Just as in 2012, Hannebery and his boys will watch and wait on the Hawks
SAFELY qualified for the Grand Final, Swans midfielder Dan Hannebery can't wait to watch Hawthorn and Port Adelaide go to war on Saturday to find out who will join the Habour-siders in this year's decider.
The Swans were far too strong for North Melbourne on Friday night, extending their lead at every break en route to a 71-point thrashing that secured a second Grand Final appearance in three years.
They now have the benefit of an extra day’s rest and will naturally watch with keen interest what unfolds at the MCG.
"They're obviously two quality opponents," Hannebery told AFL.com.au.
"Port are a super running team; the Hawks have got that impressive skill about their game.
"It'll be a really intriguing battle and interesting to see who comes out on top."
Fifteen of the Swans that dismissed the Kangaroos at ANZ Stadium were in the line-up when they knocked off Hawthorn in the 2012 Grand Final, while a certain Lance Franklin was in the Hawks' side that day.
On the flip side, Kurt Tippett, Ben McGlynn, Gary Rohan, Harry Cunningham, Jake Lloyd and Dane Rampe are all in line for their first appearance in the game's biggest showpiece.
Hannebery knows there is plenty of work to do, but the 23-year-old also understands the importance of enjoying what his team has already accomplished.
"It's an amazing feeling," Hannebery said of their Grand Final qualification.
"It's something that a few guys haven't been through and a few of us have.
"It's a great effort by the boys.
"We've still got another week to go, but we're really going to savour the moment and then look at the game tomorrow and lock in."
Two years ago, the Swans overcame Collingwood by 26 points in a Friday night preliminary final and then watched the Hawks just scrape past Adelaide the following day.
They now face a similar same scenario this year and Swans coach John Longmire said he was looking forward to "seeing what unfolds" at the MCG.
Longmire will aim to get to Melbourne to watch the game in person, something he wasn't prepared to do prior to taking on North Melbourne.
"I'll try to get there in person, but I didn't book any flights," he said.
"I was too superstitious to look at the flight schedule."
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