It’s been four years since we’ve been forced to pick a side, other than our own, on grand final day.

Admittedly we’ve been spoilt and although it’s still a hard pill to swallow this weekend we will have to endure being mere spectators as the Doggies and Swans do battle.

So what’s a Hawks supporter to do? Go to Europe and pretend the game isn’t even happening or tune in and pick a side because it’s grand final day and it’s still the greatest day of the year?

It’s a problem we here at Hawks HQ have been struggling with too; so we thought we’d do a bit of research and attempt to find a logical reason to jump on either the Dogs or Swans bandwagon.

Hawthorn reasons to support the Dogs:

1. Luke Beveridge – Despite being very much a Bulldogs man, Beveridge holds a soft spot in the heart of many a Hawthorn supporter. Beveridge oversaw the Hawk’s backline from 2011 and was a valued member of the coaching group that led the side to premiership success in 2013 and 2014. We can still picture him in his brown and gold polo and it might be easier to swallow if it’s an ex-Hawk lifting the cup on Saturday?

2. Bob Murphy – Even the most passionate of Hawks fans couldn’t help but feel a wave of empathy for the Bulldogs skipper when he went down with a knee injury during our Round 3 clash at Etihad. He’s waited a hell of a long time, as has the entire footy club, and even though he won’t be playing it would be nice to see him be a part of premiership success.

3. Matt Suckling – We’re not sure whether this is a reason to barrack for the Dogs or jump on the Swans bandwagon? While some will argue they don’t want the ex-Hawk to taste success at his new home, others will say he made a valuable contribution during his nine years at Hawthorn and wish him all the best. A dual premiership player at the Hawks, if selected Suckling is in line to secure a three-peat, something he was unable to do at the Hawks after he missed the club’s premiership in 2013 having ruptured his ACL in a pre-season game.

4. The Bulldogs gave us Brian Lake. 54 games, three premierships and a Norm Smith. Enough said.

Hawthorn reasons to support the Swans:

1.The last time Sydney won the premiership we went on to win the next three. For the superstitious amongst us there can be no better reason to cheer, cheer the red and the white, right?

2. John Kennedy Sr can finally cheer for his own grandson. Josh Kennedy, grandson of John, accepted a three-year deal from the Swans back in 2009 and departed the Hawks for Sydney. Since then Kennedy has faced the Hawks in two grand finals (2012, 2014) and on both occasions his grandfather has barracked for the opposition. As Hawthorn faithful we can’t love a man more than John Kennedy Sr, so perhaps we can find solace in John finally cheering on his own flesh and blood.

3. We must mention the elephant in the room – Buddy Franklin. Similarly, to Matt Suckling, we aren’t sure he’s a reason to barrack for or against the Swans? Yes, he left us for Sydney and we weren’t all that happy with it but he was also in Jarryd Roughead and Jordan Lewis’ bridal parties so he must be a good bloke. Plus, no matter your feelings towards Bud, there is no denying that when he is up and about it is beautiful to watch (as long as it’s not against the Hawks).

4. Sydney have Stuart Dew. Can we ever repay him for single handily destroying Geelong in the 2008 grand final? Probably not, but we can get behind him this weekend.

In conclusion, we basically have no idea who you should barrack for on Saturday.

There are pros and cons for each and at risk of sounding bitter perhaps a spontaneous trip to Europe for the next few weeks is indeed the best way to go.