Hawthorn won the 2008 AFL premiership after defeating the previously unbeaten Geelong.
Hawthorn beat Geelong by 26 points in the 2008 AFL Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Geelong had lost only one match during the home-and-away season, making Hawthorn’s victory a major upset.
The Hawks were coached by Alastair Clarkson and led on the field by captain Sam Mitchell. Luke Hodge won the Norm Smith Medal as the match’s best player. Hawthorn’s disciplined pressure and contested work helped it withstand Geelong’s powerful attack.
The result is often remembered as the premiership that prevented Geelong from completing a perfect season. Hawthorn’s next flag came in 2013, followed by further premierships in 2014 and 2015, creating a three-year dynasty.