AFL Grand Final 2012 live scores, blog: Hawthorn vs Sydney
Columnist By Justin Cinque, 29 Sep 2012 Justin Cinque is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- Adam Goodes, AFL, AFL finals, Hawthorn Hawks, Lance Franklin, live blog, Sydney Swans
221 Have your say
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Hawthorn and Sydney will vie for the 2012 AFL Premiership at the MCG this afternoon. (Image: Supplied).
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The greatest prize in AFL is up for grabs this afternoon at the MCG, as Hawthorn take on the Sydney Swans in the 2012 AFL grand final. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 2.30pm AEST.
After Saturday night’s thrilling finish to the preliminary final, you’ve been waiting patiently for the final game of the year.
You’ve been reading and watching as much of the pundits’ views, checking injury news, wondering how much of the grand final marathon you can get through on TV.
Now the moment has arrived.
If you’re a Hawks or Swans fan, your stomach is starting to turn and you have a nervous aura about you.
If you’re neutral, you’ve had a relaxing morning, talking to your mates about who you’d prefer to lose the match and are now being moved away from the barbeque as the national anthem begins.
Hawthorn has been installed as premiership favourites for most of the year. Along with Carlton at the start of the season, there was plenty of hype surrounding the Hawks.
It wasn’t a rosy start, winning just two of their first five games, including a loss to the Swans at their home away from home, Aurora Stadium in Launceston.
Since then, there have been just two losses in 19 matches. The second of those was a concern for many as the Kennett Curse continued at the hands of Geelong.
The last month has been impressive from the Hawks. Fighting back to beat the Swans in their own backyard, dominating early against the Eagles and then Buddy kicking four and Brad Sewell impressing again as they kept ahead of Collingwood.
But signs of nerves last week against Adelaide in the preliminary final were somewhat surprising.
It was hard to know whether the week’s break or the pressure of the occasion was the cause, but the Hawks limped to the grand final. They were matched in intensity, midfield prowess and struggled against a tall forward duo that finally gelled.
The Sydney Swans weren’t considered much of a threat until around half way through the season.
Always seemingly flying under the radar, coach John Longmire worked on the endurance of some of his midfielders and forwards, while tweaking the defensive structures that have seen them really strangle their opposition.
The Swans’ watershed moment among the public was a crushing win on the road in Perth, against the West Coast Eagles.
There would have been unease among the Sydney fan-base when they lost three out of four, with those losses against serious premiership contenders.
However, they rediscovered that defensive prowess when taking on the Crows in Adelaide, restricting them to just five goals.
Last week was a masterful win against Collingwood, as they kept the pressure on the Pies all night. That could put them in good stead for this afternoon.
If you watched just the prelims, you’d be backing Sydney all the way.
Their ruck division seems to be a touch better, with Shane Mumford having a strong season. There’s been a marked improvement in the midfield, with the continuing development of Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack and Daniel Hannebery as stars and the amazing longevity of Jude Bolton and Adam Goodes.
Hawthorn will be buoyed by another strong season from Sam Mitchell and Brad Sewell. Luke Hodge’s inclusion into the team (after illness last week kept him out) will add some grunt and toughness around the ground. Grant Birchall and Matt Suckling have had standout seasons in defence, while Lance Franklin looms as a danger up forward in such a big game.
The X-factors lie in the forward lines.
While he may not be listed there, Lewis Jetta showed last week that his outside run is tough to stop when he gets going. If he can be curtailed in the wet, then that’s a big win for the Hawks.
Cyril Rioli is surely a key man for the Hawks, but I see Luke Breust as the main man up forward. He seems to have gone about his business quietly, while averaging close to two goals a game this season. If he’s not kept quiet, he could sneak under the radar again and help the Hawks get up.
You can have your stat of Sydney having a bad record at the MCG. However, the Swans have been able to knock over a few hoodoos this season, most notably last week’s win against Collingwood (a team they hadn’t beaten in 11 straight matches). Come grand final day, it won’t matter a thing.
It’s easy to be lured into the amazing win by the Swans last week. But there’s a very good reason the Hawks have been favourites all season – they’ve played their best against the best.
What we can hope for is by the last few minutes of the match, we’re all questioning what could happen next, in another epic grand final.
Join us from 2.30pm AEST for the last game of the year as we cover the action from the AFL Grand Final.
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The Crowd Says (221) | Page 1 of Comments
The Roar Live Blog: Latest comments displayed at the top of the page | Click here to jump to leave a comment
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- Adam Goodes, AFL, AFL finals, Hawthorn Hawks, Lance Franklin, live blog, Sydney Swans
12:32am
Rhonda Hoddinott said | 12:32am | Report comment
Great game we are on a cruise Greenland when we won our way into GF.
Montreal to see the final live in the Pepsi Forum Sports bar. 15 screens large and small… What a privilege to see such a courage displayed by our guys to take the win.
GO SWANS. Thank you all
9:47pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:47pm | Report comment
Very proud of the Swans. Watched the game from first minute to last. Gee they are a joy to watch. The Roosters could learn alot about the Swans never say did attitude in games. And for all those that questioned Sydney’s attacking ability, not many teams at the MCG can keep a team like Hawthorn scoreless in the second quarter and go on to kick six unanswered goals to overturn a 19 point defecit into a 16 point lead at the break. MCG hoodoo? Great news for AFL in Sydney. Great news for Sydney all round. Embrace the Swans because they give it their all every week.
6:01pm
Tristan Rayner said | 6:01pm | Report comment
Pat Grant’s final drawing for The Roar – great to have an illustrator painting awesome art work live for us.
7:24pm
Anthony said | 7:24pm | Report comment
What a game! What a team! What an example of our great game!
5:38pm
Nathan of Perth said | 5:38pm | Report comment
Several crates of Hawthorn Premiership 2012 shirts currently racing to the incinerator…
Also those Auskick kids playing in the confetti are adorable!
5:36pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:36pm | Report comment
So there it is.
Sydney win the flag by ten points.
Thanks for joining us.
The bloods win their fifth flag and only their second since the second World War.
5:35pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:35pm | Report comment
Bob Skilton presents the Premiership Cup.
It is hoisted high. And the players come from everywhere
5:35pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:35pm | Report comment
McVeigh:
“This is going to be the best month of our lives’
5:32pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:32pm | Report comment
Tony Jewell to award the Jock McHale to John Longmire, Premiership coach.
5:32pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:32pm | Report comment
Longmire: Thanks Hawthorn. “You’re a fantastic club. We admire how you go about it” Well appreciated by the fans.
5:34pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:34pm | Report comment
“Thank you to our fans.”
“Lastly, I’d like to thank our players” “never say die is a great attitude to have”
Gives a mention to the guys like McGlynn who missed out “Thanks boys”
5:30pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:30pm | Report comment
Goodes kisses his medal. The fans love it.
Of course, Jarryd McVeigh will lift the Cup today. He’s got the gig.
5:28pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:28pm | Report comment
Jude Bolton: “This is for the bloods again”
5:28pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:28pm | Report comment
I wonder how loud the roar will be for Adam Goodes. Only Lewis Jetta (and maybe Jude) is more popular.
But Goodesy kicked the winner today. He put them in front at the death.
5:27pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:27pm | Report comment
The players are awarded their premiership medals
5:24pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:24pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
The Norm Smith is awarded to Ryan O’Keefe.
He stood up so often when the Swans needed him to. In every quarter.
5:26pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:26pm | Report comment
O’Keefe: Thanks the Hawks for a fantastic game
“To the Swannies supporters….tremenous bunch. Thanks for supporting us all the time”
He invites his teammates to run a muck.
5:23pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:23pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
Hodge: Congrats to Sydney
5:23pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:23pm | Report comment
Thanks sponsors.
5:24pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:24pm | Report comment
Hodge: Couldn’t be more proud of my teammates.
“Well done boys”
“We’ll be back next year”
5:22pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:22pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
Presentation begins.
Luke Hodge to speak first.
5:22pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:22pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
So many heroes in red and white
One of mine:
Mitch Morton – two goals and an incredible effort to allow Jack to level the scores late
5:21pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:21pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
It was a funny old game. 5 of the 25 goals came from the RIchmond end. The rest came from the City end, where Sydney won the match in the final quarter.
Sydney led by a point at three quarter time and quite interestingly Hawthorn had the best quarter into the breeze in the last and still lost.
5:20pm
Nathan of Perth said | 5:20pm | Report comment
Cracking match, a win for the battlers and the humble! Classic Grand Final, one of the best – say what you will about the Swans, they know how to put on a show on the greatest stage!
5:19pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:19pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
In the end Hawthorn’s horrible second quarter has cost them.
The game could’ve gone either way. Sewell had two shots in the last five minutes. His first was a quick kick from a contest. It could’ve tied the match but just missed. He then had another opportunity to put the Hawks in front but again missed. It must be a sour feeling because Brad Sewell played a mighty match.
Incredible scenes.
5:17pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:17pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
What an unbelievable game.
It soared and ebbed and we didn’t know who was going to win until the death. The Hawks led by 12 with a half a quarter to go but Sydney led by 28 in the second qtr.
It’s quite an incredible finale to the tightest season in recent memory.
5:14pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:14pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
Cheer, cheer the red and the white
5:13pm
oikee said | 5:13pm | Report comment
EASY, EASY, nite nite hawkies, Easy.
5:20pm
Milz said | 5:20pm | Report comment
Thought u were a leaugie oikee?
5:13pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:13pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
SYDNEY ARE PREMIERS
SYDNEY WIN BY 10
WHAT A GAME
5:12pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:12pm | Report comment
5 seconds to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
Birchall hurries it fwd.
Not long left now
5:12pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:12pm | Report comment
34 seconds to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 14.7.91
Malceski kicks a GOAL
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL FOR SSSSSYYYYYYYYYYYDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDNNNNNNNNNNEYYYYYYYYYY
SYDNEY ARE PREMIERS
THE SWANS HAVE WON
‘ESKI’S THE MAN
SYDNEY WILL WIN THE FLAG
5:13pm
Johnno said | 5:13pm | Report comment
this is the greatest grand final ever, no question agree Justin.
5:11pm
Bill Larkin said | 5:11pm | Report comment
Great GF. Great win Swans
5:11pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:11pm | Report comment
51 seconds to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 13.7.85
Jetta has marked it at 55m!!
Goes back.
Winds up.
Straight kick. Distance not reached. Bounce at 30 for Sydney.
5:10pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:10pm | Report comment
1:29 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 13.7.85
O’Keefe had it on the wing. Went long to 1 on 1. No mark to Jetta.
Hawks to HB.
The ball is at HF for Sydney.
It’s all down to this.
5:09pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:09pm | Report comment
2:06 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 13.7.85
Another stoppage on the wing.
A goal would win it for either team.
5:09pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:09pm | Report comment
2:26 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 13.7.85
BIG MARK BY REID AT HALF BACK
Swans out of immediate danger but not out of the woods.
Stoppage on the wing.
5:08pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:08pm | Report comment
2:59 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.15.81 Sydney 13.7.85
Sewell sneaks a snap and misses. Four points in it.
5:07pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:07pm | Report comment
3:30 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.14.80 Sydney 13.7.85
Smith to FF for the Hawks. No mark. No score.
Throw-in next to the goals.
From the stoppage, Sewell misses. Just!!
How’s your heart???
5:09pm
Johnno said | 5:09pm | Report comment
Justin this is the greatest grand final ever.
5:06pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:06pm | Report comment
3:50 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.13.79 Sydney 13.7.85
Another stoppage.
5:06pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:06pm | Report comment
4:00 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.13.79 Sydney 13.7.85
A straight kick in it. Hawks at 40. Stoppage.
5:05pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:05pm | Report comment
4:08 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.13.79 Sydney 13.7.85
Hawks bang it long to FF. LRT!! What a mark.
Swans forced to play on from defence. Reid v Schoenmakers. Schoen did well. BOuncing ball to HF.
Mitchell at 70. No mark. Franklin.
Hawks attacking now.
5:04pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:04pm | Report comment
6 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.13.79 Sydney 13.7.85
Franklin marks at 45. Plays on!!! To GUNSTON.
He hit the post!! Franklin handed off and Gunston missed.
5:03pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:03pm | Report comment
6 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 13.7.85
The Swans to HF.
Hawks get it to HF.
How fitting is it that Goodes kicks that goal. There is not a man more synonymous with this era in Swans history.
5:02pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:02pm | Report comment
6 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 13.7.85
Ball I50 for the Swans.
Goodes in the pocket. The biggest moment of the match.
A bouncing ball. A shot at goal.
It’s there.
SYDDNEEEEYYYYY LEADS
THE SWANS BY SEVEN
5:01pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:01pm | Report comment
8 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 12.7.79
Long ball I50.
Lewis punches away for Hawthorn. It’s the concession of a point. Sydney lead by one.
5:01pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:01pm | Report comment
8 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 12.6.78
Long ball I50. Richards outstanding. Took a ripping mark. Kennedy marks on the wing.
Swans rising at the most important moment. Sydney searching for their fifth flag.
Parker on the win. The Hawks going for number 11.
5:00pm
Justin Cinque said | 5:00pm | Report comment
8 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 12.6.78
In a game of consecutive goals, Sydney have two in a row here. One more and that make might it tough for the Hawks.
Does the next goal win?
4:59pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:59pm | Report comment
8 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 12.6.78
Richards on the wing. Bolton did well. Morton v two I50.
He did so, so, so well.
Morton created the contest that allowed Jack the time to arrive. With perseverance Sydney kick a goal.
JACK TIES THE SCORES
WE ARE LEVEL IN THE GF
4:57pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:57pm | Report comment
9 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 11.6.72
99683 is the crowd.
4:57pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:57pm | Report comment
9 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 11.6.72
More stoppages. This game tightened right up.
LRT has it at HB. A chance for the Swans. He could only go to a contest. Free to Hodge, with a bandaged head, at HB.
4:55pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:55pm | Report comment
10 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 11.6.72
A series of stoppage on the wing.
This is so important now. Savage to HF.
Franklin couldn’t turn his man. Throw-in.
4:54pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:54pm | Report comment
11 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 11.6.72
Rioli broke from the centre. Went long to FF. Marked by Richards.
Swans quickly to HF. Jack under the pump. Everyone wants a free. Umpy says ‘give it here. I’ll bounce it’
Hawks won the clearance with some inventive play.
Hodge with a cut head. Throw-in at HF for Sydney.
4:53pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:53pm | Report comment
11 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 11.6.72
HANNEBURY GOALS
The Swans charged through midfield. Reid got a bad bounce at HF. He regathered and the Swans sent it to 50. Hannebury crumbed well. Ran on and goalled. This game is still to be won and lost.
4:51pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:51pm | Report comment
12 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 10.6.66
Stoppage on the wing.
Free to Mitchell for a push. Hmmm.
Mitchell to Young to HF. Throw-in.
Such a close game. Sydney to lift at HB.
4:50pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:50pm | Report comment
12 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.12.78 Sydney 10.6.66
More stoppages at HF for the Swans. All sorts of questions being asked of the Hawks defence. and the answers are being found.
Free to Hawthorn and 50!!!
Pyke thought the free was his and he played on. And was given 50.
Suckling from 60 misses.
A repreive for Sydney but interesting decision.
4:49pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:49pm | Report comment
15 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.11.77 Sydney 10.6.66
Bone-crunching tackle on Shaw at HF. Can the sub parker have an influence?
Swans at HF.
4:48pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:48pm | Report comment
15 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.11.77 Sydney 10.6.66
Hodge spoils Bird in the pocket.
So close. Swans fans boo. Hawks under the pump in D. Sydney trying to park themselves I50.
Hodges almost held at HF. No free. Throw-in.
Mumford subbed. Parker on.
4:47pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:47pm | Report comment
15 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.11.77 Sydney 10.6.66
Bolton to Goodes. Goodes made a contest. Reid snaps and misses.
Bad miss from a man who often misses.
4:46pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:46pm | Report comment
15 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.11.77 Sydney 10.5.65
Throw-in at HF.
Stoppage at HF for the Swans. Sydney need the next one.
It’s been a funny old game. Can the Swans turn it on its head again?
4:45pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:45pm | Report comment
15 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.11.77 Sydney 10.5.65
Just, just misses.
So close.
4:45pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:45pm | Report comment
16 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.10.76 Sydney 10.5.65
Hawks footy on the wing. Young I50. No mark but a free to Buddy.
And he’ll be lining up from 40m.
You’d think this would be put Hawthorn in a position where one hand is on the Cup.
Franklin from 40m.
For a three-goal lead…
4:43pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:43pm | Report comment
18 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.10.76 Sydney 10.5.65
Sewell from the stoppage. Mitchell to HF. No mark. Franklin the target. Lewis on the floor. Sewell can’t find a target and Johnson marked well in D. What a game he’s played.
Bird marks on the wing.
The Swans must lift. McVeigh on the wing. Went to a 1v1. Backed in Malceski. No mark.
And the Hawks break.Franklin well manned by Richards. Grundy in D. Did okay and the Swans break.
4:42pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:42pm | Report comment
18 to go Q4
Hawthorn 11.10.76 Sydney 10.5.65
Hawks go fwd. Stoppage at 40.
Hale from the stoppage. He snaps a goal.
WHAT A START
The door-bell rings – who’s that?????
4:40pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:40pm | Report comment
19 to go Q4
Hawthorn 10.10.70 Sydney 10.5.65
Hawks win the first clearance.
Kennedy under the pump. Swans to the wing.
Hodge bangs it up the line.
Johnson at HB. Shaw is under teh pump twice. Hurts Sydney.
Rioli skins the Swans. Breust in Pagan’s Paddock. Picks it up and GOALS!!
Hawks lead.
4:39pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:39pm | Report comment
THREE QUARTER TIME
Hawthorn 9.10.64 Sydney 10.5.65
Breeze has got stronger.
Hodge: We have to play on at all costs – via Richo.
4:38pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:38pm | Report comment
THREE QUARTER TIME
Hawthorn 9.10.64 Sydney 10.5.65
It’s raining now.
So it all comes to this.
Richards got another jab in the rooms.
4:35pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:35pm | Report comment
THREE QUARTER TIME
Hawthorn 9.10.64 Sydney 10.5.65
Well what a quarter. The Swans opened up a 28-pt lead in the middle part of the quarter but then the Hawks kicked five goals in a row to a take the lead.
A controversial McVeigh goal got Sydney back in front.
Almost all goals today have come down the City end, to which Sydney will be kicking to in the final quarter.
It’s so hard to pick but I’m tipping the Swans because of that wind advantage.
4:33pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:33pm | Report comment
1 to go Q3
Hawthorn 9.10.64 Sydney 10.5.65
Buddy claimed marked it at 50 but it bounced it front – or actually the replay is inconclusive.
SIREN
Swans by one.
4:32pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:32pm | Report comment
1 to go Q3
Hawthorn 9.10.64 Sydney 10.5.65
A saving mark from LRT at FB.
But Roughy has it on the wing. The Swans need the siren. It’s all defence here.
McVeigh wins a free now.
4:31pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:31pm | Report comment
2 to go Q3
Hawthorn 9.10.64 Sydney 10.5.65
All the scoring has been done down the City end. Sydney will score to that end in the final term.
And now Richo backs me up.
4:31pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:31pm | Report comment
And that adv is breeze-backed.
4:30pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:30pm | Report comment
2 to go Q3
Hawthorn 9.10.64 Sydney 10.5.65
Jetta has pushed his opponent late but the umpire has taken the play back and not paid downfield.
Suckling’s barrel is to FF – about 85m long was the kick.
Stoppage results.
Roughead from the stoppage, misses. Poster!!
4:29pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:29pm | Report comment
3 to go Q3
Hawthorn 9.9.63 Sydney 10.5.65
Lewis done for HTB.
WOW!! 50.
Against Mitchell for throwing the back but over the head of McVeigh.
It moved McVeigh to within scoring range.
From 30, he GOALS
Swans respond in controversial circumstances (but correct decision was made)
4:27pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:27pm | Report comment
3 to go Q3
Hawthorn 9.9.63 Sydney 9.5.59
Sydney need their leaders to lift.
Hawthorn have played a fantastic quarter.
4:26pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:26pm | Report comment
3 to go Q3
Hawthorn 9.9.63 Sydney 9.5.59
HAWTHORN LEAD!! HAWTHORN LEADS
From the stoppage. It was so fast. Smith received at 50 and went bang and the Hawks are flying now!!
How this game has changed? A roller-coaster ride of emotion and momentum.
4:25pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:25pm | Report comment
5 to go Q3
Hawthorn 8.9.57 Sydney 9.5.59
Hawks playing much better of HB.
Breust on the wing. Franklin’s marking everything.
LONG ball to FF.
Unloads. BUDDY GOALS!!! Oh dear. This game has changed.
BUDDY PLAYING A MASSIVE QUARTER.
FOUR IN A ROW! Hawks are back!!
4:24pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:24pm | Report comment
5 to go Q3
Hawthorn 7.9.51 Sydney 9.5.59
Hawks have three in a row.
And Ellis is subbed for Savage.
4:23pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:23pm | Report comment
6 to go Q3
Hawthorn 7.9.51 Sydney 9.5.59
Shiels to Poo. And Gunston is found at 40m.
He’s a good kick. He’s already got one.
Gunston for his second.
From 40m, his kick is good. Hawthorn are charging home. They’re winning the Premiership quarter.
4:22pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:22pm | Report comment
6 to go Q3
Hawthorn 6.9.45 Sydney 9.5.59
Bird at HF for Sydney. Mumford was half-held. Almost marked it. No free. Bird snaps high. ANd misses the lot.
The Hawks are still alive here. Another one and it’s really close for the first time in a while.
4:21pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:21pm | Report comment
6 to go Q3
Hawthorn 6.9.45 Sydney 9.5.59
Suckling with his golden left boot, sends a long ball to the goals. It’s touched on the line!! Hawks are lifting. Here they come.
4:20pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:20pm | Report comment
7 to go Q3
Hawthorn 6.8.44 Sydney 9.5.59
Swans win the clearance. Hodge off HB. Malceski beaten by Sewell. Poor kick to HF.
Richards’ footy at HB.
McVeigh crumbed well on the wing. Banged it long to HF. Hodge did well at HB. Good pass to Young.
Hawthorn playing better. Winding up.
Ellis to Franklin. He’s marked it at 53. He’ll play on. Misses. He does that Buddy.
4:20pm
Johnno said | 4:20pm | Report comment
C’mon Luke Hodge step up you are a super star take the game . Memories 2008. Him and “sugar shane crawford took the GF” by the scruff of the neck, step up Hodge do it for “sugar” .
4:18pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:18pm | Report comment
8 to go Q3
Hawthorn 6.7.43 Sydney 9.5.59
Burgoyne won the free. Hannebury ghosted in at HB to take the mark. Hanners might be a chance from Norm.
Goodes sent it to Reid at 55. He marked well.
Reid goes high to FF. No mark. Hawks break.
Birchall is off. Races through HB. Went to Franky at HF. Long ball.
GOALS
Franklin goes BANG!! And the Hawks are back.
Two in a row.
Brilliant play by Grant Birchall. Showing why he was an All-Australian.
4:15pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:15pm | Report comment
10 to go Q3
Hawthorn 5.7.37 Sydney 9.5.59
Hale has won a free against Mumford in the ruck at HF.
Hawthorn need this one. They need a goal.
Hale from the paint. Good contact made.
He goals!! Hawks needed that one.
The fans still believe.
4:14pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:14pm | Report comment
12 to go Q3
Hawthorn 4.7.31 Sydney 9.5.59
Mumford to HF. Suckling at the front. Reid went to the boundary. %s footy from the Swans.
Mitchell at HB can’t clear the D zone.
Bounce at HF. Swans searching for the throat. They want the flag in their keeping by the end of the premiership quarter.
4:13pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:13pm | Report comment
12 to go Q3
Hawthorn 4.7.31 Sydney 9.5.59
Buddy went long to a 1v1. Swans win it – like they have since QT.
O’Keefe at CHB. Hawthorn need the next goal. This dream is fading so fast.
The Swans dominance is profound. They’ve kicked eight goals in a row in GF. You usually win when that happens in any game let alone the biggie.
4:11pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:11pm | Report comment
12 to go Q3
Hawthorn 4.7.31 Sydney 9.5.59
8 goals in a row for the Swans.
And a chance for more. Hannebury to FF.
No mark.
Kennedy dancing. Short little ball to O’Keefe. Scrubby kick.
Swans win it back at HF.
Bolton to FF.
Kennedy hits the post. So close.
4:10pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:10pm | Report comment
15 to go Q3
Hawthorn 4.7.31 Sydney 9.4.58
Smith makes a bad decision when kicking to HF. A possible scoring chance ends in a stoppage which Sydney win.
Goodes made the contest at HF. LRT is on his own in the pocket.
It would take a monumental change of flow for Sydney to lose today. They are skinning them.
LRT kicks a…
GOAL
The Swans are looking the goods.
4:07pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:07pm | Report comment
18 to go Q3
Hawthorn 4.7.31 Sydney 8.4.52
Hawks have it in the pocket.
Doc Larkins says Goodes has an ACL concern. THey are trying to have in right condition to play. But struggling.
4:07pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:07pm | Report comment
Goodes is showing no signs of pain though. He’s attacking the footy.
4:09pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:09pm | Report comment
4:05pm
Johnno said | 4:05pm | Report comment
how long is an AFL quarter these days is it 30 minutes, 25 min, or 20 min anyone know Justin do you know i don’t follow AFL so don’t know just take a sneak peek at the game on grand final day.
4:07pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:07pm | Report comment
20 minutes of real footy. Usually takes 30 on the clock with stoppages.
4:05pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:05pm | Report comment
18 to go Q3
Hawthorn 4.7.31 Sydney 8.4.52
Mitchell under the pump on the wing. Sewell bangs I50. No mark. Stoppage at 40.
Sewell’s kick is picked off by McVeigh in defence.
Jetta is loose over the back. His decision making is so good.
Jetta squares to HF. Kennedy runs on.
GOALLLLSSSSS
I think Sydney are gonna win the flag.
4:03pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:03pm | Report comment
18 to go Q3
Hawthorn 4.7.31 Sydney 7.4.46
Laconic kick misses badly from Roughead. bad start for Hawthorn. Big opportunity missed.
4:02pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:02pm | Report comment
19 to go Q3
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 7.4.46
Short pass finds Roughead at 40m.
This is such an important kick.
This sets the tone for the quarter for Hawthorn?
4:02pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:02pm | Report comment
19 to go Q3
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 7.4.46
Back under away.
Kennedy tried to surge from the stoppage. He was caught and his done by HTB.
Rioli hasn’t had an impact today. Smith outmarks him at HF.
Hawks footy on the wing.
4:00pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:00pm | Report comment
Longmire: Don’t deviate from what we do well.
4:00pm
Justin Cinque said | 4:00pm | Report comment
They call the third quarter ‘the premiership quarter’, will it live up to its name today?
Players are back on the ground.
3:54pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:54pm | Report comment
HALF TIME
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 7.4.46
The half-time entertainment is probably blocking out a very loud spray from Alistair Clarkson.
–
Mitch Morton has always had the ability – he was a standout forward in a bad Richmond team but I never thought I’d see him have such a big impact in a Grand Final. He snapped two beautiful goals in that quarter. He’s always been a cracking kick over his shoulder.
3:47pm
Tristan Rayner said | 3:47pm | Report comment
Pat Grant getting a little controversial… no code wars today, please!
3:45pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:45pm | Report comment
6.0 to 0.1, what a quarter from the Swans. Game is far from over – Mumford and Goodes are affected by injury, Buddy’s getting his fair share of opportunities – but there was a huge momentum shift that term. The unsung heroes like Mitch Morton and Mike Pyke are stepping up!
3:46pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:46pm | Report comment
Yep it is far from over.
Michael, do you think Clarkson should throw a couple of men behind the ball to stem the Swans scoring in the third term?
3:52pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:52pm | Report comment
If it gets any worse, sure, but only to stop the bleeding. They’ll need to generate their own goals if they are to win it. It’s tough though, if you assign someone else to Morton it could free up Goodes or Reid or LRT, the Swans have so many options that it’s hard to pinpoint one player that needs to be stopped above all else.
3:57pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:57pm | Report comment
I think Clarko should put at least one extra man back for the first ten minutes. If the Swans scoring dries then it’s done its job and can be taken out.
Hawthorn MUST win this third term. They need to trim the margin.
4:01pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 4:01pm | Report comment
Premiership quarter!
3:44pm
Johnno said | 3:44pm | Report comment
How is Luke Hodge playing Justin. And what is the umpiring like any complaints from Hawks fans.
3:45pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:45pm | Report comment
Like his team Johnno he’s struggling to have an impact. He’s a champion, he’s the captain. An inspirational quarter from Hodgey could be the ingiter Hawthorn needs in the third term.
3:43pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:43pm | Report comment
The Temper Trap are entertaining fans at Half Time.
If I was Swans fan I’d be singing loudly!!
3:40pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:40pm | Report comment
HALF TIME
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 7.4.46
Sydney kicked the only six goals of the second term. They are in the box seat. They are the likely premiers.
The Hawks are shell-shocked. They have no answer. I think their mental frailties are being exposed by Sydney. This Hawks team has suffered it’s fair share of hurt and they don’t know how to respond when presented with a similar situation. A champion team would’ve lifted when Sydney rose but the Hawks stuttered and fumbled.
Whatever Longmire said at the first change it worked. The Swans became dominant in midfield. They were able to set up well at HF and I50 and the goals came.
This game could be quite similar to the meeting of these two teams in Launceston earlier in the year. IN that game Hawthorn dominated the first quarter of the match. By Half Time the Swans were well on top and they went on to win by heaps. Post match the media said Hawthorn “dogged it”.
Can they change things here? They have a half of footy to do it.
3:36pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:36pm | Report comment
1 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 7.4.46
Hawks with little time remaining in the Q.
Suckling near the boundary.
Johnson monsters him at HB. Throw-in for the Hawks with not much time left.
SIREN.
3:35pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:35pm | Report comment
5 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 7.4.46
Franklin marks at 35 for the Hawks. Slight angle.
Buddy must goal.
He pulled it so bad it might as well have been a bad golf shot. If it was golf he’d be on the fairway of an adjacent hole. What a shocking kick.
3:33pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:33pm | Report comment
5 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 7.4.46
Stratton short to Ellis. Sewell is spoiled by Hannebury.
Hawthorn’s stutters are noticeable. IT’s obvious. They are shell-shocked. What answer can they muster? Their premiership dream could be fading here.
This group of players is writing their own history. They have to change the tide. They have to be cleaner and smarter.
3:31pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:31pm | Report comment
5 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 7.4.46
Sydney with all the run. Writing their own story here.
Ball again to HF. Reid couldn’t claim the mark. He’s now given away the free.
Hawthorn can’t getting anything going. How has this game changed so much??
Mattner for Sydney sends it to HF.
3:30pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:30pm | Report comment
5 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 7.4.46
Swans were able to get the footy out of the danger zone of the ground.
Hannebery at HF. Kicks to LRT. It went over his head. LRT gathered but couldn’t find Goodes at FF.
Sewell in the clinches. Looking for his 18th touch.
Swans again I50. Jack with quick hands.
Morton again. And the champion snap kicks another!! SYDNEY HAVE SIX IN A ROW
A FAMOUS QUARTER
A PREMIERSHIP-WINNING MOVE IN THE GRANNY
3:29pm
oikee said | 3:29pm | Report comment
Moon Doggy, Swans up against pimply faced kids. Yea, go swannies, Easy.
3:27pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:27pm | Report comment
6 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 6.4.40
Swans fans in full voice.
Sydney;s pressure intensifies.
Burgoyne sends the footy I50.
Smith v Poo. Stoppage results. Throw-in I50 for the Hawks who need to respond.
3:26pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:26pm | Report comment
6 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 6.4.40
Breust’s kick I50 is poor.
We know Hawthorn have a bad history (under Clarkson) in big, close games. Are we seeing some clogging of the throat.
Long ball for the Swans at FF. Goodes no mark.
Morton is a champion snap of the footy. At the city end, he kicks over his shoulder.
Five in a row. The Swans are killing ‘em now.
3:24pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:24pm | Report comment
7 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.6.30 Sydney 5.4.34
Franklin at HF pops it onto the chest of Hale at 40 on an angle.
He needs to kick this, David Hale, to restore the Hawks lead. To give them a lift.
It’s always to the left. He misses.
3:23pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:23pm | Report comment
9 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 5.4.34
Burgoyne with a nervous kick at FB. He just hit his target at HB.
The Swans have surged. Their midfield has lifted.
Sewell at HB. Can Hawthorn get something going?
Stoppage on the wing. All of a sudden, the Swans are on top.
3:21pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:21pm | Report comment
13 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 5.4.34
Swans move it well. It comes to Reid at HF.
Time to load up. Not a safe kick. But this is a ripping kick!!
IT’S A GOAL. FOUR IN A ROW – SYDNEY LEAD!! SYDNEY LEAD!!
3:23pm
Matt said | 3:23pm | Report comment
Swannies!
3:20pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:20pm | Report comment
13 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 4.4.28
McVeigh to HF. Mitchell under the pump. O’Keefe kept him honest.
Ellis to the wing.
Throw in. This is developing into an epic tussle.
The Swans are coming back hard. Is this shades of Launy? When Sydney performed a 10 or 12 goal turnaround on the Hawks early in the year??
3:20pm
Tristan Rayner said | 3:20pm | Report comment
Swannies!
(Pat Grant still working away, illustrating the AFL Grand Final 2012 for The Roar as part of Newcastle’s Young Writers Festival)
3:19pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:19pm | Report comment
13 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 4.4.28
Footy on the wing. Free to Lewis near the interchange gates.
Gunston went to FF.
Messy stuff in D from Sydney. Jetta at HB. Swans will escape but not without giving their fans some heart problems.
Throw-in at HF for the Swans.
Goodes is getting some work on his left leg. Not sure what the problem is? Might be nothing wrong.
3:16pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:16pm | Report comment
13 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 4.4.28
Birchall to the wing. Shaw takes them on in the middle.
Jack to FF. No mark. Hawks clear the defensive zone.
3:16pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:16pm | Report comment
14 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 4.4.28
Bruce says it best – seven of the eight goals to the City end.
3:15pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:15pm | Report comment
14 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 4.4.28
Jetta dancing at HF – how good is this young man? – delivers perfectly to FF.
Swans are back with a bang. McVeigh marked well at FF.
he should goal. He does.
One-point game. The Hawks 19-pt lead at QT is now just one.
3:14pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:14pm | Report comment
15 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 3.4.22
Hawks won the clearance. Franklin with a few hanging off him. Bounce at 60m for Hawthorn.
Whatever message Longmire led at QT it worked. Swans inspired in the second term.
3:12pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:12pm | Report comment
18 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 3.4.22
Goodes at HF. Long ball to FF. Beautiful pass. Jack marks at the top of the square. He should goal from there.
Jack goals.
Swans get two in a row.
Hawks fans boo. THey wanted a free for Holding The Ball. None coming.
Swans back in the game.
3:13pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:13pm | Report comment
LRT should’ve been done for HTB on the wing. The umpires first real negative impact in the game…
3:11pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:11pm | Report comment
18 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 2.4.16
Roughead sent a low ball across the face. He missed.
Swans chip it around in the back half and attempt to switch. Good kick to Pyke. Kennedy to Reid. Juggled the mark and dropped it. He hasn’t done much Reid.
Stoppage on the wing.
3:10pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:10pm | Report comment
18 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 2.4.16
Kennedy won a clearance in the middle. No mark. Gibson outmarked his man at HB.
Hawks win an interesting free for ‘deliberate’ on the wing. Mass of players near the Hawks HF line. Bounce.
3:08pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:08pm | Report comment
19 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 2.4.16
Kennedy gave it a roost. Long, long ball. GOALS!! It just cleared the pack.
I could be wrong but that may be the first time a Kennedy has struck a blow against Hawthorn in a GF.
3:07pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:07pm | Report comment
19 to go Q2
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 1.4.10
Johnson marks at HB for the Swans.
McVeigh has marked low to the ground.
Kennedy at HF for the Swans.
He will go back from a long way.
3:06pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:06pm | Report comment
QUARTER TIME
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 1.4.10
Ted Richards went down to the rooms. Tim Watson says he would’ve received an injection for his injured ankle.
3:05pm
Tristan Rayner said | 3:05pm | Report comment
Hawthorn man is happy after the Quarter Time (Image: Pat Grant)
3:05pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:05pm | Report comment
QUARTER TIME
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 1.4.10
For mine Sydney are really missing a pivotal HF who can come up the ground like a Travis Cloke or Tom Hawkins and take a mark for them at high HF. There is no link between defence and attack for Sydney so they really need to be winning the central clearances and the stoppages so the game is played in their fwd half.
3:02pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:02pm | Report comment
QUARTER TIME
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 1.4.10
Hawks by 19. For much of the first term the game was tight but after about ten minutes Hawthorn were winning the midfield arm-wrestle. They had plenty of I50s and eventually got out to a handy lead.
The Swans had some chances late in the quarter but couldn’t take them. In the last few minutes of the term, Hawthorn’s experience in big games showed. Breust and Gunston taking the game on to kick goals.
The Hawks system is winning out and the scoreboard says they are the better team. They are in control.
3:00pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:00pm | Report comment
1 to go Q1
Hawthorn 4.5.29 Sydney 1.4.10
Gunston.
Norman goals!!
From the stoppage, the ball went to HF. Gunston played on and has goalled.
The Hawks aren’t showing any nerves THe Swans are and the Hawks are dominant and making the Swans look a bit average. The Hawks are racing to big early lead.
3:00pm
Michael DiFabrizio said | 3:00pm | Report comment
Hawthorn just the more composed team so far.
3:03pm
Justin Cinque said | 3:03pm | Report comment
Michael, what would you like to see Longmire do to make it easier for the Swans?
2:59pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:59pm | Report comment
1 to go Q1
Hawthorn 3.5.23 Sydney 1.4.10
Pyke won a free at HF. Swans need a goal. Smith’s kick I50 is poor for the Swans. Sydney lack poise at the key moment.
Young held his feet at the crucial moment. Went to Breust. Played on.
Took the game on and rolled it home. Hawthorn moving clear. Handling the occasion better. Making the running.
2:57pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:57pm | Report comment
1 to go Q1
Hawthorn 2.5.17 Sydney 1.4.10
Hodge took on LRT when shouldn’t have. Is done. HTB!!!
Lewis Roberts Thompson misses from 25, no angle.
The wind pushed it wide. It’s had an impact.
2:56pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:56pm | Report comment
4 to go Q1
Hawthorn 2.5.17 Sydney 1.3.9
Bird missed.
2:56pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:56pm | Report comment
4 to go Q1
Hawthorn 2.5.17 Sydney 1.2.8
Hawthorn are well on top. The Swans can’t take a mark. Hawthorn are in control.
Long ball to FF for Hawthorn. Jetta breaks from HB.
And is off. Three bounces. Shades of Aussie Jones and MIchael Long. He went to HF. There was no goal but there might be soon.
Goodes finds Bird. But Lewis Jetta is the man!!
Bird to goal from 35?
2:54pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:54pm | Report comment
4 to go Q1
Hawthorn 2.5.17 Sydney 1.2.8
Franklin from 40 has it swinging in typical Buddy fashion. It holds it line when it wasn’t going to and it’s home.
Hawks away to a small lead.
2:53pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:53pm | Report comment
5 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.5.11 Sydney 1.2.8
Hannebury showed great courage at the front to out-mark Hale at HB.
Hawks break from the wing. Schoenmakers racing clear of traffic. ANd finds Buddy. Well played young, maligned, man.
2:52pm
Johnno said | 2:52pm | Report comment
Is it raining in Melbourne i am not near a tv. And by the way does anyone know if they did 1 minute silence for the Melbourne girl who tragically lost her life last weekend in Brunswick anyone know. That would of been a nice touch if they did do a minutes silence.
2:54pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:54pm | Report comment
Not raining Johnno and no minute’s silence.
2:52pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:52pm | Report comment
5 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.5.11 Sydney 1.2.8
Roughead rids himself of his man but just misses to the right.
2:51pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:51pm | Report comment
5 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.4.10 Sydney 1.2.8
On a rare entry I50, Johnson has time to shoot from the paint. He misses to the left. Swans fans were willing it home.
2:51pm
Tristan Rayner said | 2:51pm | Report comment
Pat Grant – self portrait?
2:51pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:51pm | Report comment
6 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.4.10 Sydney 1.1.7
We’ve seen so many GFs decided by teams taking their chances when having dominant periods in matches. Sydney are winning this little stouch. They trail by three and haven’t done a lot.
2:50pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:50pm | Report comment
6 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.4.10 Sydney 1.1.7
point.
Just missed to the left.
2:49pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:49pm | Report comment
9 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.3.9 Sydney 1.1.7
Jetta breaks from a stoppage at FB. LRT at HB. He turns it over. Hawks in the middle.
Young to Hodge and HALE!! Big mark at 30.
Hawthorn are on top in the Granny and Hale can establish a nice little buffer.
It’s a tight game but Hawthorn’s better disposal and pressure is the difference.
Hale kicks a…
2:48pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:48pm | Report comment
9 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.3.9 Sydney 1.1.7
Bounce at HF for the Hawks. Jack’s would-be clearance isn’t a Hawk. More stoppages.
It’s a stop-start, tough game of footy. I like it.
It’s a battle of strength. And now there’s a Holding The Ball decision against Kennedy. It looked a bit suss that call.
Swans aren’t hurt by it though. A stoppage results at HF for the Hawks.
2:46pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:46pm | Report comment
9 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.3.9 Sydney 1.1.7
A close start to the granny. hawks would be winning the crucial ‘time in fwd half’ stat but not by plenty.
2:46pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:46pm | Report comment
9 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.3.9 Sydney 1.1.7
Shiels kick wasn’t very good. Rushed through for a point.
2:45pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:45pm | Report comment
10 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.2.8 Sydney 1.1.7
Hawks at HF. Suckling to Stratton. Young to FF. Gunston flew but couldn’t complete the mark.
Swans can rebound only as far as 50.
Bird has given away the free to Shiels at 40. It was for ‘in the back’
2:44pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:44pm | Report comment
13 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.2.8 Sydney 1.1.7
Cyril to Buddylove at 45. Buddy can shoot from 40m. But we know Buddy has issues in front of goal. And he hits the post!
A chance missed.
2:43pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:43pm | Report comment
13 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.1.7 Sydney 1.1.7
Hawks go I50. Ball to the goalline isn’t gonna make the trip.
Swans rebound. Goodes v Schoen. Goodes couldn’t quite get a handle on it.
McVeigh rising for the Swans. Jack in the middle went sideways to Malceksi. Poor kick works well.
Jack was fantastic at HF. Morton to FF. Poorly executed. Hawks can use it from defence.
2:41pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:41pm | Report comment
13 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.1.7 Sydney 1.1.7
Malceski near the boundary. Snaps with his left.
It’s coming back. It’s coming back. It. Is. There.
WHAT A GOAL. Swans level up again.
2:40pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:40pm | Report comment
13 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.1.7 Sydney 0.1.1
Hawthorn go I50 once more.
McVeigh at HB. No mark near the bullseye. Kenneedy back to McVeigh. Long ball to FF. Is Goodes held? No!!
Throw-in.
2:39pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:39pm | Report comment
13 to go Q1
Hawthorn 1.1.7 Sydney 0.1.1
It’s just so hard to get a possession here.
From the stoppage, it falls to ELLIS!
Quick kick. Goals!!
Chelsea Roffey was dancing but it’s there.
Hawthorn have the first!!
2:38pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:38pm | Report comment
14 to go Q1
Hawthorn 0.1.1 Sydney 0.1.1
Long ball to FF. No mark. Roughead with footy in hand can’t get a kick away. Bounce at the top of the square.
2:37pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:37pm | Report comment
16 to go Q1
Hawthorn 0.1.1 Sydney 0.1.1
Swans won the clearance in the depths of defence. The footy founds the boundary at HB.
And now there’s a free to Hodge at HF.
Hodge with a cut head can’t take his kick. He’s fine but he has to clean up his head.
2:36pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:36pm | Report comment
16 to go Q1
Hawthorn 0.1.1 Sydney 0.1.1
Ball I50 for the Hawks. Roughy had it spoiled. Bounce at FF for the Hawks.
2:36pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:36pm | Report comment
16 to go Q1
Hawthorn 0.1.1 Sydney 0.1.1
Franklin into Pagan’s Paddock. Ball to FF. Smith to Rioli. Under duress. Goodes is a cool head and a smart decision maker. Morton at HB. Did it well. Big tackle by Morton on the wing. Ball spilt loose.
Breust v Johnsn at HF. Throw-in.
Great game. Hard to get an effective disposal.
2:35pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:35pm | Report comment
16 to go Q1
Hawthorn 0.1.1 Sydney 0.1.1
Jetta is loose on the boundary to snap.
It’s low to the ground. ANd it’s touched on the goalline. We are square at 1.
2:34pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:34pm | Report comment
19 to go Q1
Hawthorn 0.1.1 Sydney 0.0.0
Ball at HF for the Hawks. Footy isn’t coming loose. Plenty of stoppages at the start.
It’s tight in the clinches. It’s what Grand Finals are built upon.
Swans eventually won the clearance. Gibson at HB for Hawthorn. Found Sewell behind the wing. He turns it over. O’Keefe has been everywhere and he finds the Canadian Pyke at HF.
Ball to FF. No mark. Suckling under the pump. Umpy to bounce it down at FF for the Swans.
2:32pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:32pm | Report comment
19 to go Q1
Hawthorn 0.1.1 Sydney 0.0.0
From beyond the paint of 50, Franklin misses to the left.
2:32pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:32pm | Report comment
19 to go Q1
Hawthorn 0.0.0 Sydney 0.0.0
Goodes wrapped up at HB. Shaw off HB. No mark to Schoenmakers in the middle.
O’Keefe good twice.
Suckling gets the first real time on the ball. Franklin at 45. Juggles the mark. Richards was disposed of – he played no part in the contest.
Franklin goes back.
2:30pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:30pm | Report comment
19 to go Q1
Hawthorn 0.0.0 Sydney 0.0.0
Mumford v Hale in ruck. Mumford won the first tap.
Mitchell beset up in the middle. Secondary bounce required. Hot in the kitchen. We expected it to be…
2:30pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:30pm | Report comment
40 seconds to the start.
Let the granny begin!
2:29pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:29pm | Report comment
Hodge and McVeigh at the toss.
McVeigh calls heads. Hodge wins the toss and points to the city or members end.
Hawks to the Members in the first. The Swans to Punt Rd.
2:28pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:28pm | Report comment
The siren sounds.
We’ll be off shortly.
2:28pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:28pm | Report comment
“Sydddd-neyyyyyyyy” echoes around the G.
2:27pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:27pm | Report comment
A rousing rendition. A loud roar.
Standby for a start.
2:26pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:26pm | Report comment
Marina Prior as she did in 1997 will sing the national anthem before the Grand Final.
2:26pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:26pm | Report comment
Premiership captain from 2011 Cameron Ling brings the trophy on the G. Bob Skilton and John Kennedy Snr place it on the mantel
2:25pm
Tristan Rayner said | 2:25pm | Report comment
Pat Grant is illustrating the 2012 AFL Grand Final for us:
2:25pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:25pm | Report comment
Are you nervous Roarers?
The 2012 decider is about to go.
I hope it’s a cracker.
2:23pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:23pm | Report comment
The Melbourne weather which looked so ominous about an hour ago has cleared somewhat. A bit of sun for the start.
2:21pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:21pm | Report comment
So who takes control today?
Who will be the surprise packet today? Will we have a Shane Ellen of 97 situation?
2:19pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:19pm | Report comment
Both teams completing their warm-ups for the Granny
2:18pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:18pm | Report comment
The Hawks are in the tunnel.
Hodge leads them out with Sewell to his right and Gibson to his left.
Some pretty big noise for the Hawks
“We’re a happy team at Hawks, we’re the mighty fighting Hawks”
2:16pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:16pm | Report comment
Hawks form a huddle in the rooms. We’re getting so close to a start now.
2:15pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:15pm | Report comment
Longmire: No fitness test for Mummy. No fitness test required.
“Enjoy it for what it is”
“not easy to win”
“we need to be accountable….we’ll make sure we’ll put some time into all” Hawks mids.
2:14pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:14pm | Report comment
Sydney players make their way on the ground.
“Cheer, cheer, the red and the white”
They pose for the photo
2:13pm
Tristan Rayner said | 2:13pm | Report comment
Hello all and welcome to our coverage. The Roar’s racing expert Justin Cinque is a keen AFL follower and looking forward to his call.
The Roar is also hosting a unique event today as part of This Is Not Art Festival in Newcastle:
How are sports reports published ten minutes after a game? What happens on matchday? Sports website The Roar takes you behind the scenes on one of the biggest days of their year, as you watch their grand final coverage in real time. Plus some unlikely match reporters, as illustrators, poets, and more take on the game.
With writers: Barnaby Smith, Geoff Lemon, Pat Grant and EM Reapy – and me!
We’ll have some interesting coverage today.
2:13pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:13pm | Report comment
The umpires are on the ground.
2:13pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:13pm | Report comment
A plane with the AFL logo painted on, flies over the MCG.
Swans players about to leave the rooms. They’re jittery and jumping around. I wonder how nervous they are.
2:10pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:10pm | Report comment
Tadhg Kennelly told ABC Grandstand earlier this afternoon that Shane Mumford did injure his hamstring at training and will play with a slight hammy complaint.
2:07pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:07pm | Report comment
22 minutes to the first bounce
2:05pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:05pm | Report comment
The stands are full now
We’re getting closer to the first bounce
2:03pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:03pm | Report comment
The motorcade is taking place.
Retired players are getting their send-off.
A loud roar for Hawk Chance Bateman.
2:01pm
Justin Cinque said | 2:01pm | Report comment
Are there any Hawks or Swans fans game enough to give their predictions?
By how many?
1:53pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:53pm | Report comment
If the weather does make the game more ‘inside’, more tight, I wonder if that helps the Swans play the ground better.
Their record at the MCG is atrocious but in a slog those sorts of things go out the window I reckon.
1:50pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:50pm | Report comment
I was at ANZ for the Prelim last week and it had a very similar feeling to the Geelong-WCE Prelim (which I was also at last year) post-match. The Swans fans walked away confident they could win the flag. It had the feeling that it wasn’t their biggest performance. The fans celebrated knowing the big day was to come.
When Collingwood beat Hawthorn in the Prelim last year, the Pies fans were celebrating like they’d won the flag post-match. I’ll never forget their celebrations. It was something to be behold. A fantastic thing to witness.
I wonder how the Hawks fans acted after their win last week. I suspect a mixture of relief and joy, perhaps not too dissimilar to how Collingwood fans celebrated last year?
I’m not sure what that all means but it’s interesting.
1:46pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:46pm | Report comment
Sydney has gotten behind the Swans this week but not as much as the city did back in 05 and 06.
I’ve seen plenty of Bulldogs fans walking the streets this week. I’ve seen plenty of people hanging Bulldogs flags from their cars.
But honestly, I reckon I’ve seen more Melbourne Storm fans in Sydney this week than people donning the Swans colours. But it must be said I haven’t been in the East of town where so many of the Swans fans live.
1:44pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:44pm | Report comment
It will be interesting to see how Hodge goes today. He’s got his wife close to giving birth and he’s coming back from a bad bout of gastro. Those sort of illnesses can knock you around. Will he be at full power today? I think he will. I like him for Norm if the Hawks can win.
1:43pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:43pm | Report comment
It’s blustery now. The weather will be torrid by the time the game starts. It’s going to be played in the wet I reckon.
1:41pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:41pm | Report comment
Swans on the ground to complete their pre-match drills.
Here come the Hawks.
1:40pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:40pm | Report comment
Mick Malthouse reckons the wet weather will suit Hawthorn.
I disagree. A wet slog brings the teams closer together in the clinches, makes it more scrappy suits the Swans because the Hawks ability to play their kicking game is hurt. That’s my take.
1:39pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:39pm | Report comment
Crowd building. Perhaps 80,000 in at this point.
Will we hit 100k today?
It hasn’t too often since the 80s.
1:39pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:39pm | Report comment
The Hawks are also in the rooms.
Players are receiving some footies to warm up with.
The weather has turned. It looks like it’s going to pour.
1:38pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:38pm | Report comment
Swans are warming up in the rooms.
The stands are filling. We are about an hour away.
Plenty of back slapping going on. Well wishes too.
1:37pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:37pm | Report comment
Alistair Clarkson :”It’s exciting”
“That midfield battle is going to be crucial today”
He isn’t giving anything away at all. It’s a bit disappointing. We’ve seen coaches be quite candid pre-match this season especially but this is the big one and Clarko is keeping everything close to his chest.
1:16pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:16pm | Report comment
Patrick Dangerfield has won the Grand Final sprint. He has donated his $5000 prize cheque.
1:12pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:12pm | Report comment
The subs in the Grand Final are Shane Savage for Hawthorn and Luke Parker for Sydney.
They both have the ability to make an impact. Savage is a goal-kicking small. Parker will probably be injected into the “guts”.
1:04pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:04pm | Report comment
Where’s this game going to be won and lost?
Well for mine Hawthorn need to play to their strengths – their sublime foot skills and outside run. If Hawthorn can stand up on the half back line and take plenty of marks on the rebound, they may be able to cut the Swans to threads. Their forward line of Franklin, Gunston and Roughead will hoping the weather can stay dry. At ground level Rioli is the best in the competition.
Sydney can’t win unless they win the midfield battle. The Swans need to win the clearances and give their forward line a chance. Josh Kennedy, Kieran Jack and Adam Goodes will need to play well. The influence of Mitchell, Sewell and Burgoyne needs to be negated.
Sydney doesn’t have a power forward and that can only be a negative in a Grand Final. Lewis Roberts Thompson needs to play a big game, as does Sam Reid. If one of those two can get on top of Schoenmakers (who has a bad record on big occasions), you’d have to think it will go a long way to winning the game. The Swans will need their smalls to kick some goals. If tSydney can get the footy on the outside, Lewis Jetta has the speed to kick a legendary goal on footy’s biggest day. He will be hoping the track stays firm.
1:03pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:03pm | Report comment
Good news – no late changes! Mumford’s playing.
12:53pm
Justin Cinque said | 12:53pm | Report comment
Ben McGlynn: “[This is] the first I’ve heard of [Mumford's hamstring problem]. He was fine this morning.”
12:52pm
Justin Cinque said | 12:52pm | Report comment
Good afternoon Roarers and welcome to the coverage of the AFL Grand Final.
The butterflies are in the stomach, anticipation is in the air. History is about to be made. “Greatness” will be reached.
It’s Hawthorn against Sydney.
The Hawks are playing for their 11th premiership. Their ten flags were won in a 48 year period between 1961 and 2008.
The Swans are going for their fifth flag and only their second since WWII. In 2005, they ended a 72-year Premiership drought.
The weather in Melbourne appears to be clear. It’s certainly not raining but I’ve heard it was snowing this morning at Ballarat (about two hours from Melbourne), so I wonder if that weather is on the way.
A tip for the afternoon? Well early in the week I thought Hawthorn were specials but I’m warming to the Swans (I suppose living in Sydney makes them hard to ignore). I think there’s more chance of a Hawks victory but if the Swans can keep it tight, I believe Hawthorn’s mental frailties will begin to be revealed.
Norm Smith? I like Jude Bolton and Ted Richards if the Swans win and Luke Hodge or Buddy Franklin if its the Hawks’ day.
1:06pm
Justin Cinque said | 1:06pm | Report comment
I should also add that the Hawks’ tough game last week will be the perfect preparation for the Granny. It should sharpen them mentally and physically.
12:33pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:33pm | Report comment
Cannot wait for this. Talk is there’s a cloud over Shane Mumford (hamstring). Talk he’s been injured since Thursday’s training. That could be massive news!
12:44pm
Justin Cinque said | 12:44pm | Report comment
It sounds like he’s going through some fitness tests right now