HAWTHORN           0.4   4.9  8.11   9.15  (69)
SYDNEY                    5.1   7.4   8.7   11.7  (73)

By MATTHEW BALMER

Sydney Swans exploded into the first term and kept composed when Hawthorn fought back in front at three-quarter-time to find a four-point win in the Grand Final rematch.

A five-goal streak in the first term helped the Swans find redemption for a 63-point loss in last season’s Grand Final.

The Hawks mounted a comeback in the second and third terms, kicking eight goals to the Swans' three to claim a four-point lead at three-quarter-time.

But Swans coach John Longmire reinvigorated his side when he moved captain Jarrad McVeigh to the frontline to score the final two goals and set up his side’s sixth win.

“McVeigh is a smart player – his role in our team is critical,” Longmire said post-match.

“He leads the team and can stand up at important moments.”

The Hawks missed a chance to win in the dying moments when Cyril Rioli fumbled a handball to Jack Gunston at 15m as he ran at goal.

In the final minute, Hawk forward Luke Breust – who kicked 57 goals and just 12 behinds last season – missed a set shot at 40m, enabling Swans to win possession and run down the clock.

The Hawks will be disappointed in their missed chances, with key forward Jarryd Roughead kicking just three behinds and Gunston kicking just one goal and three behinds.

“Bad kicking is bad football,” Hawk coach Alastair Clarkson said post-match.

“They took their chances, we didn’t take ours.”

But Rioli kicked two goals in what was arguably his best match where he found 16 disposals and four marks inside 50.

The small forward pushed the Hawks to a match-first lead when he grabbed a mark at 40m and scored three minutes before three-quarter-time.

Hawk defender James Frawley contained key tall forward Lance Franklin to just seven disposals and kept him goalless.

Swans Daniel Hannebery and Luke Parker led their side’s explosive start, gathering a collective 16 disposals before quarter-time.

Swan Adam Goodes also helped his side in the opening term, kicking a goal at 19 minutes, while he found 18 disposals.

“Goodesy competed well tonight. He still has a bit there, which is good,” Longmire said.

Swans Josh Kennedy found 29 possessions and Parker found 26 to support midfield leader Hannebery, who found a match-high 36 possessions and seven clearances.

The Swans confront a troubled Carlton side on Friday night at the SCG, while the Hawks travel to Launceston to face the Gold Coast Suns.

THE WRAP-UP

GOALS
Hawthorn: Schoenmakers, 2; Rioli, 2; Gunston; Breust; Ceglar; Langford; Puopolo
Sydney: Tippett, 2; Reid, 2; McGlynn, 2; McVeigh, 2; Rohan; Goodes; Parker

BEST
Hawthorn:  Rioli, Mitchell, Smith, Frawley, Lewis, Hill
Sydney:Hannebery, Parker, McVeigh, Reid, Kennedy, Rampe

INJURIES
Hawthorn: Birchall (ankle)
Sydney: Rohan (cramp)

SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn:  Billy Hartung replaced David Hale at three-quarter-time
Sydney: Harry Cunningham replaced Gary Rohan at three-quarter-time

REPORTS: None

UMPIRES: Simon Meredith, Troy Pannell, Shane McInerney

CROWD: 63,319 at the MCG