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The epic encounter between Hawthorn and Sydney on the weekend was the grand final preview, or at least it should be.
These two clubs are the best teams running around at the moment and Saturday night’s big clash at the MCG lived up to all the lofty expectations.
It was the biggest home-and-away crowd ever recorded that involved a non-Victorian club, and was an arm-wrestle for most of the first half with neither side able to break away and create a formidable lead.
The ten million dollar man in Lance Franklin was excellent against his old side and put in a performance similar to their earlier match. He had seven scoring shots by the main break.
The Swans appeared to have all the momentum early in the third term and led by 23 points seven minutes into the quarter.
But the experienced heads at Hawthorn in Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Jarryd Roughead got their side back into the match and into a leading position by the final change.
It was a nail-biting last quarter but eventually a determined Hawks prevailed to win by 10 points.
Both sides are missing stars, with Sydney feeling the absence of hard-running midfielder Daniel Hannebery, a player with a brilliant record against the Hawks. Meanwhile, the Hawks are without Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake and Cyril Rioli.
A play-off on the last Saturday in September is enough to make the majority of football fans salivate.
Geelong have had a consistent season but their position on the ladder has arguably flattered them to this point. Fremantle have been unlucky with a few injuries and Hayden Ballantyne’s lack of discipline, but last week’s brain fade loss to St Kilda lost them respect among the rest of the competition.
The Swans’ past 12 weeks have been impeccable and Kurt Tippett’s inclusion should only strengthen them structurally.
Hawthorn are starting to become resemblant of Geelong circa 2007-2011. They get into the game when it matters and have proven that they can chase down a lead.
I look forward to the finals with great anticipation and hope to see the Swans and the Hawks battle it out for the flag.
Twitter – @jclark182
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