The super Swans were far superior to Collingwood all field in the PF at ANZ, their appetite for the tackle killing any possible Pies flow from the off. Coach Longmire observed; ‘it’s a selfless brand of footy’, and yes they’re the epitome of team this one but you’d be remiss not mention the rip at the middle from Kennedy, the delivery and tackling of O’Keefe, the industry on the ground of Hannebury, and the presence of Goodes and Mumford. They’re real quality all positions and if they missed a few, particularly in a throat tightening 15 minutes dividing the 3rd and 4th quarters when they went five behinds to the Pies four majors, that they finished with 13 at 42% GB offers the chance of further improvement. Lacking stand out key forwards it’ll be on the likes of Goodes, Jetta and Reid to exploit what looked suspect man on man coverage from the Hawks last out but if they’ve an issue it’s the G. Not so much their ability to handle it but that they only get to play there about twice a year (0-8 back to ’09), while the Hawks are 83% there this season from 12. It’s not a one man Buddy band anymore and whether they can contain the heavy numbers coming forward on the big pitch is the query.
Hawthorn punched past the Crows late on 26 more entries. If their yips in front nearly gifted it (they finished with 13 at 40% GB), you’d suggest the late withdrawal of the skip Hodge (gastro) didn’t help and his calm presence will ensure formation is held when the Sydney middle comes charging off the bounce. They’ll throw bodies in and bash it out at the contact, and if Mitchell, backed by Sewell, can break from the centre smoother than last week, in Franklin and Rioli lie weapons capable of shredding any defence. They’ve held number one by the ‘ASAP Power Rankings’ almost exclusively since round four, bring easily the highest ranking offence to face what is the league’s best smother. They’re 11-2 hosting and 3-2 this match up the last five including by seven visiting last month.
The numbers suggest the Hawks, but solely on the last outings of both the Swans were the better. They’re fast on the break and put 37 on Hawthorn in April in Tassie. It’ll be momentum swings and may come down to which catches that wave late. On a neutral field you’d go the Swans but its not and the ‘Ratings’ mark it for Hawthorn.
Hawthorn by 8