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For the second time this season we have a grand final rematch on our hands with the Sydney Swans hosting Hawthorn. Will both teams be holding back ahead of the finals? Join us here for live coverage and blog from 7.40pm AEST.
This match proves to be a weird, yet intriguing encounter between two sides who have a strong chance to face off again next week at the ‘G.
The Swans have belled in four changes with Jed Lamb, Dan Hannebery, Nick Smith and Rhyce Shaw out of the side.
Shaw tragically tore his ACL in last round’s game against the Cats and will now miss the rest of the year.
Hannebery is a huge loss although getting him right for finals is priority number one.
Hawthorn are not without losses of their own with Cyril Rioli, Liam Shiels and Guerra all to miss.
Much like the Hannebery situation, Rioli is being given a spell to help recover from a niggling injury.
Earlier this season the Hawks belted the Swans up forward pretty much dominated most aspects of the game.
With Smith, Shaw, Lewis Roberts-Thompson and co out I’m not sure coach John Longmire has the tools to stop the support crew of the Hawthorn forward line.
After last weeks walloping of Drew Petrie, Brian Lake will be looking to a far greater challenge in Kurt Tippett who has been dominant since his return. The Tippett vs Lake match up will go leaps and bounds in deciding this match.
Another big factor in the match will be the midfield and if Hawthorn can curb the Swans two-way running in which they are famous for. With Hannebery out however the Hawks should have the guts in the engine room to eliminate most of that influence.
It really is a battle of two juggernauts who very well could meet on the last day of September.
But in this battle, it’s really hard to go past the hot Hawks who should get up by a few goals.
If Sydney win: The Swans will most likely face off against Geelong (presuming they beat the Lions). The Hawks will most likely play Fremantle at the MCG. If Sydney win the battle for the MCG will be on between the four Victorian based clubs.
If Hawthorn win: Simple. The Swans will head down to the MCG next Friday night and they battle out for the home preliminary final.
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