Hawthorn backed its flag favourites tag with a comprehensive 54-point win over Sydney at the MCG on Friday night.
The Hawks struggled early in a tight, intense first half, before rolling over the Swans to win the opening game of the finals series 15.15 (105) to 7.9 (51).
Hawthorn kicked 11 goals to three in the second half to gain some element of revenge over the team that beat it in last year’s grand final.
Sydney looked stronger early, leading the clearances and contested possessions, but as the Hawks gained control in the latter stages they overwhelmed the Sydney defence with 53 forward entries to the visitors’ 37.
Hawthorn shared the goals around, with three to Jack Gunston while David Hale and Jarryd Roughead kicked two each. Kurt Tippett was the only multiple goalkicker for Sydney with two.
The Hawks had started without the suspended Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli, who was a late injury withdrawal in favour of Liam Shiels.
Hawthorn now earns the week off, going straight into a preliminary final.
The scope of the loss delivers a critical blow to Sydney’s premiership defence. The Swans will have to bounce back next weekend when they host the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between Richmond and Carlton.
More to follow.
Hawthorn: 15.15 (105) – J Gunston 3, D Hale 2, J Roughead 2, L Breust, B Hill, M Spangher, L Shiels, B Lake, M Bailey, P Puopolo, J Anderson
Sydney: 7.9 (51) – K Tippett 2, G Rohan, M Pyke, L Jetta, R O’Keefe, J White
YOUR COMMENT