How We Won

SYDNEY SWANS 3.4 8.7 16.9 22.11 (143)
HAWTHORN 5.4 8.9 12.12 15.15 (105)

1. Nullified Franklin’s Impact – Craig Bolton gives up height to Franklin but matches him for pace and somehow manages to get a fist on the ball at most marking attempts. Franklin resorted to moving up the field to get some touches. Bolton allowed him to do this and stay back. After all, Franklin is good but he can’t get the ball in the centre and kick it to himself deep in the forward line.
2. Mitchell had nothing – Sam Mitchell is a gun midfielder. Yet he had no presence during the game. He was tagged well by Brett Kirk (I think).
3. Hodge had minimal effect – Hodge backs himself and becomes the third man up in marking contests to affect the spoil. He was successful at the beginning when he was playing loose. When someone was sent to keep him accountable for a player he would still back himself on the odd occasion and he left his man. Mostly it meant that Barry Hall was allowed to remain one on one with his opponent. Goodes was able to fly at marks unimpeded and Darren Jolly was able to be dangerous up forward.
4. Tackling Pressure – Hard tackling is what wins matches. We didn’t have it last week and we got done. We had it tonight. Good tackling frustrates players. Franklin was gang tackled as soon as he got the ball. He never was allowed a clean grab at the ball. Chance Bateman, Sam Mitchell and Co were never allowed to run free with the ball. This results in opposition players looking for the tackler instead of a team mate to pass it to.