The Swans' tall timber looms as the biggest stumbling block for Hawthorn this Saturday at the MCG.

 

Franklin (75 goals), Kurt Tippett (33), Adam Goodes (28) and Sam Reid (17) have booted 153 goals this season, including 15 in two games against the Hawks.

 

And Brown has grave doubts the Hawks' backline can contain John Longmire's attacking weapons.

 

"It always usually comes down to the midfield battle and who can get enough ball supply," the retired Brisbane Lion told AFL.com.au.

 

"The worrying thing for Hawthorn is that if Sydney can at least break even in the midfield and get enough ball into that forward line I'm just not sure how the Hawthorn defenders are going to stop Sydney's goal-scoring power."

 

The Swans are favourites to repeat the dose from the 2012 decider, when they clinched a thriller over the Hawks by 10 points.

 

Franklin dominated in brown and gold that day, but his wayward 3.4 arguably cost Hawthorn the flag.

 

Brown expects Buddy to have a huge say against his former side, with his accuracy set to be a major factor.

 

"You know that Buddy's going to get his fair share of shots. You hate to say it, but usually it's just dependent on how straight he kicks," Brown said.

 

"He's kicked a lot straighter this year and I think he's in career-best form.

 

"But we saw what happened in the 2012 Grand Final when he was clearly the best player on the ground except he didn't kick straight and it probably cost Hawthorn a flag.

 

"He'll want to make sure the same thing doesn't happen this time around."

 

At the other end, Hawks spearhead Jarryd Roughead will carry a huge load on his shoulders.

 

Roughead booted a match-winning six goals in the Hawks' nail-biting preliminary final win over Port Adelaide in his best finals return.

 

"Roughead's been in great form, he played a really good final – probably the best final he's played – so he'll get a lot of confidence out of that," Brown said.

 

Roughead (70), Jack Gunston (56) and Luke Breust (54) have booted 44 more majors between them than the Swans' top-three goalkickers this season.

 

However, Brown said the Swans have a more dangerous forward setup. 

 

"I think so, both sides have got tremendous forward lines but I think Sydney can win – they've just had a smoother September preparation," he said.

 

"I reckon Sydney in a classic."