Season Opener Delivers Thrills as Swans Embark on Post-Longmire Journey with Disheartening Defeat

The Hawks have kicked off their 2025 season in style, securing a 20-point victory over the Swans at the SCG on Friday evening.

Both Sydney’s Joel Amartey and Hawthorn’s Will Day ended the game with three goals each, as the Hawks emerged triumphant with a scoreline of 14.12 (96) to 11.10 (76) in heavy rain.

Hawthorn’s new signings Tom Barrass and Josh Battle made a significant impact against last year’s grand finalists, along with a revamped starting line-up featuring Day as full forward and captain James Sicily stationed on the wing.

“Forget the Hollywood (Hawks), they’re the real heavyweights,” remarked Gerard Whateley during his commentary for Fox Footy.

Both Karl Amon and Dylan Moore from Hawthorn showed nerves at the beginning, managing only behinds to start the match.

However, it was Swans’ Chad Warner who first struck, scoring the first goal with a clever snap from a forward 50 stoppage.

Amartey then added to the Swans’ tally with a conversion from a free kick.

Moore quickly made amends for his earlier miss, slotting Hawthorn’s opening goal from a set shot.

In a fast-paced start to the season opener, centre bounce goals dominated, with the lead shifting with every attacking move.

Hawks forward Mabior Chol required treatment on the boundary after a heavy fall while contesting a mark. Fortunately, he returned to the field and played out the match.

Continuing from where he finished last season, All-Australian forward Moore quickly netted his second to give Hawthorn the lead at quarter time.

As the second quarter progressed, scoring opportunities became scarce.

Amartey added his second goal before the Swans’ momentum faltered.

Hawthorn then surged ahead with four consecutive goals, with Lloyd Meek benefiting from a 50-metre penalty after a mark was knocked from his hands.

By half-time, Day had amassed 19 disposals, five clearances, and three goals, leading the Hawks to a 20-point advantage at the break.

Hawthorn’s midfield suffered a setback when James Worpel hobbled off with a right ankle injury late in the second quarter and was substituted at half-time.

As the second half commenced, the physicality ramped up, and Sydney rallied with goals from Amartey and Warner.

This momentum continued as Tom McCartin marked his return with a goal, his first in four years, during a forward positioning shift.

With rain pouring at the SCG, the Swans introduced debutant Tom Hanily while Angus Sheldrick was substituted for tactical reasons.

After a resurgence in the third term, Sydney found themselves just five points behind entering the final quarter.

Despite peppering the goals, Sydney’s efforts fell short as Sicily sealed the Hawks’ win after being moved forward.