AFL Grand Final 2014: Score and Twitter Reaction for Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn

The Hawthorn Hawks obliterated fierce rival the Sydney Swans to win the 2014 AFL Grand Final in emphatic fashion. Hawthorn took the game by a commanding 21.11 (137)-11.8 (74) scoreline.

The victors were confirmed by AFL on 7:

The 63-point margin of victory hardly flattered the Hawks. Hawthorn was so dominant, this final was soon rendered a foregone conclusion.

Some, including blogger Greg Jericho, even took pity on the Swans:

Jericho was also eager to praise Hawks for the stylish way they went about dismantling a bewildered Sydney team:

ABC Grandstand Sport reporter Andrew McGarry detailed how a second-quarter blitz provided the platform for a Hawthorne rout:

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A six-goal second quarter was the catalyst for the big win, as the Hawks did to Sydney what the Swans have been doing to opposing defences for much of the season.

In the first term the Swans started strongly, but were then swamped by the Hawks' pressure. Sydney found it hard to get the ball out of its own defensive 50 and Hawthorn kicked 5.5 in the first term to lead by 20.

Two more misses early in the second term let the Swans off the hook. But then Luke Breust and David Hale kicked truly and the lead was suddenly out to 28 points at the nine-minute mark.

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Hawks captain Lee Hodge collected the Norm Smith medal as the final's best on ground player, per AFL on 7:

Hodge contributed a pair of goals and also chipped in with 35 disposals and 12 marks, per McGarry. The skipper was part of a powerful showing on the ground that Swans had no answer for.

In particular, Swans star Lance Franklin, a former Hawks ace, was stifled. He booted four goals but wasn't allowed the room to take over the game the way he so often does.

Rob Forsaith of The Sydney Morning Herald cited the pressure-based game Hodge ably personified as the key to beating a mistake-riddled Swans squad:

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It was pressure personified.

The Hawks hunted in packs, creating indecision and causing turnovers.

The reigning premiers tackled with intent, forcing Sydney's besieged stars to earn every possession.

They crashed packs with reckless abandon for their safety, throwing their weight around in every bone-rattling contest.

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Away from Hodges' efforts, Jarryd Roughhead was Hawthorn's most prolific source of goals. He kicked five as Syndey's resistance crumbled.

The Swans have tried to stay magnanimous, even after such a drubbing. The team's official Twitter feed carried these post-match comments, clearly made with an idea of consigning this game to history and looking ahead to the new season:

That sentiment is certainly the right one. However, it will take some time for the sting of such a heavy defeat to fade from the memories of Swans' players.

For Hawthorn, though, it's time for a deserved celebration. This win has earned the Hawks their second-straight Premiership triumph and 12th overall.