Australian Football

Match Report

A second-half onslaught from Sydney secured a vital win over a disappointing Hawthorn side at the Hawks' supposed fortress in Launceston. Tasmanian supporters of the 'home' side were left scratching their heads as Hawthorn lost its first game at Aurora Stadium in eight attempts. They seemed to be cruising when they took a 20-point lead into half-time, but the Swans came out after the break and, full of fight, kicked 11 goals to two in a devastating second-half performance that raised questions about the quality and steel in the Hawthorn line-up. The Swans remain undefeated, while the Hawks’ fadeout was heavily criticised by the media as they slid to a 2-3 record. The win capped off an important day for Sydney as dual Brownlow Medalist Adam Goodes broke the Swans’ games record, overtaking Michael O’Loughlin’s 303 matches in the red and white. Goodes played a huge role in his side’s revival, slotting through three goals and setting up several others. Josh Kennedy continued his red-hot form, stunning his former side, much to the anguish of Hawks supporters. Jarryd Roughead proved to be a handful early for the Swans’ defence and finished the game as the Hawks’ most influential player with five goals.

GOALS

Hawthorn: Roughead 5, Hale 2, Lewis 2, Rioli

Sydney Swans: Goodes, Kennedy 3, O’Keefe, Bird, Bolton 2, McVeigh, Jack, Jetta, Hannebery 



BEST - AFL.COM.AU
Hawthorn: Roughead, Burgoyne, Lewis, Guerra, Schoenmakers
Sydney: Kennedy, Richards, Goodes, Bird, Hannebery, O’Keefe

BEST - THE AGE
Hawthorn: Roughead, Burgoyne, Guerra, Sewell, Savage, Schoenmakers
Sydney: Kennedy, Richards, Goodes, Bird, Hannebery, O'Keefe, Bolton, Parker, Mattner

COACHES COMMENTS
Alastair Clarkson (Haw): It's difficult when you look at the outcome of the game to work out whether it was us or the opponent, in a sense. I have come out of this game thinking Sydney are an outstanding football side. We tried different things in the third and fourth quarters but they continued to respond to the challenge amazingly well.

John Longmire (Syd): We have got off to a good start. I said it before the game and I will say it again - it is a good start and that is all it is.

Umpires: Brett Rosebury, Stuart Wenn, Robert Findlay