Grand final time is here, with Hawthorn and Sydney ready to battle it out this Saturday at 2.30pm (EST). After a killer season, both teams will be more than hungry for this one, with the Hawks going in favourites after a dominating season.
If Hawthorn can manage to get over the line, it will be their 11th AFL premiership and their first since 2008. The Sydney Swans will be going for their 5th premiership, with their latest victory being back in 2005.Both teams earned a weeks rest after winning their respective qualifying finals, so they should be on equal ground in that regard.
Brought to you by AFL ODDS
They are also evenly matched in terms of their recent head to head record, with a win each in 2012. The second match in particular was a classic, with the Hawks battling hard to break down a 37 point margin and beat the Swans by 7 points. Many people are expecting them to do it again, with what has undoubtedly been the best attack in the AFL this year.
In order to lift the trophy however, the impressive Hawks attack will have to break down the Swans defence, with Sydney only conceding an average of 74 points a game in 2012. This battle between the Hawthorn attack and the Sydney defence is likely to dominate the match, with a number of mouth watering match-ups to look out for.
Ted Richards will go up against centre half forward Lance Franklin in one of the most anticipated clashes, with other key battles including Sam Mitchell against Kieren Jack and Josh Kennedy against former team mate Brad Sewell. Shane Mumford is also likely to play a key role this weekend, being perhaps the standout ruckman in the game. Everyone loves to talk stats at this time of the season, and 2012 is no different.
In what is the most stand-out statistic, Hawthorn have won 12 of their past 15 games at the MCG and the Swans have lost 11 of their past 13. What this means is anyone’s guess, but it may give Hawthorn the extra confidence they need to lock in the title. While Sydney are a big chance of winning in a close encounter, the Hawks could easily run away with it if they are given half a chance.