Rookie Swan Ben Ronke shines to keep Hawthorn at bay

Sparked by remarkable rookie Ben Ronke, Sydney maintained an outstanding record on the road at the MCG last night.

Remarkable rookie Ben Ronke celebrates after kicking his sixth major last night against the Hawks at the MCG. Picture: AAP

Sparked by remarkable rookie Ben Ronke, Sydney maintained an outstanding record on the road by edging Hawthorn 12.7 (79) to 10.11 (71) in a thriller at the MCG last night.

In one of the more astonishing performances seen by a first-year forward, Ronke produced an outrageous seven-goal effort to stun the Hawks.

So much for the hole left by Lance “Buddy” Franklin. Enter the rampaging Ronke, who kicked four goals from as many kicks in the first quarter and Sydney’s first five for the match.

For the first 40 minutes, Ronke lived a footballer’s dream. Everything he touched turned into a goal.

Nor did the heroics end there. In a cracker that lived up to the pre-match prediction of Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, little separated the two teams throughout.

But the Hawks were able to edge ahead late in the third term courtesy of two goals to Luke Bruest, who proved a more than handy sidekick to spearhead Jack Gunston.

And it was Ronke who capped a remarkable performance with two critical last-term goals, one that drew the Swans level and the latter to seal the victory from the goal square after a strong mark.

Hawthorn had claimed the three most recent matches between the two clubs by five, six and six points, which is why Clarkson implored fans to attend, even if they had to brave biblical rain and an Arctic blast.

In the end, it was only a wintry chill that was the true issue for supporters, with Clarkson’s prophecy ringing true in another tight tussle between the two clubs.

And those in attendance got to marvel at Ronke, a 19-year-old who went to school at St Bernard’s in Melbourne’s inner northwest.

At under-18 level when playing with the Calder Cannons, his best goalkicking effort was three goals.

He had booted two goals in two NEAFL games earlier this year and managed a goal with his first kick in league football against the Cats a fortnight ago.

But he has pace to burn, with his evasiveness a feature in a couple of critical goals, and is clearly unfazed on the big stage.

While Ronke was running riot, Bruest and Gunston, who finished with five goals, were forming a more conventional attack for the Hawks in a quality match given the conditions.

Gunston had the chance to be the hero late, with a desperate left foot snap narrowly missing with just under three minutes remaining before the Swans worked the ball forward to Ronke for the ­sealer.

Jake Lloyd and Luke Parker were critical performers for Sydney, who posted their fourth victory from as many outings on the road this year to draw level with the Hawks on five wins.

Parker, in particular, was influential late. But he will be scrutinised by the match review panel for a last-term incident that forced Jarmen Impey from the ground.

Both players were vying for the football, with Parker arriving first, before his hip made contact with the Hawk’s head.

Also important was the Swans’ ability to stymie the influence of Tom Mitchell, who was less effective than usual against his former club when gathering just 20 touches.

Of some concern for the Hawks will be early errors made by Shaun Burgoyne, the champion who is now 35, though he rebounded strongly to finish with 26 disposals.

Despite the heavy conditions, the skill level of both sides was high in a good quality opening term.