The Swans welcomed back key forward Lance Franklin from a minor knee injury, while Kurt Tippett took the field for the first time in 2014 after battling knee and hip injuries.
In what was a tight contest, the Swans started strongly to hold an 18-point lead at quarter time, before the Hawks fought back to trail by just one straight kick at half-time.
Despite booting seven points in the opening half, Lance Franklin was a constant threat up forward for the Swans, and presented strongly in his first match against his former side
While his kicking was askew for most of the match, ‘Buddy’ was able to find his range when it mattered, with the star forward booting two late goals to secure the win for the Swans, while Tippett was equally as important up forward, booting four goals in his first outing.
Through the midfield, Dan Hannebery was brilliant for the Swans in the win, picking up 40 possessions, six tackles and one crucial goal, while Josh Kennedy (36 possessions, 11 tackles) and Luke Parker (26 possessions, eight tackles, two goals) continued their impressive form against the Hawks.
Despite defeating the reigning premiers, Swans coach John Longmire said his side wasn’t where they needed to be yet to seriously contend in 2014.
"There's still a long way to go," he said, asked if his side were now contenders.
"We thought a month ago when we beat Fremantle that our pressure was back, and once we get that element of our game right, it helps us play the sort of footy we want to play.
"You've got to apply pressure to any team, but especially Hawthorn.
"If they get their uncontested game going, they're as good as any team in the competition at hitting targets.”
Sydney Swans 4.8 6.12 9.16 15.17 (107)
Hawthorn 2.2 6.5 11.7 13.10 (88)
Best: Hannebery, Kennedy, Parker, Tippett, Jack, Franklin, Derickx
Goals: Tippett 4, Franklin 2, Malceski 2, Parker 2, K. Jack, Bird, McVeigh, Hannebery, Jetta
Official crowd: 34,506 at ANZ Stadium
Brownlow Medal votes: 3 – D.Hannebery (Syd), 2 – J.Kennedy (Syd), 1 – L.Franklin (Syd)
Bob Skilton Medal votes: Josh Kennedy 45, Dan Hannebery 45, Luke Parker 45, Kieren Jack 40, Jarrad McVeigh 40
