Hawthorn claimed a bittersweet victory in their final home and away fixture of the season, defeating Sydney 17.10 (112) to 16.4 (100) in a Grand Final rematch in front of 37,980 at ANZ Stadium, but may lose star Lance Franklin for the next weekend’s first final after the forward was reported for a reckless bump.
The Hawks responded after an average first half, fighting back from deficits at each break to kick six goals to Sydney’s three in the last quarter. Hawthorn’s two goal win ensured the club of the 2013 minor premiership as both teams prepare to meet again in next weekend’s qualifying final.
Franklin was reported when he landed a high bump on Nick Malceski in the second quarter, making contact with the 2012 Premiership defender’s head after he had disposed of the ball, sending him into the grass.
“What can you say? He’s been reported … we’ve just got to let the authorities deal with that and see what happens,” Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said post-match.
“Those sort of things happen in games of footy. We’ll just see what the Match Review Panel deem it to be.
“We’ve won games of footy without him, so we’ll do that again (if need be). But I didn’t think it was a very malicious act … Malceski continued to play.”
While Franklin didn’t have a bad night, it was Hawthorn’s most consistent forward this season, Jarryd Roughead, that was again the team’s most lethal scoring option. Roughead kicked four goals, and two in the first six minutes of the final term, to sway the game into the Hawks’ favour.
Brad Sewell (27 possessions), Shaun Burgoyne (27) and Sam Mitchell (26) led Hawthorn while Franklin, Jack Gunston and Luke Breust helped shoulder the goal kicking load.
Swans coach John Longmire still gives his side a chance in next weekend’s qualifier.
“I thought we had a lot of positives come out of the game even though we got beaten on the scoreboard,” Longmire said.
“We were minus-30 in the tackles last week and we were plus-14 or so tonight (81-69).
“That was a really good start, and I thought our first half in particular our ability to cause some turnovers and score on those turnovers were good.
“We played some kids that did OK as well. Ultimately we leaked a few easy goals which we need to tighten up on, but there were positives to come out of it.”
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Cameron Spencer, Getty Images.
