Unfortunately I was flat out at work all day so I couldn't watch nor listen to any of it live.
It appears the Dockers had plenty of chances but threw them all away through shot after shot at goal either going through for points or out of bounds on the full, frittering away their chances just as Geelong did in the 2008 Grand Final.
In any case the Hawks have done what they needed to do. Premierships are hard to come by as others have correctly stated and when you've got such a strong list as the Hawks have had and continue to have they have to make them count.
Next year will see the first finals appearance of the next powerhouse in the AFL, the Gold Coast and in 2015 and beyond I expect them to not only challenge for the flag but to start winning them. Seasons 2015-2018 for the Gold Coast could mirror Brisbane's performance over seasons 2001-2004 and of course they aren't rising alone, so it was important the Hawks got another flag whilst they still could.
As for Freo they had their chances and blew them. They will hope the likes of Pavlich, Sandilands and McPharlin will be able to go the journey for another year to give them another tilt at a flag next season before they hang up their boots and before their premiership window closes for the time being.
Come 2015 Buckingham Palace won't be the only place to witness a changing of the guard, it's coming to the AFL and if Freo don't win the flag next year it's going to be galling for the club, players and fans to see the Gold Coast reach the holy grail before they do, and to see them reach it multiple times at that.
Beyond that lies the risk that GWS will also win their first flag before Freo, making Freo the only expansion(interstate) club left without any silverware.
To say that 2014 is a big year for the Dockers is an understatement.
AFL Price at posting:
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