Sitting in third on 48 points with a 12-2 ratio, the Hawks have generally looked very impressive in 2008. Alistair Clarkson's side was undefeated up until round 10 but have dipped slightly to be 3-2 from their last five. A 154-point shellacking of the Demons in round one and a 65-point win over Collingwood in round seven were two of Hawthorn's standout victories.

The Swans headed into the finals with this 72-point demolition of the Hawks.

For the Bloods, four goals apiece to Michael O'Loughlin and Nick Davis while Adam Goodes with 27 possessions and Brett Kirk and Ryan O'Keefe 21 each led the way.

With the home side 71-points up at the main break, as a contest it was over well before the final siren.

The Hawks managed a third quarter fightback outscoring the Swans six goals to four, but it was too little too late.

Brent Guerra with 21 possessions and Shane Crawford 23 shone for Hawthorn but to make matters worse, Grant Birchall was placed on report for striking in the opening term and Trent Croad suffered concussion.

At the MCG, Hawthorn has lost its last three on the trot against the Swans. The last time the Hawks won was in 2003. Overall, at the 'G, Hawthorn are 2-4 against the Swans since their first clash in round 15, 2001.

One of the league's brightest young coaches, Clarkson, 40, is now into his fourth season with the Hawks. With the added experience of being a runner for the Demons, a university degree in sports science and business and an assistant gig at Port Power, Clarkson has gained a wealth of experience after playing most of his career at North Melbourne. A couple of flags by 2012 is the club's stated goal and Clarkson is on his way to achieving that with this young and exciting group.

When the Hawks' running game gets going, they can hurt most teams. And when they get the ball to Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead these two are imposing presences in the forward 50. Last round, Roughead and Franklin booted 11 of the team's 18 goals in the 57-point win over West Coast.

Shane Crawford and Luke Hodge are both huge influences across the midfield and Sam Mitchell, in 13 games this season, has 364 possessions, 44 marks and 47 tackles.

Being tested this week were Chance Bateman, Shane Crawford, Brad Sewell, Stuart Dew, Simon Taylor and Jordan Lewis. Out for the season are Beau Muston and Max Bailey with knee conditions.

With Franklin and Roughead roaming the forward line, the Swans may have to double up on "Buddy" and hope to limit the damage, but the key will be restricting the service to both two stars.

Smothering the Hawks' running game and creation of space by forcing the stoppages and shutting down the game – something the Swans have traditionally excelled in – could be a key. And tagging Crawford (if he plays) is a potential ploy.

Nephew of Indigenous star Maurice Rioli and Michael Long, this skilful small forward tackles well and works hard in the stoppages. The 19-year-old averages almost 14 possessions a game and has kicked 14 goals in a forward line dominated by Franklin and Roughead. Cyril is one to watch in the future.

Can Leo Barry, Marty Mattner and Craig Bolton contain Roughead and Franklin?

Will Paul Roos get a reaction from his players after last week's disappointing loss to Collingwood?

Will the split-round break affect Hawthorn positively or be a negative?

How will Shane Crawford's knee handle the rigours of playing again?

The Hawks' golden era was a stunning five flags over nine years beginning in 1983 followed by successes in '86, '88, '89 and '91. The club has an overall tally of nine premierships with its first in 1961.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.