It’s fitting that 2014’s two best sides will face off in what promises to be a cracking grand final. Only two years ago the same sides faced off in the corresponding fixture, but things have changed significantly for the sides since then.
And not only have the clubs changed, but the way in which they will line up on Saturday will be remarkably different to that in 2012.
It’s these very changes that provide Saturday’s contest with an array of captivating storylines.
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Gary Rohan
Rohan burst onto the scene in 2010, his exhilarating pace made clear to all why Geelong great Michael Turner labelled Rohan “the most exciting player I’ve ever seen”.
But in the early stages of 2012, Rohan’s progress came to an abrupt end as he suffered a truly sickening leg injury. Any hopes of playing again in the season were immediately dashed, and he would of course miss the opportunity to play in the premiership-winning side.
Almost two and half years since the injury and Rohan has reinvented himself into a player who provides lightning pace off half-back.
Rohan’s performances of late have drawn widespread appraisal, culminating in John Longmire stating his performance in last week’s preliminary final was his best game in the Red and the White.
Saturday provides Rohan with the opportunity to complete what has been a stunning return from a sickening injury and make amends for the 2012 premiership he was cruelly robbed of being a part of.
Will Langford
At the age of 18 Will Langford was sleeping in bed for 20 hours a day, battling chronic fatigue it looked like this talented young sportsman may never get to display his full potential.
Throughout 2014 though, Langford has displayed exactly that potential, as he’s comes along in leaps and bounds for the Hawthorn footy club.
The big story though will revolve around his father, hawks legend, Chris Langford whom himself played in four grand final winning sides.
In his father, Will has a wealth of grand final experience to tap into, but can he follow in his father’s huge footsteps in helping secure a premiership for this famous club?
Ben McGlynn
He’s one of the many players in this match to have played for both Sydney and Hawthorn, but arguable none have been as unlucky as Benny McGylnn.
McGlynn, who struggled to established himself at the Hawks, was unfortunate to just miss out on selection in Hawthorn’s 2008 grand final win.
A move to Sydney ignited his career, and the opportunity to play in an allusive grand final presented itself in 2012. This time it was injury rather than selection that would keep him from running onto the MCG on the last Saturday in September.
This week he is provided with another opportunity to play in a grand final. Nothing looks set to stop him, and finally, finally, he can be added to an illustrious list of those that have played in the big one.
Matt Spangher
After nine years in the AFL at three different clubs, only last weekend did Matt Spangher play his 50th AFL match.
A member of premiership winning clubs with West Coast in 2006, Sydney in 2012 and Hawthorn in 2013, Spangher is yet to actually run out on grand final day.
In a season where he has finally managed to seemingly cement down a spot in this incredibly strong Hawks side, there is no greater opportunity for Spangher to finally play in a grand final than this weekend.
Dane Rampe
Only two years ago Dane Rampe was cheering on his beloved Swans to a preliminary final win from the ANZ Stadium bleachers. His rapid rise to establishing himself as a key defender in Sydney’s defensive unit is nothing short of remarkable.
After two seasons with the Western Bulldogs and their VFL affiliate Williamstown, Rampe missed out on a contract renewal. Dane was destined for the sporting abyss it seemed, that was until Paul Roos (Academy Director at the time) spotted him in Sydney’s premier AFL competition, playing with Roos’ son.
Roos had a word with John Longmire, and within months Rampe would find himself playing in the Swans opening match of 2013. A whirlwind AFL journey with the Swans could be capped for Rampe this weekend with a grand final ring.
Alistair Clarkson
Diagnosed mid season with Guillain-Barre syndrome, it seemed Clarkson may not return to the coaching box in 2014. Great mystery surrounded the nature of the problem, but one thing was for sure, the Hawks were only concerned about Clarkson’s health and wellbeing.
Just weeks after his diagnosis Clarkson was back at the helm, and very successfully he has navigated the Hawks to the pointiest end of the season.
Adam Goodes
It’s fair to say 2014 has been an amazing year for Adam Goodes. The first AFL/VFL player to be named Australian of the Year, reaching the 350 game milestone, the opportunity to win another flag on Saturday, and quite possibly 2014 may just be the year he bows out of this game. It’s been a huge year for the inspirational Swan, but it could only be bettered with a Swans win on Saturday.
Matt Suckling
Matt Suckling was one of three Hawks to play in ever game of the 2012 season. That season of course ended in grand final heartbreak at the hands of the Swans.
It seemed though that excellent times were ahead and just as Suckling geared up for a huge 2013, his season ended before it had even begun. A horrific leg injury in the NAB Cup, rubbed Suckling out for the entirety of 2013 and stripped him of a chance to play in last year’s grand final winning side.
This Saturday provides Suckling with the opportunity to erase his terrible 2012 memories, and make up for missing out on last year’s premiership win.
Buddy Franklin
Oh yeah, and then there’s that little story about Buddy.
Only days after winning a premiership with the Hawks last year, Buddy announced he had signed a lucrative nine-year deal with the Sydney Swans. The promoters immediately fantasised about the first time Buddy would go head to head with his old club, but I don’t think any could have written a script so perfect that involved Bud going up against his old club in the grand final.
After some early hate, Buddy has now established himself as a fan favourite in Sydney. He’s seamlessly slipped into the bloods culture, and his on-field performance has arguably seen him reach career best form. He thrives on the big stage, he loves the pressure and I can’t wait to see Buddy rise to the occasion this Saturday as he has done so many times before.
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