NSW/ACT Notebook: Week 1 Finals wrap

By Michael DiFabrizio

Hawthorn 15.15 (105) def. Sydney Swans 7.9 (51)

The Swans will be relying on the second chance after going down to Hawthorn by 54 points on Friday night.

The notion of an upset was bolstered by the fact the Hawks were missing both Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli.

When the game got underway, the Swans matched their more fancied opponents throughout the first half. Poor kicking in front of goal had let both teams down, but neither were out of it with scores tied at 4.7 at half time.

Once the second half arrived, however, Hawthorn established strong momentum, kicking the first four goals.

The Swans put up some resistance until another onslaught of goals in the fourth quarter put the game beyond doubt.

Where disposal efficiency let the Hawks down in last year’s September meeting of these teams, this time they kept their cool – going at 76 per cent to Sydney’s 70.

This was perhaps influenced by the Swans’ tackle count dropping from 81 down to 65 in the space of two weeks.

The Swans did dominate the stoppages by convincingly winning the hitouts and clearances, but the Hawks still managed to push it forward (inside 50s were 54-38).

Kieren Jack had a monster game with 32 disposals, 11 tackles, nine clearances and nine inside 50s. Josh Kennedy pitched in with 29 disposals and 10 clearances.

Kurt Tippett led the away team’s scoring with two goals.

Hawthorn were led by Brad Sewell (30 disposals), Brent Guerra (10 marks) and Luke Hodge, who was strong off half back. Jack Gunston kicked three goals.

The Swans will now return to Sydney to play Carlton next weekend, while Hawthorn get the week off.

NSW/ACT Notes

Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) was perhaps player of the round for his performance – see the match report. Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) had 27 disposals and seven clearances for the Swans.

Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) had 18 disposals and three inside 50s. Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES Bulldogs) had four rebound 50s among 11 disposals. Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) had nine touches.

Luke Breust (Temora) and Isaac Smith (Temora) both picked up 13 disposals, with Breust kicking 1.2 for the Hawks.

Tom Hawkins (Finley) was a late withdrawal for Geelong prior to their loss to Fremantle.

NEAFL (Preliminary Final) – Northern Conference
Aspley 20.15 (135) def. Southport 8.21 (69)

NEAFL (Preliminary Final) – Eastern Conference
Belconnen 18.15 (123) def. Ainslie 16.11 (107)