In the aftermath of a great Grand Final it’s sad there had to be a loser. Hawthorn had their chances but were probably a bit wasteful in front of goal.

Leigh Matthews, at the start of the game, said Lance Franklin’s boot often decided the Hawks fate and if he was inaccurate his team often lost.

Unfortunately, ‘Buddy’ who was brilliant in spurts didn’t kick the ones he needed to kick to get his side over the line. I think ‘Lethal’ was spot on this assessment.

It’s harsh to blame one player but his job is to be the finisher and you must convert the easy ones under pressure. But in all fairness to Buddy there were no real easy ones against a tough and hungry Sydney Swans.

O'Keefe (28 possessions, 15 tackles), Hannebery (29 possessions), Josh Kennedy (26 touches) and Jarrad McVeigh (21) played their hearts out in the midfield for the winners.

If you cast your memories back a few years Ryan O’Keefe wanted a trade to Carlton and the Blues were reluctant to give up a second round draft pick for him. He was fantastic for the Swans on Saturday and maybe the Blues got that one wrong. A proven talent surely most of the time is worth the punt over a lucky dip in the lottery?

Who would have thought John Longmire would be a premiership coach and once washed up players like Rhys Shaw and Ted Richards (also All-Australian) would be pivotal for the best team in the country?

It’s a great story and well done Bloods!

Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson was philosophical in the loss and I agree with him that the Hawks, if they learn from that one, are in the running for glory soon. With Malthouse at Carlton and Tippett at Brisbane (fingers crossed) bring on 2013 – it’ll be bigger and better than ever!

The NBL starts this weekend and in great style as the Reptile Rumble takes place here in Cairns on Saturday night. Keep your eyes on this article for all NBL and Taipans news throughout the season.

Also tune in to Radio Port Douglas (107.1 FM) this Saturday morning between 9 – 11am where Kez, Roy and I will be interviewing both coaches (Aaron Fearne and Paul Woolpert) before the big clash.