R8, 2014, Sydney Swans 15.17 (107) d Hawthorn 13.10 (88) at ANZ Stadium
In his first match against his former club, Lance Franklin played a decisive role in the Swans’ 19-point win at ANZ Stadium. The former Hawk booted seven straight behinds in the first three quarters, but he kicked two crucial goals in the last term as the Swans fought back to win. Hawthorn had been cut down by injury, with Sam Mitchell, Brian Lake and Luke Hodge, who was a late withdrawal, missing. Cyril Rioli also suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter. Midfielder Dan Hannebery (40 possessions) was brilliant for the victors, while tall forward Kurt Tippett booted four goals in his first game for the season.R18 2014, Hawthorn 15.14 (104) d Sydney Swans 13.16 (94) at the MCG
The Hawks snapped the Swans’ 12-game winning streak, coming back from a 23-point deficit in the third quarter to win by 10 points. It was a gritty performance, full of perseverance and resilience in front of more than 72,000 fans. Jarryd Roughead booted four goals in his 200th game, opposed to Ted Richards, and at the other end star Swan Lance Franklin kicked 3.5 on good mate Josh Gibson. Jordan Lewis (35 possessions) and Sam Mitchell (32) were influential in the midfield for the Hawks.

R18 2014, Hawthorn 15.14 (104) d Sydney Swans 13.16 (94) at the MCG
R8, 2014, Sydney Swans 15.17 (107) d Hawthorn 13.10 (88) at ANZ Stadium
QF, 2013, Hawthorn 15.15 (105) d Sydney Swans 7.9 (51) at the MCG
R23, 2013, Sydney Swans 16.4 (100) lost to Hawthorn 17.10 (112) at ANZ Stadium
R7, 2013, Hawthorn 18.11 (119) d Sydney Swans 12.10 (82) at the MCG

Lance Franklin v Josh Gibson
Franklin enters the Grand Final in imposing form after booting 5.2 against North Melbourne in the Swans’ preliminary final win. He has pushed up the ground to devastating effect in recent weeks, and Gibson is the Hawk most capable of going with him. The Hawks will bank on Gibson knowing some tricks picked up on the training track to shut down Franklin. They’ll also bank on a team defence that can help contain the dynamic Swan.Josh Kennedy v Sam Mitchell
They might not run with each other, but these two midfielders are crucial to their team’s chances. Both accomplished big-game performers, Mitchell and Kennedy will work at the coalface racking up contested ball and clearances. Whoever gets on top when the game is in the balance could prove the most valuable player on the ground.MEDICAL ROOM
Cyril Rioli played in the VFL Grand Final on Sunday and was pulled out after three quarters, seemingly having proved his fitness after 12 weeks sidelined with a hamstring injury.All Australian midfielder Jordan Lewis, meanwhile, suffered a corked calf in the Hawks’ win over Port Adelaide and has been icing it round the clock to ensure he is fit for the decider.Tall forward Sam Reid was substituted at three-quarter time of the Swans’ preliminary final win over North Melbourne with knee soreness, but he will train on Thursday to prove his fitness. The Swans have no other injury concerns.THE SIX POINTS1. In two games against his former side, Swans star Lance Franklin has kicked a combined total of 5.12. He kicked seven consecutive behinds in the first three quarters of the sides’ round eight clash before kicking his first goal. Buddy has kicked 75.49 this season.

2. Hawthorn is ranked No.1 this season for total goals kicked with 397 at 16.5 per game. The Swans are ranked No.3 with 340 at 14.2 a game. In two finals this September, the Hawks average score is 100 points compared to the Swans’ 114.

3. The Swans and Hawthorn clash in a Grand Final for the second time in three seasons and their fourth final since 2011. The Swans won by 10 points in the 2012 decider, while in all finals the Hawks hold the advantage 4-2.

4. The Swans have taken the ball inside 50 this season an average of 56.8 times a game compared to Hawthorn’s 55 a game, but the Hawks average 12.6 marks inside 50 to the Swans’ 12.2.

5. The Swans have played in 15 Grand Finals for five premierships. Since moving to Sydney in 1982, they have played in four Grand Finals for two flags. Their last three have been decided by four, one and 10 points. Hawthorn has played in 17 Grand Finals for 11 premierships and will be aiming for back-to-back flags for only the second time in the club’s history (they won successive Grand Finals in 1988-89)

6. Swan Gary Rohan was the No.1 ranked player in the Official AFL Player Ratings across the two preliminary finals. The versatile speedster, who was used at both ends of the ground against the Kangaroos, has lifted his overall ranking from 599 overall to 412 ahead of the Grand Final.

Teams:

Sydney Swans:

B: Nick Smith, Ted Richards, Rhyce Shaw
HB: Gary Rohan, Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe
C: Kieren Jack, Josh Kennedy, Lewis Jetta
HF: Dan Hannebery, Lance Franklin, Harry Cunningham
F: Adam Goodes, Kurt Tippett, Ben McGlynn
Fol: Mike Pyke, Luke Parker, Jarrad McVeigh
I/C: Craig Bird, Jake Lloyd, Nick Malceski, Sam Reid
Emg: Tom Mitchell, Jeremy Laidler, Dean Towers

HB:Sam Mitchell, Ben Stratton, Luke Hodge
C:Bradley Hill, Will Langford, Isaac Smith
HF:Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Jordan Lewis
F: Ben McEvoy, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
Fol:David Hale, Liam Shiels, Shaun Burgoyne
I/C: Cyril Rioli, Taylor Duryea, Matt Spangher, Matt Suckling
Emg: Jonathon Ceglar, Jonathan Simpkin, Brad Sewell
In: Ben McEvoy, Cyril Rioli
Out: Jonathon Ceglar (Omitted), Jonathan Simpkin (Omitted)
Milestones: Luke Hodge  – Playing 250th game

Whatever Adam Goodes decides after this AFL grand final, the Sydney legend has made sure it happens on his terms.

A year after even coach John Longmire wondered how long he had left in the game, Goodes is playing well enough to encourage talk that he should put off retirement.

Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh said this week that the two-time Brownlow Medallist had more football left in him.

But if the Swans win Saturday’s clash against Hawthorn, Goodes will be their first three-time premiership player.

It would be the perfect way for the 34-year-old to bow out.

Goodes had one of his best games this year when the Swans cruised past North Melbourne to make the grand final, kicking three goals and showing plenty of pace along the way.

Longmire said on Friday it was a credit to Goodes that he continues to play well.

The Swans coach was then asked if he was surprised that Goodes could still be so quick.

“If you had asked me that question this time last year, by the end of the season or even over the pre-season, I might have had some question marks as far as he’d been able to finish the season,” Longmire said.

“But once he’s come back in the team, he’s gotten better most weeks, he’s done all the training, he’s been able to contribute on the ground for us.

“We’re really happy he’s… at this time of year and still running and enjoying his footy without any sore spots.”

Goodes did not play after round 13 last year because of a knee injury and also missed the first five rounds of this season. But he has not missed a game since and reached his 350-game milestone last weekend.

He has slotted perfectly into a star-studded Swans attack led by Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett.

While Franklin and Tippett are the main threats, Hawthorn’s defenders know they must treat Goodes and Sam Reid with respect as well.

Another factor helping the Swans veteran is his team’s straightforward run to the grand final.

This is the first time since round 22 they have had to travel interstate and the minor premiers have had an eight-day break since the preliminary final.

But co-captain Kieren Jack also insisted on Friday that their smooth September so far would mean nothing on Saturday.

“It’s a grand final – you get yourself up, no matter what,” Jack said.

“(It’s) two teams, incredible will, it’s just going to be a big battle.

“An extra day’s break isn’t going to make a difference.”