Hawks versus Swans – a match up that puts the ‘grand’ in grand final.
After 25 weeks and 206 matches, the grand final everyone predicted at the beginning of the season will occur this Saturday when Hawthorn and Sydney clash at the MCG at 2:30pm AEST.
This fixture has got the billing of a World Heavyweight Boxing title fight as the two best sides in the competition will vie for premiership glory.
Arguably this is the best match-up in a grand final since Geelong and St Kilda went head-to-head in the classic 2009 decider.
In fact, I’m predicting that this could be the best grand final of modern times and there are four reasons why this is the case.
Revenge of the Hawks
For starters, there is an element of a sequel to this contest.
In 2012 the Sydney Swans upset a highly fancied Hawks side by 10 points to win their fifth premiership, and second since moving to Sydney.
Hawthorn had rebuilt their side from their 2008 triumph and there was an element of destiny that was cruelly taken from them by an inspired Swans side.
It was a classic contest that burnt Hawthorn to the core, from which Alistair Clarkson and his troops vowed atonement.
While Hawthorn defeated Fremantle last year in the grand final, I’ve always felt that they would have rather had a grand final rematch against the Swans, to avenge the 2012 decider.
They now get that chance and come Saturday, I wouldn’t be surprised if Clarkson reminded the squad about what happened two years ago and how they shouldn’t let it happen again.
Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin
The enigma that is Buddy Franklin that hovers over this match like the spaceship over the White House in Independence Day.
His $10 million nine-year deal was met with derision by most of the football community who felt that his presence would be a sideshow for a club with an impeccable culture.
The off-season didn’t start well with Buddy involved in a few car prangs and tabloid relationship issues.
But once the season started, Franklin proved he was worth every single cent of his contact.
The towering half forward won the Coleman Medal and also polled 22 Brownlow votes in a season of thrills.
Leaving the fishbowl of Melbourne seemed to work for the former Hawk, who played with the freedom and flair of a man who had just been released from heavy shackles.
But come Saturday he will be a prodigal son returning home with the intention of defeating his former family.
He won two premierships with his opponents, many of whom he still regards as good friends and I’m sure he’ll have mixed feelings as he lines up against former teammates.
But don’t think he’ll get any special treatment as while he shares a special place in Hawks history, Franklin is just an opposition player who Hawthorn needs to curtail using any means possible.
The talent
What makes this match so special is how both these teams have similar qualities in the same areas across the field.
Where Hawthorn has the indomitable Sam Mitchell, Sydney has Josh Kennedy of equal stature and ability.
While Sydney has Mike Pyke in the ruck, he’ll have to battle the versatile David Hale across the ground.
Sydney may have the seemingly indestructible duo of Franklin and Tippett but Hawthorn’s Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston are just as dominant a forward combination.
Cyril Rioli may be the game’s best small forward, but the Swans’ Lewis Jetta has a similar amount of pace and talent to match him.
It’s comparisons like the above and more, that make you realise how good these two sides are and how very little should separate them on Saturday.
The coaches
Either way, coaching history will be made after the final siren this Saturday.
A Sydney win would see John Longmire join an elite company of coaches who have won more than one premiership.
A Hawthorn victory would see their coach Alistair Clarkson join rare company as a coach who has won three or more premierships.
Both represent different personalities and approaches to the game.
Longmire is a cool-headed individual who rarely lets the cameras catch him in a moment of frustration or emotion.
He likes lock down footy and suffocating pressure around the contest from siren to siren.
Clarkson in contrast, is a passionate (some say angry) individual who coaches with his heart on his sleeve.
Hawthorn’s game plan reflects his personality, with the club playing edge-of-the-seat attacking footy.
Contrasting styles, fascinating minds, both styles will make for an interesting spectacle.
The result
Saturday should be a belter and while it’ll be close, Sydney just has a little bit more quality across the ground and they should win by two goals.
Twitter: @johnhunt1992
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