Full-time: Sydney 11.10.76 v Hawthorn 14.12.96
Are the Hawks legit contenders in 2025? They’ve certainly made a good start towards answering that question in the affirmative, marching onto the home patch of one of last season’s grand finalists and coming away from a 20 point win.
After a high-scoring opening quarter in which the lead changed hands six time, the Hawks kicked away in the second and looked like they might be set to break the game open, only for the Swans to rally back put the game back on a knife-edge heading into three quarter-time. But as they heavens opened up above them the Hawks were able to rise to the challenge and see the game off.
It feels like a real tone-setter of an opening round win for Sam Mitchell’s side, something that they can look to build on as they look to take the next step as a unit.
Key events
Karl Amon ended the night with the most disposals on the ground with 27, alongside two clearances and a goal. Will Day and Joel Amartey, meanwhile, led the goals count with three apiece, the former adding 26 disposals and nine clearances to that number.
The match-winner, however, has to be James Sicily, who put in a steadfast shift down back in the opening half before getting thrown forward in the final quarter and helping to dive the Hawks to victory, kicking what ended up being the goal that broke the backs of the Swans’ resistance.
Full-time: Sydney 11.10.76 v Hawthorn 14.12.96
Are the Hawks legit contenders in 2025? They’ve certainly made a good start towards answering that question in the affirmative, marching onto the home patch of one of last season’s grand finalists and coming away from a 20 point win.
After a high-scoring opening quarter in which the lead changed hands six time, the Hawks kicked away in the second and looked like they might be set to break the game open, only for the Swans to rally back put the game back on a knife-edge heading into three quarter-time. But as they heavens opened up above them the Hawks were able to rise to the challenge and see the game off.
It feels like a real tone-setter of an opening round win for Sam Mitchell’s side, something that they can look to build on as they look to take the next step as a unit.
Q4. 1 min remaining: Sydney 11.10.76 v Hawthorn 14.12.96
Karl Amon drives the ball into the forward 50, with the ball spilling out the back of the waiting pack and scooting over the line for a point.
The Swans get forward one last time but Oliver Florent’s effort to add a consolation goal hits the post.
Q4. 2 min remaining: Sydney 11.9.75 v Hawthorn 14.11.95
Last chance saloon areas for the Swans as they repulse the Hawks latest attack and spring forward in attack. They drive an effort in the direction of Joel Amartey but Sam Frost gets his body on the forward and Massimo D’Ambrosio takes the intercept mark.
Q4. 3 min remaining: Sydney 11.9.75 v Hawthorn 14.11.95
The Hawks are absolutely out on their feet, there’s cramping everywhere, but they keep laying the tackles and making the blocks to keep the Swans at bay.
Q4. 4 min remaining: Sydney 11.9.75 v Hawthorn 14.11.95
Has James Sicily won this game for the Hawks!?!?
Tom Barrass takes a huge intercept mark as the Swans look to get out of their defensive 50 and drives the ball back forward, with Sicily scooting out in front of the pack and earning a free kick.
The angle isn’t too great but he opts to go around the corner anyway and slots it home, stretching the lead back out to 20 points.
Q4. 6 min remaining: Sydney 11.9.75 v Hawthorn 13.11.89
Desperate footy on show from both sides, as every moment that passes increases the stakes of every kick and handball.
A huge mark on the 50 from James Sicily sets him up for a long-range bomb but Nick Blakey gets back and scrambles it through for a point.
Q4. 7 min remaining: Sydney 11.9.75 v Hawthorn 13.10.88
The Hawks send a ball to the top of the goal square but neither Mabior Chol nor James Sicily can claim it and the Swans clear.
Tom McCartin takes a grab on the right wing as the Swans look to get set up and launch forward but the Hawks see off the danger.
Q4. 9 min remaining: Sydney 11.9.75 v Hawthorn 13.10.88
The Hawks surge forward again looking to deliver a potentially devastating one-two punch but the Swans clear the ball away. A big tackle from Conor Nash wins the ball back for the visitors, however, and with a 13-point advantage they take their time in working the ball forward.
Mabior Chol thinks he’s taken a grab for a set short from close-range but he’s forced to give the ball to Dane Rampe, who was obstructed by James Sicily.
Q4. 11 min remaining: Sydney 11.9.75 v Hawthorn 13.10.88
A horror error from the Swans gives the Hawks an absolute gift!
Oliver Florent stands up James Sicily in the forward pocket and wins a free kick for holding the ball but his resulting distribution is shanked straight to the Hawks’ Connor Macdonald, who takes a simple grab and converts from 35 out.
Q4. 14 min remaining: Sydney 11.9.75 v Hawthorn 12.10.82
The debutant Tom Hanily drags down Jai Newcombe and earns a free kick from the left wing, just on the 50 metre arc. He tries to get cute with a chip to the top of the goal square but Karl Amon is the only one waiting to meet it and the Hawks see off the danger.
Q4. 15 min remaining: Sydney 11.9.75 v Hawthorn 12.10.82
Tom McCartin takes a grab in the midfield but he’s forced to wait for options to emerge in front of him, giving the Hawks time to get defenders behind the ball.
He eventually bombs the ball into the forward 50 and it falls to Tom Papley but his attempt from an angle goes out on the full.
Q4. 16 min remaining: Sydney 11.9.75 v Hawthorn 12.10.82
The Swans continue to pressure the Hawks with the weight of territory, getting another minor score, btu are unable to convert.
The visitors make their way up the other end of the SCG but James Sicily can’t hold onto his attempt to mark in the wet conditions, granting the Swans a reprieve.
Q4. 17 min remaining: Sydney 11.8.74 v Hawthorn 12.10.82
James Sicily has been sent forward by Sam Mitchell and he makes an immediate impact, taking a chest mark in front of Dane Rampe atop the goal square. The Swans thought he’d played on and it looked like he did but he’s not forced to do so by the umpires, instead able to go back and drive it home.
The Swans surge forward in an attempt to find a response but neither Joel Amartey or Chad Warner are able to find the target.
Q4. 20 min remaining: Sydney 11.6.72 v Hawthorn 11.10.76
As the downpour that began in the third quarter intensifies, the Swans get the first forward 50 entry of the final quarter.
The Hawks briefly get the ball clear but Chad Warner booms a long-range effort towards goal, an effort that could have skidded anywhere off the turf if not for Jarman Impey’s efforts to get back and smother the ball for a rushed behind.
Three quarter-time: Sydney 11.5.71 v Hawthorn 11.10.76
After coming out of the main break in a 20 point deficit, a big third-quarter from the Swans has cut the margin to five and set the first game of the 2025 season up for a grandstand finish.
Sydney kicked five goals to two across the quarter, with Chad Warner and Nick Blakey helping to inspire their furious fightback and the influential James Sicily stymied.
James Worpel already wearing a club polo and moon boot after being subbed out of the game with an ankle injury there will be concern amongst the Hawks faithful for Will Day. He needed treatment at the end of the quarter and while the word from the visitor’s camp is that it’s only cramp, it’s absolutely worth keeping an eye on.
Q3. 1 min remaining: Sydney 11.5.71 v Hawthorn 11.10.76
A soft turnover from Jack Ginnivan almost gives the Swans scope to break quickly but Tom Barrass does very well to hold Joel Amartey up and give his teammates scope to get back into shape.
The Hawks win the ball back and launch a move that sees Nick Watson burst into space and shoot but Nick Blakey is able back on the last line of defence to keep it out for no score.
Q3. 2 mins remaining: Sydney 11.5.71 v Hawthorn 11.10.76
The Hawks grab a point to move the lead back out to four. They’re able to lock the ball in the forward 50 and Jack Ginnivan’s smother of an attempt to clear Matt Roberts puts the ball up for grabs before the Swans scramble the ball through for a behind.
Q3. 4 mins remaining: Sydney 11.5.71 v Hawthorn 11.8.74
The Lizard! Nick Blakey overlaps to receive a handball after a strong grab from Justin McInerney and advances to five meters beyond the 50 metre arc, from where he guides an effort through to bring it back to a three point game.
Q3. 5 mins remaining: Sydney 10.5.65 v Hawthorn 11.8.74
Some real concerns for Hawthorn here, as Will Day has been forced off the ground and is receiving treatment from the club’s medical staff. They’ve already lost James Worpel to an ankle injury, they really can’t afford to lose the best on ground in the opening half.
The Swans, meanwhile, have activated their sub, with Tom Hanily coming on for his debut as a replacement for Gus Sheldrick.
Q3. 6 mins remaining: Sydney 10.5.65 v Hawthorn 11.8.74
A momentum-killer for the Swans as they completely switch off and allow Connor Nash to ghost into space to receive a pass from Will Day. He sends through an important steadier for the Hawks and the lead is back to nine points.
Q3. 8mins remaining: Sydney 10.5.65 v Hawthorn 10.8.68
The inferred pressure of momentum is on show as Jai Newcombe has a chance to take the sting out of this Swans run and answer back from the Swans, only to drag his attempt from the boundary across the face of goal and out on the full.
Not an easy attempt by any stretch but should at least be hitting the garget.
Q3. 8mins remaining: Sydney 10.5.65 v Hawthorn 10.8.68
The Hawks are able to get the ball forward but their attempt to stem the onslaught only sees them pick up a point.
The Swans get the ball forward again and force a series of throw-ins in their forward 50 but Hawthorn show good mettle to keep them out.
Q3. 11 mins remaining: Sydney 10.5.65 v Hawthorn 10.7.67
Will Hayward cuts the deficit to just two points as the SCG crowd roars in approval!
The Swans collect the crumbs from a ball-up on the edge of their forward 50 and snap it in deep. It spills out and before Tom Barrass has the chance to clear the ball away after getting the crumbs he’s dragged down by Hayward and pinged for holding the ball.
Q3. 13 mins remaining: Sydney 9.5.59 v Hawthorn 10.7.67
The Swans are coming! Meek takes the ball out of the ruck in the middle and springs the Hawks forward but the hosts have the numbers to win the ball and spring rapidly in transition.
The move ends when Chard Warner spears a pass towards the top of the goal square, where Tom McCartin takes a strong grab and cuts the deficit further.
Q3. 16 mins remaining: Sydney 8.5.53 v Hawthorn 10.7.67
The lead is down to 14 points! The Swans spring a transition on the Hawks’ attempt to do so, eventually working the the ball into position where Justin McInerney finds Chad Warner for a set shot from the right forward pocket, one he duly converts.
Q3. 17 mins remaining: Sydney 7.5.47 v Hawthorn 10.7.67
The Swans get the ball forward again as they try to build some momentum but Justin McInerney drags his set shot left.
Q3. 17 mins remaining: Sydney 7.4.46 v Hawthorn 10.7.67
The Swans respond immediately and keep themselves in it, working the ball to Justin McInerney as they win the clearance off the bounce. He drives a ball forward for Joel Amartey, who slots it through for his third of the game.
Q3. 18 mins remaining: Sydney 6.4.40 v Hawthorn 10.7.67
A ball-up sees the Hawks work the ball to Massimo D’Ambrosio, who lofts the ball into the forward 50. Mabior Chol rides a bump and takes the grab before slotting the ball through for his first of the game and to stretch the lead to 27 points.
Q3. 19 mins remaining: Sydney 6.4.40 v Hawthorn 9.7.61
Will Day boots the ball forward but the Swans are able to wrap Nash up and force a ball-up. Massimo D’Ambrosio collects the ball and stabs the ball toward goal but Mabior Chol can’t collect and it goes through for a point.
The ball is bounced and the second half is underway!
Unfortunately for the Hawks, James Worpel will be unable to continue after that ankle injury, with Sam Frost set to enter the game and forcing a reshuffle from the visitors.
Putting a bit of a dampener on that second quarter for the Hawks, there are concerns for the right ankle of James Worpel after it got folded up underneath him late in the quarter.
The midfielder headed to the bench to get it re-strapped and, with substitute Sam Frost a key defender, Sam Mitchell will undoubtedly be hoping he’s right to continue in the third.
Joel Amartey has two goals for the Swans, with Chad Warner, Taylor Adams, and Tom Papley all contributing one.
As mentioned, Will Day leads both teams with three goals, while Dylan Moore and Lloyd Meek have two and Jai Newcombe and Karl Amon have kicked one apiece for the Hawks.
Half-time: Sydney 6.4.40 v Hawthorn 9.6.60
The second-half didn’t prove quite as high-scoring as the first but it was one in which the Hawks were able to start flexing their muscle and begin to take control of the game – leading by 20 at the main break.
The visitors kicked four goals to two in that second quarter, with Will Day best on ground to this point with three goals to go along with five clearances and a ground-leading 19 disposals and 357 meters gained.
Q2. 1 mins remaining: Sydney 6.4.40 v Hawthorn 9.6.60
The Swans are able to survive a throw-in and ball-up deep in their defensive 50 and clear the ball away. Josh Battle grabs the ball for the Hawks and winds up from range but his effort bounces wide.
Q2. 2 mins remaining: Sydney 6.4.40 v Hawthorn 9.5.59
Matt Roberts send the ball in to the Swans forward 50 and while Tom McCartin can’t bring the mark in, Taylor Adams collects the crumbs and finds James Rowbottom, who snaps a much-need goal.
Q2. 3 mins remaining: Sydney 5.4.34 v Hawthorn 9.5.59
It’s Will Day again! He kicks his third goal and stretches the lead out further after he drags down Matt Roberts and earns a free kick for holding the ball. It’s a harsh call but the Hawks won’t care as they look to put their foot on the Swans throats just before halftime.
Q2. 4 mins remaining: Sydney 5.4.34 v Hawthorn 8.5.53
The Hawks lead is out to 19 points and they’ve kicked five out of the last six goals, the visitor’s latest coming when ruckman Lloyd Meek earns a 50 metre penalty to set himself up with a relatively set shot from close-range.
Q2. 5 mins remaining: Sydney 5.4.34 v Hawthorn 7.5.47
The Swans continue to blunt themselves against the Hawks defensive shape as they look to work they way back into this one.
A lapse from James Sicily, however, gives the hosts an avenue to goal when he gives away a 50 metre penalty against Chad Warner. He sends a booming kick towards the post but Joel Amartey can’t bring the ball in, with it instead rushed through for a behind.
Q2. 7 mins remaining: Sydney 5.3.33 v Hawthorn 7.5.47
The Swans repeatedly look to build out from the back but they can’t find a way through the Hawks on both occasions they get the ball inside the forward 50.
Q2. 9 mins remaining: Sydney 5.3.33 v Hawthorn 7.5.47
Again the Hawks come and this time it’s they that are on the right side of the umpire’s call, Will Day adjudged to have been collected high and earning a set shot from almost directly in front. He just sneaks his second of the game just inside the post to extend his side’s lead.
Day is having an absolute, ahem, day out at the SCG.
Q2. 10 mins remaining: Sydney 5.3.33 v Hawthorn 6.5.41
Will Day drives the Hawks into the attack again but Sam Wicks envelops Nick Watson and earns a free kick for holding the ball.
Q2. 11 mins remaining: Sydney 5.3.34 v Hawthorn 6.5.41
The Hawks come forward again and Jack Ginnivan – who has been rarely sighted tonight – sends in a wayward attempt from close to the boundary.
Q2. 12 mins remaining: Sydney 5.3.34 v Hawthorn 6.4.40
Just as the Swans are looking like they’re building some momentum, Karl Amon produces a peach of a goal to snuff it out and extend the Hawks’ lead.
The 29-year-old shakes off the attention of multiple defenders as he carries the ball into the forward 50 before playing a one-two with Jai Newcombe to spring him into the space he needs to convert. Top goal.
Q2. 15 mins remaining: Sydney 5.3.33 v Hawthorn 5.4.34
James Sicily is found in the middle of the park and booms a ball into the forward 50, Hardwick can’t take the grab but sticks with it , ensuring that the Hawks are able to keep the ball locked in and earn a ball-up.
It comes to naught, however, as the Swans break forward quickly. Tom Papley can’t take the grab on a ball boomed deep into the 50 but Joel Amartey is hurled to the ground by Josh Battle as he looks to get the crumbs and wins a free kick, one he converts.
Q2. 17 mins remaining: Sydney 4.3.27 v Hawthorn 5.4.34
Will Day drives the ball into the forward 50 and while Ben Paton smothers Finn Maginness’ initial attempt, the Hawks are able to keep the ball in attack and eventually work the ball to Maginness. His set shot, however, collects the post.
Q2. 20 mins remaining: Sydney 4.3.27 v Hawthorn 5.3.33
Brodie Grundy wins the ball from the opening bounce of the second and drives the Swans into attack but the Hawks repulse the initial foray. The Swans take the ball back and spread the play out as they look to build back up using the full extent of the ground. Joel Amartey can’t wrangle the ball on the boundary and we’ll have a throw-in right on the 50-metre line in the Swans attack.
Quarter-time: Sydney 4.3.27 v Hawthorn 5.3.33
Well, if every quarter of the 2025 AFLM season is as entertaining as that one we’re in for an absolute treat this year.
Across an open, attacking opening, the Swans grabbed the first two of the game amidst a clinical opening but the Hawks forced their way back into it and finished the quarter with the momentum. Will Day has been really impressive for the Hawks, while Tom Papley has been big for the hosts.
Both sides have been mostly clean, too with Hawthorn having a disposal efficiency of 86% and Sydney 81%.
Q1. 3 mins remaining: Sydney 4.3.27 v Hawthorn 5.3.33
Angus Sheldrick delivers the ball into the Swans’ forward 50 but the Hawks are able to scramble back, intercept and get the ball clear.
Q1. 3 mins remaining: Sydney 4.3.27 v Hawthorn 5.3.33
Looking to try to snuff out the visitor’s momentum, the visitors get the ball forward once more but Tom Papley can’t grab his second of the game, forced instead to settle for a minor score.
Q1. 5 mins remaining: Sydney 4.2.26 v Hawthorn 5.3.33
James Sicily intercepts as the Swans look to move the ball forward and it tees the Hawks up to spread out and work the ball forward once again. The ball eventually spills at the top of the goalmouth, allowing Will Day to bustle Angus Sheldrick away before soccering it through.