Hawks veteran Jack Gunston denied ‘best goal of his career' in Hawthorn win over Port Adelaide in Launceston
A set of Port Adelaide finger tips denied Jack Gunston one of the greatest goals of his 276-game career on Saturday afternoon.
A cheeky final quarter Jack Ginnivan goal celebration capped off Hawthorn's 38-point win in Launceston, 13.9 (87) to 7.7 (49).
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But midway through that fourth term, Gunston nearly pulled off a miracle goal in horrendous conditions at UTAS Stadium.
Hawthorn midfielder Josh Ward kept the ball in close to the boundary line and threw it on the boot into the forward 50m, where it bounced over the back of a pack.
Despite his 33-year-old legs, Gunston read the play perfectly, sprinting to grab the Sherrin and then throwing it onto his left boot in one motion from an impossible angle.
Watch Jack Gunston's incredible effort in the player above
Jack Gunston takes the shot from a ridiculous angle. Photo: Fox Sports
As he slid towards the boundary line and kept his eye on the bouncing footy, it seemed at first glance that he had kicked a ridiculous goal as the commentators lost their collective minds.
'Over the back, a little slip from Gunston, still a chance,' Dwayne Russell said on Fox Footy.
'He's kicked miracle goals before and that might be the best of them! That's one for all time!'
Two of his colleagues screamed 'no way!' before Dermott Brereton declared: 'If that's in, that could be the goal of his career.
'You can't kick them. You can't kick them Dwayne.'
The dreaded goal review robbed Gunston. Photo: Fox Sports
Gunston ended up on the fence as Jackson Mead stopped the incredible shot. Photo: Fox Sports
Brad Johnson noted: 'Look where Gunston is, he's in the gutter! That's how good it was.'
Ben Dixon then declared: 'I reckon it's in, to the naked eye. Oh no, if that's touched.'
That led a chorus of 'oh no' as it started to dawn on everyone Port Adelaide's Jackson Mead had played the ultimate spoil sport.
With Hawthorn players celebrating as the ball bounced towards the line, Mead stuck out his right hand and got a touch on the footy centimetres before it crossed the paint.
Those watching on were left as stunned as the Fox Footy team.
Hawks Insiders tweeted: 'Best behind Jack Gunston has ever kicked.'
Mark Robinson wrote: 'Geez stiff Jack Gunston, goal of the year contender that would've been.'
Starcraft_princess said: 'Gunners robbed of a classic.'
Andrew Johnston wrote in all caps: 'Uncle Jack are you freaking kidding me???'
Once the review was in, Johnston replied to himself: 'Booooooo.'
Hakan Benli said: 'Wow that would've been goal of the year!'
Paul White joked: 'What a non-goal!'
Another fan wrote simply: 'That Gunston behind was sick.'
Originally published as Hawks veteran Jack Gunston denied 'best goal of his career'
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