Starting in 2011, these two clubs share a heated rivalry and have met four times in do-or-die games in the finals: in the 2011 semi-final, which Hawthorn won; the 2012 Grand Final, which was won by Sydney; the 2013 qualifying final, won by Hawthorn; and the 2014 Grand Final, which was won by Hawthorn. The rivalry is amplified by players who have moved between the two teams, most notably Lance Franklin to Sydney in 2013 and Tom Mitchell to Hawthorn in 2016. Regular-season games are often close matches, with single-digit margins common. In round 23, 2018 (the final round of the home and away season) Sydney lost to Hawthorn at the SCG by 9 points. This was an important game as the winner would get the double chance and play in the top 4.
