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Hawthorn v Sydney: The wash up of the 2014 AFL grand final

27th September, 2014
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Roar Guru
27th September, 2014
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Well, the biggest game of the year has come and gone once more. Hawthorn has defied the bookies odds and supporters hype – my own included – to go back to back and take out the 2014 AFL premiership.

As a Sydney supporter I am naturally disappointed, but still very proud of my teams efforts this season. But this isn’t about Sydney. This is in praise of Hawthorn side who took on the minor premiers, the doubters and the media hype and absolutely owned the MCG on the last day in September.

The Hawks destroyed their opponents by over ten goals and never looked troubled.

Sydney never gave in and tried with everything they had but it seemed for each of John Longmire’s plans, the now three-time Hawthorn premiership coach Alistair Clarkson had half a dozen counter moves up his sleeve.

The normally destructive Sydney midfield were made to look slow and effective through sustained pressure, ferocious tackling and brilliant team play. Norm Smith Medallist Luke Hodge gave the Swans a football lesson they will long remember.

The cream of the Sydney midfield – Keiren Jack, Josh Kennedy and Daniel Hannebery – fought their hardest but the Hawks core dominated throughout the match, along with excellent efforts from Cyril Rioli, Matt Suckling, Paul Puopolo, Luke Breust and Shaun Burgoyne.

The much lauded Sydney forward structure were a casualty of the Hawthorn midfield dominance. Sam Reid and Kurt Tippett rotated through the ruck, but other than one fine Tippett mark and goal they had no influence on the game. The Hawthorn back six were almost impassable. Adam Goodes had a game to forget and only Lance Franklin with four goals could feel he at least broke even.

At the other end, Breust, Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughhead did much as they pleased, with only inaccurate kicking as a small disappointment for the day, while Will Langford ran around scoring freely in what was undoubtedly his best game in the brown and gold.

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For the Swans, Nick Malceski and Ted Richards stood out amidst the carnage but the rest of the side were all well beaten.

Where to from here? Based on today’s display, there is no reason to think Hawthorn won’t be right up near the top again in 2015, and every reason to believe they will.

As for my Swans, this will be a serious reality check but is by no means end of an era stuff. Decisions will need to be made on both the game plan and playing list but one poor game isn’t enough to eclipse what was a superb season.

I would expect Sydney to also be up near the top again in 2015. Time will tell.

For now though, commiserations to my Swans and congratulations to the Hawthorn Football Club, worthy premiers for 2014.

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