It's tempting to start spouting "end of an era'' talk about Sydney. The Swans, after all, have just recorded their lowest finish for four years, have bid farewell to Adam Goodes and Rhyce Shaw, and probably to Lewis Jetta as well. There's another four players — Ted Richards, Mike Pyke, Jarrad McVeigh and Ben McGlynn — on the wrong side of 30. The back line looks in need of some regeneration, and up forward, given Lance Franklin's issues, there's an air of uncertainty. John Longmire's side was perhaps only a few sprayed shots at goal away from another against-the-odds preliminary final win. Credit:Getty Images But if they're the headlines, they also overlook the considerable detail which suggests that, as they have for most of the past 20 years, the Swans will keep on keeping on. Let's not forget that John Longmire's side was perhaps only a few sprayed shots at goal away from another against-the-odds qualifying final win. One which would have afforded an injury-hit line-up a critical week's break and earned more recovery time for indispensable midfielders Kieren Jack and Luke Parker.

Regardless of Franklin's absence, that would have placed an entirely different complexion on their preliminary final had they made it. And the midfield core which drives Sydney will be about for a while yet. Parker is still just 22, Dan Hannebery 24, Josh Kennedy 27 and Jack 28. Tom Mitchell, the likely next cab off the rank for a major midfield role, is also just 22. Then there's the likely gem that is Isaac Heeney, still only a teenager. That's in addition to the clutch of players Longmire continues to develop, including Gary Rohan, Harry Cunningham, Jake Lloyd, Dean Towers, Zak Jones, Brandon Jack and James Rose. Adelaide bowed out but can take pride in their performance after losing their coach in tragic circumstances. Credit:Getty Images In list terms, a significant step came a year ago, Sydney's list having gone from the second-oldest in the AFL to only the fifth-oldest, a figure that will fall again this summer with the departures of Goodes and Shaw. Yes, the Swans could be a little more dynamic and explosive, hence the importance of a player like Rohan in particular finally taking that next step.

But as a collective still good enough to win 16 games this season, only a game off top spot, it's not like there's a whole heap of work to be done. And while for many football people, the novelty of the Swans has well and truly worn off, the reality is there's no logical reason they're going to be taking a tumble down the ladder any time soon. The Last Word THE KUDOS Yes, they were systematically taken apart by Hawthorn on Friday night, but Adelaide's exit from season 2015 should play a distant second to an incredible act of resilience by an entire club in the face of unprecedented tragedy. Who would have dreamed when the Crows trudged from Domain Stadium in tears in round 15, shattered by the death of coach Phil Walsh, that this side would be playing off for a preliminary final spot? Adelaide won seven of nine games from that moment until Friday night's loss, leaders Taylor Walker and Patrick Dangerfield superb, their teammates following the example. They should be immensely proud of their efforts. THE UNLAMENTED

If Sydney, as has been reported, are to be released a year early from their contract to play three games a year plus finals at ANZ Stadium, it's hard to think of too many who will be shedding tears. While the playing surface for Saturday night's semi-final was better than what we've become accustomed to, the crowd, and atmosphere, still left plenty to be desired. The turnout of 31,162 was the second-lowest in 10 finals held at the ground, the empty bays of seats conspicuous and the lack of noise and colour still palpable. The SCG has always been Sydney's true home. About time it was their only one. THE ANSWER You just knew that after a subdued first final and a week of people questioning his intensity and appetite, Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge was going to provide some sort of statement in his next appearance. The size of that statement was apparent from two minutes into Friday night's game, when the captain unloaded from 50 metres for the first goal. Four in total, 29 disposals and the usual ton of hard work and marshalling of the troops said it all, really. And you only had to see the reaction of Hodge's teammates to that first goal to get an idea of the regard in which he is held. THE SUB Few players, coaches or fans will be sorry to see the end of the substitute in two weeks' time. Which may be particularly good timing for North Melbourne's Lindsay Thomas, who twice now has shed the green vest just in time to play an important role in the Roos' two finals wins, kicking effectively the sealer each time. Thomas isn't seeing a lot of game time, but his forward nous and fresh legs could continue to be a handy ace up the sleeve for North coach Brad Scott for at least another week, if not quite the role the man himself would prefer to have.