1. Hawks on the offensive: The Hawks are the highest scoring side in the competition, averaging 114 points per game, and possessing numerous avenues to goal, including Jarryd Roughead and Cyril Rioli. The Swans have the second lowest points conceded but have lapsed at times. Skill errors and turnovers from defence cost them the match against the Western Bulldogs and left them chasing the game against Geelong.
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2. Triple trouble for Sydney: The Hawks have three big inclusions to add to the side that beat Melbourne by 105 points last round. Vice-captain Jordan Lewis has served his suspension after the spiteful North Melbourne match and joins the returning running machine Isaac Smith in the midfield. Experienced defender Brian Lake has been named after recovering from a medial ligament injury. Lake will almost certainly play on either Lance Franklin or Kurt Tippett, while the inclusion of Lewis and Smith adds fire to an already exciting midfield tussle with the likes of Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy.
3. Swans playing the power game: The Swans' traditional strengths are firing. They are ranked second in the competition for contested possessions and second for tackles per game. However, they are last for contested marks, 11th for disposal efficiency and 12th for marks inside 50 metres. Hawthorn, meanwhile, are third for disposal efficiency, lead the competition for marks inside 50 metres and are second for contested marks.
4. Home ground a big advantage: Hawthorn have won five of their past six matches against Sydney since the Swans beat them in the 2012 grand final. The Hawks have a remarkable recent record at the MCG, too, with 19 wins from their past 21 matches there, dating back to August 2013. Sydney have won seven of their past 20 matches at the MCG.
5. Monster mash: One of the key factors in the grand final was Hawthorn's physicality. They virtually monstered the Swans at every opportunity, especially through the midfield, a battle they won convincingly with a 442-298 disposals advantage. Hannebery, particularly, was targeted and overpowered. The Swans' engine room is unlikely to allow that to happen again, despite Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson warning that his side will looking to be "really physical" early on and "maintain that endeavour" throughout.
