Welsh singer Sir Tom Jones and English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran both performed as pre-match entertainment at the 2014 AFL Grand Final.

Jones said about the offer to perform at the game: "I understand there will be over 100,000 people in the stadium for the grand final which makes this spectacular sporting event something I'm really looking forward to.

I also know that Australian football has really passionate fans so it'll be great to be a part of the atmosphere and excitement on the day.

[6] The traditional Grand Final sprint held at half-time was won by Jordan Murdoch of Geelong, breaking Patrick Dangerfield's streak of three consecutive victories from 2011 to 2013.

Thereafter, Hawthorn took control of the game and in a ten-minute purple patch kicked five goals to surge to a 47-point lead.

Goals were added by Breust, Roughead (2) and Shaun Burgoyne (2) for Hawthorn, and by Goodes, Franklin and Jack for Sydney.

Hawthorn dominated the match from start to finish, applying pressure on the Swans that was at times was brutal.

Hawthorn defender Luke Hodge was named the Norm Smith medalist (best on ground) with 10 votes, for his 35 possessions and two goals.

Chaired by Nathan Buckley, the voters and their choices were as follows:[9] Sydney did not change its team from the previous week's preliminary final, while Hawthorn omitted Jonathon Ceglar and Jonathan Simpkin in favour of Cyril Rioli and Ben McEvoy.

Rioli was returning to the team after missing almost three months with a hamstring injury; he had appeared for Box Hill for limited playing time in the previous week's VFL Grand Final, which was his only match practice leading to his selection.

[13] The match commentary was conducted by Bruce McAvaney and Dennis Cometti for the Seven Network, marking the duo's sixth grand final appearance together as commentators since 2008 and their tenth overall.