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.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
A big story could well be the possibility that the GF is the biggest in terms of attendance (of what is now allowed by the stadium...). 100 016 to beat
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
It's definitely the Swans era. This week and with the team they have, there is potential to make a true dynasty something of the Geelong type, or possibly even more dominant, Brisbane era or a decade of dominance like the Hawks 80s. Swans have the Brereton-Dunstall combo in Franklin-Tippett, numerous hardball players like they... Don't know why (although before most peoples' time), why the 'Blood-stained angels was ever gotten rid of. I know the history of why, but, alas, blood-stained angels is a LOT more imposing then a bunch of long-necked, feathery white birds that, can be aggressive, but are known for grace. Ah well. We keep on calling them the 'Bloods'.
Brian
Guest
If Hawthorn win they will become the first club to 4 flags in the AFL era.
david graham
Guest
Some great thoughts here which I enjoyed reading. I think the Blood Stained Angels will win by three goals in what will be a tight game. I have to point out to many who may not be aware of the history, I watched the Bloods many a Saturday afternoon in the 1970s at the Lake Oval in South Melbourne with my late father - and we never won once when we went together. This current golden era of winning is slowly erasing the humiliation of the past. Go Bloods! Premiers 1909, 1918, 1933, 2005, 2012, 2014. Lift that noble banner high because it is time to cheer the read and the white.
Olivia Watts
Roar Guru
The beauty of a GF is that in every line, every contest, every piece of brilliance or act of desperation-driven inspiration, there is a story. Some of those stories are the sort which are written of in pieces like this but so many others are known only within club walls and the public never sees them, yet they are real and powerful. To all the players from both teams, thank you for letting we supporters share a little of your stories and your glories. Thank you for making this day and this sport so great. You may not see me but my story is out there alongside yours, doing all it can to bring you home to victory.
Hugh McDonald
Roar Rookie
The list just keeps on growing! Would be a phenomenal achievement for one of the game's modern greats
Hugh McDonald
Roar Rookie
Well said Michael! Plenty of head to head battles between certain players, particularly the like for like role players from either side. Going to mean they're matches are heavily scrutinized against that of their opposite player
Me Too
Guest
Every year the grand final is played out between the two best teams of the year. I can't think of an exception, perhaps 1999. As an aside I've noticed a very disproportionate amount of Swans fans on The Roar. Akin to the strength of the 'Football' forum relative to the other codes on here as opposed to crowd, membership, and television numbers - interesting demographics at The Roar. Not a criticism in any way, just an observation.
Hugh McDonald
Roar Rookie
You're spot on Mastermind, the late night finish had me mix up my 10 and 9, 9 year contract for $10m! Nonetheless, absolutely right, the spotlight will be firmly on Buddy and whether it's he who walks away with the spoils or his former club!
Michael huston
Guest
A few inclusions of my own: - The winner becoming the equal greatest team of the 21st century. - Roughead vs Buddy at opposite ends for the title of best forward in the comp. - The Hannebery Redemption; could he win the Norm Smith he so obviously deserved in 2012? - Adam Goodes potential final bow. - Luke Parker: from sub to Norm Smith? - Battle of the runners: Jetta and Rohan vs Smith and Hill. - Could a win make Clarkson the best coach ever? (Worth considering..) - Hodge and Hannebery break the all time record for most blood rules in a game (more likely than you think!)
Avatar
Roar Guru
"Only days after winning a premiership with the Hawks last year, Buddy announced he had signed a lucrative ten-year deal with the Sydney Swans." From memory, the contract was nine years, not ten. Come Saturday, either Buddy OR Hawthorn will win a second flag in a row! How intriguing would that be!
Beau Barton
Guest
what about .... can hodgey get a second norm smith medal to his name in his 250th game? :)
Hugh McDonald
Roar Rookie
Would you support a part 2 Tim?
Hugh McDonald
Roar Rookie
Too right Fellas! I think the fascinating point about this GF is that there's still plenty of other storylines, that may even warrant a part 2! Including; - Cyril Rioli - "will he or won't he" - Joey Kennedy - up against a club synonymous with the Kennedy surname (in the work of his father/grandfather) - Brad Sewell - weather he will get an opportunity in the GF after missing last weekend, and weather this may even be his last year - Luke Breust - up against players with whom he won a Swans Reserves premiership with in 2007 - Josh Gibson - likely to mark his "Bungy Brother" in Buddy this Saturday - Luke Parker - How far he's come since the 2012 GF, where he wore the green jacket as sub to now just missing out on AA selection - Brian Lake - Playing with the struggling Bulldogs of 2012, few would have thought by 2014 he would be playing in a second consecutive GF and already have a Norm Smith to his name
New York Hawk
Guest
Too right Tim!
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
I thought the 'will he or wont he play' reports on Cyril Rioli would get a mention