Here are five defining moments from the night:

1. Dead-eye Dickson fails to deliver

Dickson high fives fans on the way back to the dressing rooms. Photo: Getty Images

Tory Dickson is regarded as the Bulldogs' best set shot for goal, if not the best in the AFL. Prior to last night he had 130 goals and 45 behinds during his 76-game career, and had never kicked more than two behinds in a game. But in the first half he sprayed three set shots, including a woeful shank for the game's first score and another kick on the half-time siren from 45 metres out that would have put the Dogs ahead going into the long break. Poor kicking had cost the Dogs before in finals, but thankfully for them they had more than enough resilience this time.

2. Libba's steal

Liberatore in action. Photo: Pat Scala

With the Bulldogs more than three goals in arrears deep into the second quarter and having continued to waste chances, Hawk Grant Birchall looked to find space with a handball at half-back. But it was brilliantly intercepted by Dogs hard-nut Tom Liberatore who booted the ball long to Josh Dunkley who marked and ended a run of misses for his side and stemmed the Hawks' momentum.

3. Picken rides Breust's bump with a grin

Picken is cleaned up by Breust. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

With the game in the balance late in the second quarter, Hawks goalsneak Luke Breust lined up Bulldog Liam Picken and met with a crisp hip and shoulder. But rather than iron out the Dogs veteran, Breust came off worse for wear, and Picken would become a second-half hero with three goals. It was as emblematic as moments come.

4. Goal review drama

Gunston had a goal overturned on review. Photo: Pat Scala

There had already been two goal reviews in the first half, but this was probably the most crucial such decision of the night. With the Dogs charging early in the third term and less than a goal the difference, a Jack Gunston goal was overturned on review - deemed to be touched. The Hawks wouldn't kick another goal until midway through the final term.

5. Stacks on

The Bulldogs celebrate at the final siren. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

With Caleb Daniel goaling on the siren, the realisation dawned on the Bulldogs that they had knocked over the champions. All 22 players descended on the goal square as they enjoyed a moment of jubilation rarely seen until grand final day. The respect for the Dogs was highlighted later as Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson went into the opposition's rooms post-match to congratulate rival coach Luke Beveridge - a former assistant at the Hawks.