In a Tweet
WHAT. A. GAME.
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) May 26, 2017
SOAK IT UP.#AFLSwansHawks #StrongAsOne pic.twitter.com/qBUoZyXFLZ
The Rundown
The tone of the match was set in the opening moments of the match when important Swan Jake Lloyd was knocked out in a ferocious collision with Liam Shiels’ knee following a Tom Mitchell tackle.
The Hawks were the better side to start the game, finishing the opening term ahead by 15 points.
Sydney kicked the first two goals of the second quarter but Hawthorn continued to stave off the Swans, to hold a 21-point buffer going into the main break.
The Hawks early-season third quarter woes continued at the SCG, when the Swans booted five goals to the Hawks’ two to bring the margin back to five points at the final change.
But in a fiery last quarter, the Hawks were able to hold strong, standing up at the most important moments and recording a famous interstate win against all the odds.
The Star
As the AFL celebrated its Indigenous Round in Round 10, Hawthorn star Shaun Burgoyne was the Hawks’ clear stand-out in an epic win away from home.
With Swan Lance Franklin best afield for his side, the game was perfectly set to celebrate the indigenous talent that has graced our great game.
Wearing number 67 on the back of his jumper to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum, Burgoyne collected 26 possessions, 19 of which were contested, five clearances and booted two important goals.
As has become expected from the Hawks superstar, the 34-year old stood up when the whips were truly cracking, inspiring the Hawks to arguably their best win of 2017 so far.
The best five Hawks Swans games from last five years
The Moment
With the scores level entering the final two minutes, the match was begging for a special individual act of brilliance to decide its outcome.
Enter Jarryd Roughead.
The Hawks skipper marked a Ty Vickery kick right on the 50-metre line and confidently went back, demanding the responsibility of the game be in his hands.
His eyes set on his target before setting off a beautifully straight kick that split the middle of the goal posts.
The Hawks went a goal in front, a margin that would last to the final siren.
The Coach
"It was satisfying because we had our backs to the wall and were challenged. We stood up when it was really important to stand up"- Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said after the match.
SYDNEY 2.4 4.6 9.7 11.9 (75)
HAWTHORN 5.1 8.3 10.6 12.9 (81)
GOALS
Sydney: Franklin 5, Heeney 2, Papley, Kennedy, Jones, Rohan
Hawthorn: Bruest 3, Burgoyne 2, Whitecross 2, Gunston, Puopolo, Sicily, Cousins, Roughead
BEST
Sydney: Franklin, Hannebery, Kennedy, Heeney, Rampe, Smith
Hawthorn: Burgoyne, Shiels, Mitchell, Smith, Burton, Hodge
INJURIES
Sydney: Jake Lloyd (concussion), Sam Reid (concussion)
Hawthorn: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Fisher, Rosebury
Official crowd: 36,221 at the SCG