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There is little to separate the Hawks and Swans. Both finished the home-and-away season with 17 wins, a percentage difference of less than two.
Both clubs are finals-hardened, with three and four grand final appearances in a decade, both are lauded for their cultures, and both were viewed similarly by the umpires in 2014 (96 Brownlow votes to the Swans versus 91 to the Hawks).
The Swans might have more stars (Lance Franklin 22 and Josh Kennedy receiving 21 Brownlow votes, versus Jordan Lewis’ 15), but the Hawks have slightly better depth (18 Brownlow vote-getters, versus 14).
Both teams are at full strength, with fitness doubts appearing even (Cyril Rioli’s hamstring versus Sam Reid’s knee).
Based on talent and performance, there’s precious little separating these two teams.
Victory, therefore, might come down to any advantage gained above the shoulders. And this is where the Hawks win.
The Swans are rightly revered for their Bloods culture and never-say-die attitude. But I sense a slight erosion of these attributes in 2014 as the Bondi Billionaires have created two classes of Swans when only one previously existed. Consequently, there appears a slight abdication of responsibility among some players who now expect ‘Buddy will win this for us’.
The Hawks, on the other hand, are mentally revelling in their underdog status. Whether you call it revenge or unfinished business, the players are driven by a burning desire to even the ledger for 2012, when the underdog Swans won.
There is another factor driving the Hawks players. No teammate begrudged Buddy when he left the Hawks for a cheque that couldn’t be refused. But when Buddy stated at his first press conference that he joined the Swans to “win more premierships”, he insulted his prior teammates by implying they were not good enough.
They now have a point to prove: “If you wanted to win premierships old Bud, you should have stayed with us.”
There is good reason why Hawks fans boo Buddy but applaud Kennedy and Ben McGlynn – because no one likes to be insulted by an old friend.
There will be no remnants of that friendship on Saturday afternoon. Buddy should be nervous if Hodge is anywhere near him.
The Hawks have the advantage above the shoulders.
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