[Highlights] Sydney defeat Hawks by four points in grand final rematch

It probably is a thing. Second (by a whisker) on that list of opposition inaccuracy was Freo. Daylight third.

It's called the Chinese art of qi gong.

Clarkson at the post match press conference: “They got their goal kicking going early in the game, so our defenders were under the pump a little bit, but they scored everyone of their goals from turnover, so our defence did a pretty good job in that regard but, yeah, Frawley was just one of those who played a pretty big role, but because their goals came from turnover, it was like a sling shot. Some of their goals were really really easy, goal square ping pong balls that jumped over the top. They weren’t relying on their usual way of kicking goals, the Sydney Swans – it’s usually via Tippett and Franklin and both those guys didn’t have enormous contributions to make tonight.”

I didn't watch the press conference, but that's a bit of a surprise to me if Clarkson did say that. I don't think Swans exactly planned on Buddy and Tippett not taking 1 mark between them and for Buddy to be held scoreless. From that perspective I would say Clarkson coached extremely well. Well, it's as much the coaching as it is Frawley doing a great job on Buddy and the midfield applying serious pressure to not allow easy ball movements into attack. I think all the opinions above about whose got a better midfield, whilst always fascinating to theorise about, meant nothing for this game. It was 2 great teams going at it and one team won by a whisker.

Clarko as much as admitted in his post-match press conference that the Hawks were out-strategised by the Swans; a team with a first class tall forward combination of Franklin and Tippett that didn’t play forward as expected to receive bombs into the 50. Instead, the Swans sling-shotted through their midfield run and scored with the efficiency that open forward lines permitted. The Hawks, on the other hand, fought for both contested possession all down the ground and for space in their 50 to try to score. I think it’s a risky strategy because the Hawks have so many players that can dispose with accuracy from the quickest of touches and can score through the smallest of openings. But, the 2012 grand final showed (and this weekend) it can work, and what else are you going to do to stop Hawthorn but turn their press back on them and apply constant tackling pressure? Time in the forward 50 used to mean a team had the better chances to win, but the Swans (and Freo) challenge that assumption. The Swans wouldn’t mind locking the ball into their forward 50 but know this is not likely for long periods against Hawthorn. So, it’s do what you have to do stop them getting into their rhythm (not possible) or instead delay & disrupt them from getting into their rhythm (like the Swans did in the 1st and last quarters), put scoreboard pressure on, and target the weakspots – which (in the case of Hawthorn trying to extend by renewal the winning life of its premiership squad) are the youngsters and anytime one of their champions like Hodge is missing from their lineup. Having said all that, the writing is on the wall for Hawthorn, as it does for all great premiership sides – success does not go on for ever, players age and get injured (did Rioli’s bandaged leg in the 4th quarter have anything to do with missing that last minute handpass?), and their 4win/4loss record is an indicator that, having set the standard and shown how to do it to the others, staying on top above the teams snapping at them week in/week out is the toughest gig in town and only getting harder.

Uhuh, teams kick for goal badly because of "Swans pressure". Open the other eye mate.

Last year the Swans had the most inaccurate opposition on average. I haven't checked this years, but I'm betting they'd still have that trait.

Well done to Sydney they played very well, and beat us despite Buddy being kept goaless. As for us, we killed ourselves once more with our slow start and dreadful kicking for goal and decision making. I think we still have a team to win this years flag but a few issues that have been apparent all season have not been addressed and are killing us. I think Clarko needs to insert a few hungry youngsters and maybe drop a big name or two to remind them that they have to be in the team on performance, not reputation. Time will ultimately judge us, as it does all, but at 4/4 we need to pull our collective fingers out real quick or it will soon be seen a wasted year

Why is there any comment about Freo on this thread when the article is about the Swans?

Totally agree .. The Hawks set shot goal kicking was horrible last night, it's amazing when a side strings together misses early on in a game how much the pressure to actually kick majors effects even the guys who are usually the most reliable shots ..

Yeah I've hardly thought of him as amongst our worst the last few weeks, but I keep thinking that in a crucial game - like a final - the fact he's a dodgy kick or weak at ground level could be costly. But he's in OK form right now.

Anytime Hawks lose to Swans they kick poorly. Swans pressure perhaps?

Michael we both have questioned and debated about Reid, have been doubtful. Maybe he's best in the middle of the ground? Wasn't a complete performance, but did it in small bursts a bit like Cyril.

Don't worry, no one takes you seriously either.

Hawthorn really kicked themselves out of that one. Burning hunger isn't there.

We need Don back. You guys are blind, aggressive Freo. But not like Don. Not like Don...

No. But I am stuck at work and a bit bored.

C'mon Balt, you don't still take him seriously, do you?

Silliest comment on AFL football ever written.

Agree about Jetta. He's nearing his 2012 form, and it's hard to believe he missed 19 shots before he kicked a goal, because his kicking this season has been absolutely perfect. It's reached a point where I trust him with the ball more than almost any other Swan. Plus, he works well with Goodes and Buddy.