The 2014 AFL Grand Final is set to take place between the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks at the MCG on Saturday afternoon. The Roar‘s expert panel have scratched their heads one final time and shared their tips and predictions for the big game.
In 2012 it was Sydney that entered as the underdog against Hawthorn, but come 2014 and the tables have turned, as the high-flying Swans become the competition’s team to beat.
Last week Geoff took a punt on the Power. The stakes were high. If they had completed their epic comeback, the 2014 AFL finals tipping crown would have been claimed.
Instead, we have a three way tie entering the final match between Glenn, Geoff and Sean – a tie that will only be broken by margin predictions.
Can the Swans beat the Hawks on the final day in September twice in three seasons? Or is it the Hawks turn to cause an upset?
Here’s what our experts have to say:
Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn Hawks
Time: 2:40pm (AEST)
Venue: MCG
TV: Seven Network
Betting: Sydney $1.60, Hawthorn $2.40
Cam says: Sydney by 25. I believe Sydney has a slight edge in defence and up forward, and a midfield that bats a bit deeper, so I have to have them on top. That said, if this match was played five times, I’d only expect the Swans to win three of them, so it’s still very much anyone’s game. I expect Sydney to create more chances in front of goal, but accuracy may well prove decisive – if they can’t deliver it, then the Hawks can win. It’s a given that both sides will be hard, tough and contested, so composure under pressure in the back fifty and what players do with the ball when 60-80m out from their own goal will have more of a say than any in-and-under work. First goal – Adam Goodes. Norm Smith – Ben McGlynn.
Geoff says: Sydney by 42 points. There’s no room for underdog tipping here. After all the trial and the struggle and the excitement, Sydney just have too much power in too many departments. The Swans have looked completely in control since the early rounds of this season, and while Hawthorn remain a thoroughly impressive team, they’ve had the harder road to the decider and they can’t quite match up. Chances are Hawthorn played their grand final last week, and the Swans will take this one relatively comfortably, to the background percussion of Eddie McGuire’s grinding teeth.
Sean says: Sydney to defeat Hawthorn by 23 points. Sydney has a more settled line up, a more miserly defence and an attack that can get the job done. The game will be tight for most of the day but the Swans will begin to get on top towards the end of the third quarter. Buddy Franklin to win the Norm Smith medal.
Glenn says: Sydney to beat Hawthorn by 11 points. Sydney flexed its considerable muscle last Friday with a record score for the club in finals footy. It is hard to see Hawthorn being able to shut down the triumvirate of Franklin, Tippett and Goodes. Buddy should get around six opportunities in front of goal. If his rangefinder is calibrated he could be the game breaker. And as an added top, Luke Parker for the Norm Smith.
| Week 1 | Semi-finals | Prelim-finals | Grand Final | Total | |
| Glenn | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | |
| Sean | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | |
| Geoff | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | |
| Cam | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
Hawkeye
Guest
Looking forward to your tips for the NRL grand final.
Jono_C
Guest
Well, don't we look foolish.
Fabes
Guest
Agree New York.
Mark d
Guest
Maybe the Papal Bull of Infallability is fallible
peter
Guest
This has to be the worst tipping panel of all time!
Eloise
Guest
Did you believe that when you typed it?? I hope you enjoyed today, that blow out you predicted did come true.
Don Freo
Guest
Yes...there was that from about the last eight weeks. It was arrogant because they actually genuinely believed it. SS defense was always too loose to be accountable against the better sides and I enjoyed that being showed up. I just feel a bit for Olivia because of her graciousness always...but others made it difficult to be sympathetic. The other thing I enjoyed was how many over 30 yo players played well. Write off experience at your own peril. The last team to beat Hawthorn was Freo...by 5 goals only 6 weeks ago. I guess. on that basis, purple rules. Geez I love the way I think!
bryan
Guest
I'm sorry,but even as a Neutral,I can't help but snicker at the result,after all the "Swan's can't lose" threads (& postings) on this forum!
Natalie SwansFan
Guest
Don't be a flog. Your team won and I honoured that on the Live blog.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Olivia - your team had a bad day today, but well said. Congrats you Hawks and I also look forward to my Cats getting in the way of a three-peat. .
Olivia Watts
Roar Guru
Congratulations and well played to Hawthorn. You had winners across the ground and made us look slow - which takes some doing. The best team on the day deservedly won but, taking nothing away from them, I'm still proud of my Swans for giving we supporters an exceptional season with many high points. See you in 2015 Hawks, when hopefully we can reverse the result. We'll regroup over Summer and do our best.
New York Hawk
Guest
Guess you should stick to the NRL, hey mate? Hope you know more about that...
New York Hawk
Guest
So that makes it 5 from the last 6 vs the Swans. Guess you can only beat who they our in front of us. Maybe next time you will make genuine comments about you r respect for the opposition.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Swans by 11 points. Can't see this being a blowout as some are predicting.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Go the Sydney Swans, Swans by 50+, Franklin to break the all time GF goals record and take it from Ablett Sr. to 12 goals lol The swans will do to the Hawks what Souths will do to anyone that they meet in the NRL GF lol
Andy_Roo
Roar Guru
It's 24 Degrees in Melbourne for the GF. Lucky the Crows aren't playing huh. I wonder if Sanderson will call for a night Grand Final in future?
Don Freo
Guest
There's actually only about 3 or 4 people who make those complaints. Probably more than we want...but we just scan past it...don't we? It's not as if anyone ranks them as worthy of attention.
Teo
Guest
Yep!
Col in paradise
Guest
Yep agree..in fact I think the folks that harp on about COLA are the same folks that love and recant and repeat 3 word political slogans to you on a given topic.....dont bother with them..dont invite them to a BBQ !...just end up with some heated debate about crap rather than enjoying the event!!!....obviously listen to too much shock jock radio, watch Andrew Bolt or buy the Herald !!!
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
You forgot option C: Swans fans complaining about people complaining about COLA.