Hawthorn secured themselves a top four finish and double-chance with a nine-point win over Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night.
Alastair Clarkson's side had trailed for the majority of the game but a five goal to two final term got them over the line in yet another thrilling encounter between these two clubs.
Sydney led by as much as 26 points midway through the second term but the fast-finishing Hawks secured an MCG blockbuster against minor premiers Richmond in the first week of the finals.
The home side had lost Lance Franklin and Luke Parker from the 22 that was named, but they didn't look like missing them during the first half.
MORE: Richmond v Western Bulldogs: Brad Lynch hits the post as Tigers get almighty scare
A lopsided free kick count may have been to blame, or at least it was if you asked the Hawks faithful.
The final count was 30-17 in Sydney's favour, though some of the line-ball decisions in the first half drew particular ire.
Hawthorn fans, and even some neutrals, couldn't help but voice their discontent at what they perceived to be some one-sided umpiring.
So a season and top 4 position is going to be decided by these absolutely appalling free kicks? Pull your heads in umps, it is NOT about you #AFLSwansHawks #GameFaceOn
— Casey (@MissCasey76) August 25, 2018
Free kicks Swans 16 to Hawks 9. Either umpires didn’t get memo re: FreeKickHawthorn or Sydney paid more. Discuss. #AFLSwansHawks
— Pete Raff (@Pete_R4ff) August 25, 2018
#AFLSwansHawks I am neutral supporter but this umpiring is so bias towards Swans it’s a joke @AFL umpiring in this game is a disgrace.
— Hbomb (@hellison1954) August 25, 2018
Hawk supporters remote controls are being smashed against walls at this display of shocking umpiring #AFLSwansHawks pic.twitter.com/OclAbB0TnB
— Mike Hauser (@Hauser_Mike) August 25, 2018
Absolutely crucified by Razor Ray in a crucial moment. Has a familiar ring to it. Two in a row for the Swans. That hurts. #AFLSwansHawks
— Hawk Talk Podcast (@HawkTalkPod) August 25, 2018
24-12 free kick count. Hawks being screwed. Guess the @afl don't want both Sydney teams missing the top 4 #AFLSwansHawks
— Matt (@Mattys123) August 25, 2018
Seriously. These free kicks are shithouse. Both ways. If this is how we officiate our game now, it's a sorry state of affairs. Idiot Chamberlain needs to be stopped. #AFLSwansHawks #GameFaceOn
— Casey (@MissCasey76) August 25, 2018
As it turned out, it mattered little as the visitors were able to overcome the deficit to ensure a coveted second chance should they lose in a fortnight's time.
Ruckman Ben McEvoy stood up for the Hawks, notching up 52 hitouts and several important contested marks, while Shaun Burgoyne's class was on display all over the ground.
Paul Puopolo kicked three goals, while Jack Gunston and Ricky Henderson pitched in with two each.
Tom Mitchell was well held by George Hewett in the first half but bounced back to finish with 24 touches.
For Sydney, they will be knocked down to sixth on Sunday by the winner of the Melbourne-GWS clash, though they will be playing a home elimination final regardless.
