We can almost certainly secure the minor premiership this week with a win against Hawthorn at the SCG.
Looking back to Round 5 in Launceston, the Hawks got the jump on us in the first quarter, and continued on with it in the second. We appeared headed for another thumping, just like Round 9 last year and the semi-final.
But something changed after half-time. We held them scoreless in the third term, and then piled on 7 goals in the last quarter to blow them away. Whatever was said at the main break worked wonders.
The key to beating them is pressure. They were caught flat-footed by Geelong in Round 19 during the first quarter in similar circumstances. Of course they fought back hard, and almost won.
We might miss Jude Bolton this week. His relentless brand of in-and-under football is very good at creating pressure and inspiring others to do the same. We'll need everyone to be a leader this week.
I think we'll win what will be a thrilling game.
Swans by 16.
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