Ryan Clarke v Tom Stewart
Clarke had been the Swans’ shutdown specialist, and was given the role of quelling the play-making Stewart across half-back. Stewart had arguably been the Cats best in the preliminary final against Brisbane, but had only three touches in the first term, and six to half-time on the hard-running Clarke. The Swan almost finished the afternoon with as many metres gained as his opponent, and was one of his team’s few winners.
Tom Hawkins v Tom McCartin
Hawkins, the veteran Cat, set his team alight, and was close to best on ground. He marked early but missed a set shot, then exploded with two goals through brute force. Renowned for his clever ruck work up forward, the first goal came when he pushed Hickey out of a throw-in contest in the left forward pocket, grabbed the ball and snapped truly. If that wasn’t good enough, he repeated this in the opposite pocket minutes later. The All-Australian skipper had his third goal in the second term, and was a threat all day. McCartin had a nightmare, his botched pass across goal in the third term a low point.
Tom Hawkins’ battle with Tom McCartin was a telling one.Credit:AFL Photos
Lance Franklin v Jack Henry
Many had expected Sam De Koning to again go to Buddy, but it was Henry who was assigned the key job. Franklin was disappointing in the first term, even conceding a 50-metre penalty which was lucky to not result in a goal for Zac Guthrie. Franklin, having averaged 17 touches in his previous grand finals, was goalless with only three touches to half-time, and failed to have a touch in the third. He finished goalless, with only five disposals. A week after curbing Joe Daniher, de Koning went to Sam Reid, the latter barely able to move because of his groin problems until he was subbed off in the third term.
Jeremy Cameron v Robbie Fox
Many had expected Dane Rampe to man Cameron but Fox, because of his greater tank, was given the role on the star forward. Fox began well, including a strong tackle on Cameron, but the latter was unfortunate to have a set shot drift late. Fox was best afield for the Swans until half-time, with 13 touches, while rebounding with flair. Cameron got the goal he craved in the final term, but Fox was arguably the Swans’ best player, with more than 400 metres gained.
Tom Hickey v Rhys Stanley
Hickey had a nightmare first term, twice outmuscled by Hawkins at forward-pocket throw-ins, and conceding two goals. Around the ground, Hickey and Stanley had a relatively even battle, although Stanley contributed to far more metres gained. Stanley also had the responsibility of folding back into defence when Mark Blicavs took a stoppage, ensuring the Cats of greater protection behind the ball.
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