Key posts
It’s an early arm wrestle
Hawthorn may be the underdogs against an in-form Sydney, but they are pressing hard and high up the ground, which has kept things tight early days.
Logan McDonald kicked Sydney’s second goal of the day but it was quickly answered by Hawthorn’s Dylan Moore.
Scores level at 13.
Dylan Moore of the Hawks.Credit: Getty
Swans open their goal account
Swans star Isaac Heeney broke away from stoppage to drive the ball towards the Sydney goal. There Sam Wicks scooped it up and slotted it through for Sydney’s first major of the afternoon.
Cam Mackenzie then registered a minor score down the other hand to level the score.
Scores level.
Hardwick kicks off the day
Hawthorn’s Blake Hardwick has kicked the opening major of the game from a set shot to give the home side a good boost early.
The opening five minutes of the match saw both sides be a bit fumbly, miss kicks and lack some cohesion.
The Swans got the first score through a behind from Tom Papley.
However, so far, the pressure has been good.
Hawthorn lead by 5.
And we’re off
We’re underway at the MCG for the Hawks and Swans clash.
Can Hawthorn cause an upset or will Sydney will too strong?
We’re about to find out.
James Sicily of the Hawks.Credit: Getty
Buddy thanks Hawks and Swans
By Peter Ryan
Hawthorn and Sydney champion ‘Buddy’ Franklin, the guest of honour at the MCG on Sunday, spoke briefly at the Hawthorn president’s lunch on Sunday before he has an on ground interview at half-time.
A source in the room said the recently retired great noted he didn’t love public speaking before thanking both clubs for his time there and said it was good to get back to Hawthorn training at Waverley on Saturday “where it all began”.
He also noted his two chidren Tallulah and Rocky were in Hawthorn colours for the day.
Franklin played 182 games for Hawthorn and 172 games for Sydney and kicked 1066 goals.
Lance Franklin’s lap of honour at the SCG with wife Jesinta and their children.Credit: Getty Images
Suns torch Eagles at home
Gold Coast overcame a slow start at People First Stadium to pull away from West Coast in the second half and claim their fourth win this season.
It was looking dicey there for a second for the Suns. They were up by just three points at half-time but then kicked 10 goals to five in the final two quarters.
Eagle Jake Waterman continues to shine with a four-goal haul, while the Suns had eleven individual goalscorers, including Ben King with three.
Gold Coast defeated West Coast 17.10 (112) to 12.3 (75).
Brayden Fiorini of the Suns.Credit: Getty
Your view: Who wins?
Hawthorn will be searching for their second win of the season after dominating North Melbourne last weekend.
Sydney, however, will be hunting their sixth win in seven games (after bowing to Richmond in round three). Plus, if they get enough of a percentage boost, the Swans could find themselves in second position on the ladder come nightfall.
How do you see this one playing out?
Hawks make late change
Mitch Lewis is a late out for Hawthorn, replaced by Max Ramsden, who is the sub.
There are no late changes for Sydney with Braeden Campbell as the sub.
G’afternoon
Good afternoon, footy fans, and welcome to our live blog for Hawthorn v Sydney.
The last game of round seven to close out what’s been an interesting week of football for Anzac Appeal round.
It’s also an occasion for Hawks and Swans fans to farewell the great of the game in Buddy Franklin.
So, let’s get to it, shall we?
