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The Hawthorn Hawks have claimed the 2014 AFL Grand Final, defeating the Sydney Swans by 63-points in front of 99,454 at the MCG.
Hawthorn Captain, Luke Hodge, claimed his second Norm Smith Medal off the back of 35 touches and two goals.
The Hawks led at every change to become the first side to win back-to-back premierships since the Brisbane Lions.
FINAL SCORE:
SYDNEY 11.8 (74)
HAWTHORN 21.11 (137)
The Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks are both hunting for their third AFL premiership in a decade when they meet in the 2014 AFL Grand Final. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2:30pm (AEST).
The Swans will start the 2014 Grand Final as favourites having comfortably defeated the North Melbourne Kangaroos last week by 71 points, to reach their second Grand Final in three years.
But that said, you would be brave to ever rule out the Hawks.
They’re going into their third grand final in a row, and enter this match as the reigning premiers.
They will also enter the match with the confidence of knowing they defeated the Swans in their most recent match, a 10-point thriller at the MCG in Round 18.
Former Hawk, Lance Franklin, has been the centre of attention in the lead up to this match as he lines up for Sydney, playing against the team he won a premiership with last year.
If the Swans emerge victorious today, Franklin will become the first player to ever win individual back-to-back premierships by defeating his former side.
However, “Buddy” is not the only big story taking the field today, as Sydney also boast former Hawks Josh P. Kennedy and Ben McGlynn.
Kennedy and McGlynn are key cogs in the Swans’ squad, and both high impact players that will be inspired to put in big showings against the club that let them slip.
Perhaps the biggest story of the day though will be what comes from Hawthorn’s selection policy.
The Hawks have dropped Jon Simpkin and Jon Ceglar, and brought in Cyril Rioli and Ben McEvoy, neither of whom have played at AFL level in more than a month.
It’s a risky move, one that may pay off with ultimate prize, or cost the Hawks their shot at back-to-back flags.
It was just two years ago that these two teams met in the 2012 Grand Final, with the Premiership that year decided by less than two goals.
I suspect we’ll be in for another close one again today.
Prediction
It’s a tough call with both teams strongly in contention for the win.
One could make a strong argument for either side and although the Swans are ahead in the betting, I don’t see a clear favourite.
I’m going to go with my gut and tip the Hawks.
Hawthorn by 6 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2:30pm (AEST).