Bravo Max Gawn, bravo Melbourne, bravo the footy gods.
Astonishing scenes played out at Kardinia Park on Saturday night as Gawn slotted a set shot after the siren to clinch a scarcely believable comeback victory over Geelong, handing his side a 12.9 (81) to 12.5 (77) win.
Making the moment even more magical is the post-siren kick has sealed the Demons’ first minor premiership in 57 years, ending a drought that had stretched back to 1964.
Melbourne conceded 10 goals in succession to be trailing by 44 points early in the second half, but they charged home in the final quarter to ensure they finished the regular season in top spot on the ladder.
Melbourne trailed by 32 points at the final change before running in six goals to Geelong’s zero in the last term – and Gawn’s post-siren heroics had the Cats going berserk.
When Demons defender Jake Lever sent a kick fizzing inside 50 with less than 25 seconds on the clock, Gawn arose in congestion deep in Melbourne’s forward line to take a crucial grab.
Adding to the theatre were pictures of Geelong mentor Chris Scott storming out of the coaches’ box, unable to bear the drastic scenes.
Gawn then struck the ball and it never looked like missing.
“Unbelievable! What an amazing day of footy!” tweeted Rohan Connolly, formerly of The Age.
Ronny Lerner of the Herald Sun posted: “I’m not sure what I just witnessed. That is one of the most remarkable games of football I have ever seen. Gawn you champion!”
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