That is – the outcomes weren’t as important as the way they earned them at McPherson Oval. 

Dispelling any doubt about the fight in the bird, the Hawks produced a powerful response when down by 25 points in the third quarter, to win 11.6 (72) to 10.5 (65).

The round three match had a whiff of finals about it, in the intensity of the contest and the contrast between elation and devastation on the siren.

“I couldn’t be prouder of them today – they’re a great bunch of boys, they’ve stuck together well,” EWK coach Gavin McMahon said.

“We really wanted to have been tested and try to fight back from the other end of it rather than just stay in front and hang on (in games). 

“So it’s good that the boys know they can do that now against a pretty good side.”

Nick Hull started the comeback with a beautiful goal on the run just before three-quarter time.

A Geppert double inside the first three minutes of the last term continued the momentum and Hull’s third goal shortly after made for a one-point ball game. 

No sooner had EWK drawn level with a rushed behind than classy North Wagga midfielder Lachie Highfield created time and space in traffic to kick them six points clear again.

But Geppert goaled at the other end, after taking at least his eighth mark of the game, capping an outstanding day out for the full-forward.

“Gep had a great game, he made the most of a lot of half opportunities today,” McMahon said.

“I think he’s taken the highest number of contested marks he’s probably taken in a game, and most of the time it was one-on-three, those contested grabs that he took.”

A point from Hull put the Hawks in front for the first time in 50 minutes of football and the towering ruckman/forward landed a long bomb from 50 metres to complete the win. 

Hull and Geppert kicked EWK’s 11 goals between them but Blake Aichinger also brought a presence forward in a desperate final quarter.

“We had nothing to lose, if we kept doing what we were doing halfway through the second and early in the third, we would’ve lost by 10 goals I think,” McMahon said.

Tim Smith’s efforts at fullback saw him claim the medal for best-on-ground in the Wagga derby, while James Creasy came up with crucial plays throughout, including some important marks in defence when it mattered.

Twice North Wagga put the pressure on with a run of goals – three straight in the second quarter, and four unanswered in the third – only to be denied a boilover win. 

The four points would have been nice but confidence will have to do.