1. Back and forth
The frantic final term featured six lead changes as both teams went goal for goal, while scores were level twice. The Hawks picked the perfect time to be the only side to kick consecutive goals in the final term, as Shaun Burgoyne kicked truly to put his side in front at the 30-minute mark before Brad Sewell quickly followed with another to secure the four premiership points.
2. Richards v Franklin
Ted Richards was given the task of minding Lance Franklin, and for the most part he did a good job, limiting the Hawthorn superstar to just two possessions in the opening term. Franklin did come alive in the second quarter with three goals, and his strong attack at the footy contributed to another. The matchup even continued off the ground, as every time the 25-year-old Franklin went to the interchange bench, Richards also headed to the pine.
3. From boiled lollies to chocolates
Hawthorn managed just one solitary behind - from Jarryd Roughead - in the opening term, their worst start to a match in 2012. The visitors managed just eight inside 50s in the first quarter, compared with 19 for the Swans. However, the Hawks booted seven goals to four in the second term - including six without reply in a 10-minute burst - to be level at half time as Franklin came to life with three goals.
4. Tight at the top
Hawthorn's win ensures the battle for the all-important top two spots on the ladder will be decided in the final round next week. Hawthorn moves to 64 premiership points and goes to the top of the ladder with one match to go, and are well in the hunt thanks to its strong percentage to seal a top-two place and a home game in the first week of the finals. The Swans are also on 64 points, with Adelaide and Collingwood (60 points) yet to play this weekend. Fifth-placed West Coast (56 points) is also in with a chance should it beat Collingwood.
5. Sell-out crowd, but no record
The top-of-the-ladder contest certainly lived up to its blockbuster billing for the 31,167 spectators on hand. While the house-full sign was up in the days before the contest, the announced attendance was nowhere near a record for a match between these two sides at the SCG, given the $186 million redevelopment of the Noble, Bradman and Messenger Stands. For the record, the largest crowd for a Sydney Swans-Hawthorn match at the SCG was 39,763 in round 19, 1986.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
