Watch the Top 5 Fans' Highlights from the win.

Sydney 4.3 8.5 10.7 14.11 (95)
Hawthorn 0.1 7.6 10.11 15.12 (102)

Goals: Sydney - Goodes, Mumford, O'Keefe, Reid 2, Jack, Kennedy,
Malceski, McGlynn, McVeigh, Roberts-Thomson
Hawthorn - Franklin 4, Burgoyne 3, Suckling, Puopolo 2, Gunston,
Sewell, Shiels, Smith

Best: Sydney - O'Keefe, Goodes, Richards, Kennedy, Hannebery, Grundy
Hawthorn - Burgoyne, Lewis, Birchall Franklin, Hodge, Young, Sewell

Crowd: 31,167 at SCG

The signs were ominous for the Hawks early, failing to cope with the immense pressure the Swans executed. It was tight, tough and contested, just like finals footy, and the Swans settled first.

The Swans out hunted the Hawks and were winning the ball in close in the opening term. The contested possession count was 54-39 in Sydney’s favour, and they were in turn, finding more space, with 53 uncontested possessions to 43. Tackling pressure was up from both sides, at 23 apiece, but it was the forward pressure of Sydney that resulting in seven scoring shots to one.

The Hawks couldn’t find a way out of its defensive 50, turning the ball over and fumbling under the avalanche of Sydney pressure. Hawthorn’s kicking efficiency, at 58.1 per cent, was one of the lowest ebbs of season 2012.

The Sydney midfield was dominant, winning 15 clearances to 10, and that was the difference in the first term. Given the pressure the Hawks were under, the myriad of opportunities the Swans forward’s had because of the midfield dominance only compounded it.

It was a different story in the second term though, as the Hawks began to win the ball from the centre, as Alastair Clarkson moved Shaun Burgoyne into the middle.

Burgoyne was instrumental in Hawthorn’s second quarter revival, winning 10 possessions and kicking two vital goals. He and Jordan Lewis won the hard ball, and dished it out to runners such as Isaac Smith who had an impact.

Hawthorn’s ability to win the contested ball, and even up the clearances in the second term combined with better disposal going forward sparked a seven goal to four second quarter. Lewis, Burgoyne and Luke Hodge led the way with 11, 9 and 7 contested possessions respectively.

The second half was a battle of wills, with both sides throwing themselves at every contest. It was a finals-like atmosphere and match from start to finish, and it came down to individual efforts to get the Hawks over the line.

While each player played their role, some had more impact than others.

Burgoyne’s game was touched on earlier, but he provided the impetus the Hawks needed to get the job done. He finished with 26 possessions, three goals and seven clearances. He was arguably best on ground, and Clarkson’s decision to move the former Power star into the midfield proved a match-winning move.

Captain Luke Hodge was moved into defence mid-way through the second term, and he added great composure to a defensive group under siege.  He provided great leadership, organisation and skill to the group to cope with the Sydney pressure.

Brent Guerra’s role as the link-man between the Hawthorn defence and attack was pivotal, with his ability to stay composed with confronted with great pressure was key. He used his skills as best he could, and executed the Hawks’ plan to perfection. He finished with 19 possessions at 79 per cent efficiency, four inside 50s and three rebound 50s.

Lance Franklin’s ability to have the impact he did in his first match for seven weeks was incredible. He was the standout forward on the ground, and provided the Hawks with the spark they needed to get going in the second term. He finished the match with a game-high four goals.

The game of the much-maligned Ryan Schoenmakers shouldn’t go without recognition; his repeat defensive efforts thwarted a number of certain Sydney goals. He shut down Sam Reid after he booted two goals in the opening term and had arguably his best game for the Club.

What Alastair Clarkson said: “We were down and out half-way through the second quarter, and somehow these guys dug deep and got themselves back into the contest by half time.

“It was a real arm wrestle for the whole of the second half.

“It was really pleasing that we were able to come back after O’Keefe kicking that goal with less than two minutes to go.

“We are just really pleased that we were able to dig in and get there in the end.”