Both Hawthorn and Sydney are adamant expected rain won’t cause them AFL grand final pain.
The forecast of dire weather for Saturday’s premiership decider at the MCG throws a curve ball into both teams’ plans – with rain, hail, high winds and low temperatures predicted.
Both sides have had good wet weather form previously, though Sydney’s reputation as in-and-under specialists will surely tighten a betting market in which the Hawks are heavily favoured to win.
But Hawthorn say their game plan will stand up to anything nature – and the Swans – throw at them.
“We’re confident we’ve got the game plan that will hold up regardless of any conditions,” Hawks director of coaching Chris Fagan said on Thursday.
“If it rains, the game becomes more congested.
“You need to kick the ball forward, push it forward. You don’t play as wide and as fast as what you would normally.
“All AFL teams are accustomed to changing their game plans somewhat if the conditions are wet or windy or whatever.
“So we’re comfortable with whatever turns up on Saturday.”
Sydney veteran Jude Bolton’s career-high 41 possessions came in a home-and-away match against the Western Bulldogs this season in driving rain.
So he is pleased what he joked was his “rain dance” this week looks like opening the heavens on grand final day.
“I’m looking forward to getting down there and playing in a cold and wet Melbourne,” the 300-game midfielder said.
“I think it’s just the team that adjusts quicker. If it’s dry conditions, it’s the team that settles well early and gets a bit of a jump on the opposition.
“We think we’re adept in wet weather and any conditions.
“I guess they’re a real good kicking side so wet weather might be a disadvantage to them.”
The Hawks made just the one predicted change to their line-up – defender Tom Murphy the unlucky player to make way for skipper Luke Hodge.
Hodge missed the Hawks’ preliminary final win over Adelaide last weekend with gastroenteritis.
Fagan said the Hawks would not let favouritism burden them – convinced the Swans are far better chances than their rating by bookmakers.
“If you look at our season we’ve played each other twice, and we’re one win each.
“Sydney were probably the more impressive team last week, so I think we go into the game 50-50.”