Sydney have cruised to 6-1 with a dominant 42–118 victory over Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.
In a game commemorating the career of Lance Franklin – a great of both clubs – it was the highly-fancied Swans who simply had too much clash for their rebuilding opponents.
After a fairly even first 20 minutes, Sydney quickly pulled away, kicking 10 goals to three in the first half to lead by 42 points at the main break.
That dominance continued in the third term as they kicked five goals to one before the game fizzled out in the fourth quarter, winning by 76 points.
The Swans controlled the ball in the air all game, taking 136 marks to 80, while they were incredibly efficient inside 50 as they went forward only 50 times to Hawthorn’s 48.
The best players for the victors were their midfield users with Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden all enjoying the conditions as the forwards were able to cash in as a result.
For the Hawks, they’d be pleased with the performance of midfielder James Worpel, while Dylan Moore kept his strong form going up forward.
The Swans next face their biggest test of the season against local rivals GWS at the SCG on Saturday while the Hawks will meet the Dogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Our player grades.
Hawthorn
Dylan Moore: A
A more all-around game after kicking four in last week’s win. Still hit the scoreboard but finished with 25 disposals.
James Worpel: B+
A nice return to form from the on-baller, finished with 2 disposals, six tackles and six clearances. More of what we’re used to.
Lloyd Meek: B+
Split the ruck battle aerially with Brodie Grundy but probably did more around the ground, finishing with 15 disposals and a goal.
James Sicily: B+
Nice game in defence picking up enough ball with 24 touches.
Cam Mackenzie: B+
A really nice game from the youngster, one of Hawthorn’s best midfielders, finishing with 21 disposals.
Jai Newcombe: B
Had plenty of it with 24 disposals but didn’t impact as much as he would have liked.
Karl Amon: B+
Will Day: B
Didn’t get a whole lot of it in his return game but the Hawks would be happy for him to get through unscathed.
Jarman Impey: B-
Jack Scrimshaw: B-
Wasn’t great defensively but did some really nice attacking things from the back half.
Blake Hardwick: B-
Looked reasonably dangerous early as a forward and should have had another goal. Went back to sure up the defence in the second half.
Conor Nash: C+
Came back from his really nice performance last week but wasn’t bad.
Sam Frost: C+
Tried his hardest in defence but there’s no doubt that Sydney’s aerial forwards got the win.
Harry Morrison: C+
Not as good as his performance last week.
Connor Macdonald: C+
Read above.
Finn Maginness: C+
Spent a bit of time up forward on Nick Blakey and also a bit on Isaac Heeney in the midfield. Didn’t impact much.
Jack Ginnivan: C+
Inaccurate in front of goals. Had enough chances with 0.4 to have an impact though.
Josh Weddle: C+
Mabior Chol: C+
Tried hard and offered a target but gives away too many free kicks.
Seamus Mitchell: D
Jack Gunston: D
Went back late as an intercepting defender after a quiet start up forward.
Jai Serong: D
Was subbed off after half-time after having just a couple of touches before then.
Max Ramsden: N/A
Subbed on for Jai Serong early in the second half to offer more aerial presence up forward.
Sydney:
Isaac Heeney: A+
Could easily get another three Brownlow votes with three goals and 21 disposals. Is in some serious form.
Chad Warner: A+
Another MCG masterclass from the gun midfielder. One of his side’s best if not best afield with 22 disposals, a goal, eight tackles and six clearances.
Errol Gulden: A+
Was allowed far too much time and space to operate on the open expanses of the MCG. Had 579 metres gained to go with his 25 touches.
Ollie Florent: A+
Kicked a goal and had 28 disposals to go with 697 metres gained in his 150th AFL game. A really nice outing.
James Rowbottom: A
Bullocking on-ball performance.
Logan McDonald: A
Kicked three goals and looked the most dangerous forward on the ground all day.
Nick Blakey: A
Had the Maginness matchup early but that was switched when it didn’t nullify his influence. Finished with 30 disposals and 26 kicks.
Hayden McLean: A
Took some really good marks and played with confidence. Could have been better if he was more accurate in front of goal kicking 1.2.
Tom McCartin: B+
Justin McInerney: B+
Played a bit of half back and a bit of wing and was really before being tactically substituted in the last term.
Jake Lloyd: B
Sam Wicks: B
Started hot early and finished a couple of goals.
James Jordon: B
A really nice addition to this side.
Will Hayward: B-
Copped a knock to the leg early on but battled well and kicked two goals.
Tom Papley: B-
An ‘almost’ game from the gun small forward.
Lewis Melican: C+
Brodie Grundy: C+
Competed well against Meek in the ruck but wasn’t overly influential around the ground.
Taylor Adams: C+
Kicked a goal but didn’t have a big impact.
Matt Roberts: C+
Robbie Fox: C+
Harry Cunningham: C+
Joel Amartey: C-
Looked decent early but couldn’t get his hands on the ball enough.
Braeden Campbell: N/A
Came on late for McInerney.
