The Sydney Swans have defeated the Fremantle Dockers in the second qualifying AFL final at ANZ Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
With a massive five players returning to the starting line-up, Sydney have romped home in front of their fans to book a spot in the preliminary final.
Sydney began with some trademark quick ball movement, getting them out of trouble in the defensive 50. Lance Franklin was heavily marked and pressured around the contest but could not be prevented from kicking the opening goal.
Fremantle made the most of their chances, kicking three goals and one behind, while Sydney felt the pinch of some heavy Dockers defence. No-one felt it more than Nick Malceski, who was subbed out of the match early with hamstring tightness, leaving Sydney down a key running midfielder.
The second quarter was as tight as they come. Fremantle quelled each Swans entry into the forward 50, while the Swans’ tackling and swarm tactics made it nearly impossible for the Dockers to maintain possession.
Matthew Pavlich was inspirational, throwing himself at the ball on the ground to kick his third and bring the Dockers within five points at the end of the term.
Both teams played some nervous footy in the first half, but Sydney looked better with the ball in hand. Josh Kennedy was busy with 12 disposals and seven tackles. Zac Dawson did a good job at the back for Fremantle, spoiling at the contest with Tippett and Franklin.
Fremantle had all of the ball in the first 10 minutes of the third quarter but could not convert it into points. Swan Ben McGlynn kicked his third after being awarded a free kick for a high tackle. Tendai Mzungo answered back, capatalising on an uncharacteristic clearing error from Josh Kennedy to pull the deficit back to two points.
Sydney finished the quarter with a flurry, gaining quality access up front and kicking three more goals (Jetta, Goodes, Jack) to head into the final term 24 points ahead.
Three goals in less than two minutes signalled the beginning of a cracking final quarter. Franklin answered two rapid goals from Fremantle, as Pavlich kicked his fourth. Buddy iced the cake a minute later, nailing a screamer from deep in the left pocket. The ‘Baron of Bondi’ was on fire, restoring the Swans’ 23-point lead in the opening five minutes of the last quarter.
The Swans showed their maturity by slowing the ball down and controlling play in the final 15 minutes, Franklin finishing on three goals with teammate Ben McGlynn.
“He is a special player [and] we love having him with us,” Kieren Jack commented after the game, reflecting on Lance Franklin’s clutch plays in the final term.
Nat Fyfe was energetic all over the paddock for Fremantle in the final stages, and will have to back up next week in the elimination final, playing the loser of Port Adelaide and Richmond at home.
