Just when it seemed Hawthorn could sink no lower into its 2003 abyss, a heavy defeat by the AFL's cellar dweller and allegations of deliberate losing have plunged the Hawks to new depths.

Hawthorn coach Peter Schwab had tried quoting poetry, an address by a basketball coach, a team-bonding tenpin bowling session and another slew of personnel changes, but all to no avail as the Hawks went down by 34 points to Geelong.

It was just the second win this season for the struggling Cats and eased the pressure on coach Mark Thompson, but the four losses in five games was only increasing the heat on Schwab.

But president Ian Dicker was standing by his man, again declaring Schwab would not be sacked this season.

Dicker had other worries too, as he prepared to question club director Don Scott about allegations from former Hawks coach Ken Judge that he was told to lose games late in the 1998 season in order to secure top draft picks.

Hawthorn was not the only Melbourne team licking its wounds, with the top four staked out as Victorian no-go territory.

A fortnight ago, suggestions of all six `interstate' teams making the finals had sounded like Victorian paranoia, but it was now looking like a realistic outcome.

Adelaide looked like slipping outside the top eight, in dire straits when they trailed the hapless Western Bulldogs by 22 points in the final term.

But willed on by their home crowd and against a young opponent unsure of how to lock down the game, the Crows rallied to deliver the `Dogs an eighth straight loss.

Elsewhere Brisbane inflicted an astonishing 111-point turnaround on Carlton, coming from 34 points behind to win by 77, but at a cost as important trio Jonathan Brown, Jason Akermanis and Mal Michael were all lost to injury.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP