The Hawthorn Hawks and Sydney Swans meet at the MCG in a grand final rematch. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:20pm (AEST).
A win is more important to the Hawks, as they have dropped three games this year and cannot afford to let the Swans get any further ahead on the ladder.
These two teams are the two most capable of matching the runaway ladder leader, Fremantle, at the end of the year, so a win will certainly boost confidence.
The Hawks are more capable of kicking a large score and key forwards Jarryd Roughead and Luke Breust head the team in goals scored. Their defence is marshalled by Josh Gibson, who takes many intercept marks and he is one of the leading mark takers in the competition.
The Hawks Billy Hartung was the previous round’s Rising Star. This shows the reigning premiers are still bringing fresh faces into their successful line-up.
Hawthorn will also be boosted by the inclusion after injury and suspension of Jordan Lewis, Brian Lake and Isaac Smith. This will ensure some more ‘unsociable football’.
The last three meetings between these two teams at the MCG have all resulted in a Hawks win, with the most recent being last year’s 63-point grand final humiliation.
Swans coach John Longmire doesn’t believe in grand final replays, citing a whole change in personnel on both sides meaning this game is different. Despite this, the Swans will be treating it as a chance to gain some revenge for that drubbing last September.
Leading players for the Swans include midfielders Dan Hannebery and Josh Kennedy, who win their own ball and feed the outside runners. Mike Pyke should have the advantage in the ruck to enable more midfield dominance. And then there is Buddy.
Lance Franklin, a former Hawk, is the Swans’ avenue to goal and the Hawks will be keen to put him off his game to help restrict their scoring.
Prediction
Home advantage should see the Hawks run away by 36 points.
Can the Hawks maintain their MCG dominance, or will the Swans avenge last year’s grand final loss? Join The Roar from 7:20pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Mark
Guest
How graceful of you. Bad kicking is bad footy. Deal with it.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
The calling was terrible. Brian Taylor, Richo and Darce are all horribly one-eyed. Darce would marry Cyril if it was legal...
Winston
Guest
Wow what a game! Swans were gone for all money.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
MATCH REVIEW Swans 11.7.73 def Hawks 9.15.69 Major goalkickers: Swans : McVeigh,Tippett, McGlynn and Reid 2 : Hawks : Rioli and Schoenmakers 2 Best : Swans Hanneberry and Parker....Hawks : Mitchell and Lewis. The Swans came out hard and tough and hit the Hawks with everything and got out to a 32 point lead. The Hawks then gradually worked their way back and looked to have it in the bag half way through the last but Jarrad McVeigh scored two late goals to drag hs team across the line. This is a valuable win for the Swans as it gives them a two game buffer on the Hawks and puts pressure on the Hawks to make top four. Franklin was well held by Frawley and this win would be even more satisfying for Longmire given Buddy didn't do much. Dan Hanneberry was my BOG and wanted to revenge his grand final game. Luke Parker was also very good. For the Hawks ,the reliable Mitchell and Lewis took all the hits and played well. In the end the Swans wanted the 4 points more and found a way at the finish. Some may say the Hawks have let one slip and this could haunt them at the end of the year as the finals positions are decided. Well done the Swans and they may be the only team who can challenge the Dockers!
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Thanks . Will have a summary shortly.
XI
Roar Guru
Goal kicking was the difference. Good game though. Good calling, Graham.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Hawthorn didn't do what they had to do to win. Can't be that poor in front of goal.
Wayno
Guest
Sometimes the best team on the night doesn't win the game this game is solid proof of that
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
SWANS win by 4.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Point HAWKS Swans by 4 as Bruest misses. 1.14'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL SWANS Parker finishes off for the Swans. Swans by 5. HAWKS 9.14.68 SWANS 11.7.73 Q4 4'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
1 point in it! 63000 crowd tonight. HAWKS9.14.68 SWANS 10.7.67 Q4 4'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL SWANS McVeigh scores . He is dragging the Swans back into it. HAWKS 9.14.68 SWANS 10.7.67 Q4 6'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Gunston hits the post. A valuable point Lead by 7. HAWKS 9.14.68 SWANS 9.7.61 Q4 7'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL SWANS McVeigh gets one back ...don't count them out. HAWKS 9.13.67 SWANS 9.7.61 Q4 10'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL HAWKS Rioli take a big grab and plays on and goals!!!! HAWKS 9.13.67 SWANS 8.7.55 Q4 12'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Game still on the line. Hawks by 6. HAWKS 8.13.61 SWANS 8.7.55 Q4 13'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Hawks seem to have the play. Lead by 5. HAWKS 8.12 60 SWANS 8.7.55 Q4 16'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Subs are both on. Hartung for Hale Cunningham for Rohan.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
3 QTr Time Hawks 8.11.59 lead Sawans 8.7.55. Major Goals: Tippett,McGlynn,Reid 2...Schoenmakers 2. Mitchell is the Hawks best with Ceglar playing a great game, Hanneberry and Parker continue to do well for the Swans. Who wants it the most.? This will go right to the end. I can't split them.