and 39 points at half-time but stormed back after the break, holding their nerve to win 14.8 (92) to 13.13 (91).

Tim O’Brien kicked the first goal of the second half to ignite the comeback and slotted the game-winner in the closing minutes.

After an exciting opening term saw the Hawks leading by three points, the Bombers built their lead with seven straight scoring shots in the second quarter.

A goal for Oliver Hanrahan and Jaeger O’Meara’s behind stopped the bleeding, but Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s goal on the stroke of half-time made it 10.6 (66) to 4.3 (27).