Round 11 - Hawthorn

[Cheer Squad]

It doesn't seem that long ago we played the Hawks at Homebush. And even though a lot has happened for both teams since then, we've arrived at Round 11 with virtually identical percentages.

As far as the Hawks are concerned, they're not having a good year. They've been plagued with injuries and have an unsettled line up, and haven't found the rhythm they had last year.

From our point of view, Saturday's loss to the Bulldogs - and the manner in which it was allowed to happen - was humiliating. I can only imagine that whoever runs out for the Swans on Sunday at the MCG will be determined to atone for such a pathetic performance.

However, my gut feeling is that we won't win this game. I know we've performed well against the Hawks for the past few years, but as the game is at the MCG, and they're coming off a loss of their own, they'll be desperate to win.

I just can't see us beating them this time. Hawks by 24.

[Triple B]

It doesn't seem that long ago we played the Hawks at Homebush.

That's probably because it isn't.

I have a strange good feeling about this game. They are struggling and I just think we can bounce back. Don't ask me why I feel like that, I can give no reason.

Cheers

[Plugger46]

Hawthorn were nearly as bad as we were yesterday. Play well against them - we're a good chance.

[573v30]

We'll make their premiership defense look better than it actually is, Hawks by 21.

[ShockOfHair]

Hawthorn were nearly as bad as we were yesterday. Play well against them - we're a good chance.

The same thought has warmed my heart too. I have to think about whether we can win though.

[ShockOfHair]

Amazing statistics on Hawks' inside 50 marks this year.

AFter ten rounds, with the twin towers, they rank 16th. Last year they were no. 1.

That's why they wanted ROK.

Hawks forwards off the pace - AFL Premiership - Fox Sports

[AnnieH]

Although I'm thinking rip us a new one, I'm hoping they will just scrape over the line - we need the 4 points. Bugger percentage.

[Claret]

Their premiership winning backline has been decimated - no Hodge, Croad, Gilham or Ladson (the latter two likely to return with Box Hill this week). The likes of Hall, Micky O, and in particular Jolly should really be able to stretch them this week.

Hopefully we learn from the way Adelaide moved the ball last week in attack (never thought I'd say that!).

Conversely, Buddly has been crucified by the Melbourne media this week for a perceived lack of effort against the Crows. Look for a big game from him on Sunday.

Sitting on the fence for this one . . .

[Triple B]

With Roos flagging changes and two likely candidates for promotion, Laidlaw and now Smith, seemingly unavailable, he may decide to give Currie his first taste as a forward. He's certainly up to it, probably has the stickiest hands in the club although his set shots can be mixed.

[Cardinal]

Amazing statistics on Hawks' inside 50 marks this year.

AFter ten rounds, with the twin towers, they rank 16th. Last year they were no. 1.

That's why they wanted ROK.

Hawks forwards off the pace - AFL Premiership - Fox Sports

If the Hawks or Carlton wanted ROK they should have offered their number 1 picks. Good luck to them. Either team would have been much better to have him on their list.

[top40]

Our Away record is so poor I can't see Sydney beating the Hawthorn at the MCG.

Interestingly, the Swans have a fairly good record in playing reigning Premiers away from home; witness since the Second World War:

2003 R20 Brisbane (Gabba)

1996 R13 Carlton (Princess Park). [The game that got me into the Swans]

1988 R19 Carlton (Princess Park)

1986 R11 Essendon (Windy Hill)

1977 R19 Hawthorn (Waverley)

1970 R5 Richmond (MCG) [The last Home-and-Away game which the Swans have ever beaten the reigning Premier at the MCG. The only other one was against Melbourne R2 1901]

1959 R1 Collingwood (Victoria Park) [I'm reliably told a game warmly remembered by our mature supporters]

1954 R16 Collingwood (Victoria Park)

[Lucky Knickers]

they'll be fired up but if we can win the midfield battle we are a good shot.

[Dalai Lama]

Jerry Bruckheimer

What's the name of that 2001 American war film produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Ridley Scott based on the eponymous book by Mark Bowden that depicts the Battle of Mogadishu, a raid integral to the United States' effort to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid?

Just in case Buddy does a knee?

[swansrob]

if we lose this game i'm going to be worried.
confidence at the club is already down after the thrashing from the dogs, if we lose this one it's going to be even worse coming into the collingwood match, a team we haven't beaten in years, which is then followed by the crows in adelaide.
if we don't get the points on sunday, i would think it's going to be pretty hard to get up over the next few weeks, and if that happens, there's going to be a lot of work required to get the season back on track.

should be a good game, though. will be there with a mate who's a massive hawks fan, i would love to come out with the win...

[msb]

if we lose this game i'm going to be worried.
confidence at the club is already down after the thrashing from the dogs, if we lose this one it's going to be even worse coming into the collingwood match, a team we haven't beaten in years, which is then followed by the crows in adelaide.
if we don't get the points on sunday, i would think it's going to be pretty hard to get up over the next few weeks, and if that happens, there's going to be a lot of work required to get the season back on track.

should be a good game, though. will be there with a mate who's a massive hawks fan, i would love to come out with the win...

I too will be worried, if we had of knocked over the dogs then this week wouldnt be so crucial, we could probably have afforded the loss then bounce back against collingwood (maybe anyway) Now we are just hanging in the 8 and I really cannot see us beating hawks, they will be breathing fire, in saying that though, so should swans after last week! Hawks by 32