2014 AFL Grand Final — Hawthorn Crush Sydney Swans By 63

The 2014 AFL Grand Final saw Hawthorn defeat Sydney Swans 21.11 (137) to 11.8 (74) at the MCG — a 63-point thrashing that confirmed the Hawks’ back-to-back premiership era. Played on 27 September 2014 in front of 99,454 fans, Hawthorn’s premiership was their second consecutive (after 2013) under Alastair Clarkson. Luke Hodge won the Norm Smith Medal; the 63-point margin made it one of the most one-sided Grand Finals of the decade.

The Build-Up: Hawks’ Defending Champions

Hawthorn entered 2014 as defending premiers. The 2013 Grand Final win over Fremantle had been earned; the 2014 season was a chance to prove the previous result wasn’t a one-off. Sydney Swans, under John Longmire, also reached the Grand Final after a strong McClelland Trophy season.

The Match: Hawks’ Domination

The 2014 AFL Grand Final was played at the MCG on 27 September 2014 in front of 99,454 fans. Hawthorn started fast and never looked back. Luke Hodge’s leadership, Sam Mitchell’s midfield brilliance, and the Hawks’ depth all combined for a dominant performance.

The final score: Hawthorn 21.11 (137) defeated Sydney Swans 11.8 (74) — a 63-point margin.

The Norm Smith Medal: Luke Hodge

The 2014 Norm Smith Medal went to Luke Hodge of Hawthorn. Hodge’s leadership, midfield work, and contested marks earned the recognition. The medal was his second Norm Smith (his first having been 2008).

The Premiership Coach: Alastair Clarkson (Third)

Alastair Clarkson won his third Jock McHale Medal in 2014.

Famous Moments

• Luke Hodge’s captain leadership — Norm Smith winning.
• Sam Mitchell’s midfield masterclass.
• Cyril Rioli’s contested marks — earlier than his 2015 Norm Smith.
• Brian Lake’s defensive role — heritage Hawks defender.
• The 63-point winning margin.
• The post-match Hawks celebration — back-to-back premierships.
• Lance Franklin’s Sydney debut Grand Final — defeated, but a Buddy moment.
• Adam Goodes’s veteran efforts — Sydney captain.
• Alastair Clarkson’s third Jock McHale.
• The Hawks’ brown-and-gold Army at the MCG.

Trivia for the Pub

• The 2014 Grand Final was played on 27 September 2014 at the MCG.
• Final score: Hawthorn 21.11 (137) defeated Sydney Swans 11.8 (74).
• Margin: 63 points.
• Crowd: 99,454.
• Norm Smith Medal: Luke Hodge (second).
• Jock McHale Medal: Alastair Clarkson (third).
• Hawthorn’s back-to-back premierships (2013, 2014).
• Hawks’ 12th AFL premiership overall.
• Lance Franklin’s first Sydney Swans Grand Final (in defeat).
• The 63-point winning margin was among the largest of the modern era.

The Verdict

The 2014 AFL Grand Final was Hawthorn’s confirmation as a sustained premiership force. Luke Hodge’s second Norm Smith, the back-to-back premierships, and the launch of the three-peat dynasty — all combined to make 2014 a landmark year for the Hawks.

For Sydney Swans, the 2014 loss was painful. The Buddy Franklin acquisition had been celebrated; the 2014 Grand Final was meant to be the launch of his Sydney era. The 63-point loss instead made it a humbling experience.

For Hawthorn, 2014 was the bridge between 2013 (first of three) and 2015 (third of three). The 2014 Grand Final’s dominance suggested the Hawks were not just contenders but the AFL’s modern dynasty.