AFL thriller keeps the dream alive

Sydney has kept its top four hopes alive by seeing off Essendon in a seven-point point thriller at the MCG, adding another enthralling chapter to their storied rivalry.

With the last four games being decided by less than ten points, the contest lived up to the billing as both sides traded blows in an old-fashioned shootout with a combined 23.3 kicked after halftime.

The Swans emerged with a 19-point lead late in the final term and were able to withstand a late fightback from the Bombers to emerge with their fifth straight win.

John Longmire’s side now finds itself only percentage outside of the top four heading into the final three games of the season, displaying tremendous mental fortitude despite being forced on the road due to Sydney’s ever-escalating Covid crisis.

After Essendon had a two-goal lead at halftime, the Swans battled back with Callum Mills (33 disposals, 12 marks) and Luke Parker (26 disposals, nine clearances) leading from the front.

Tom Papley reaped the rewards up forward and was at times unplayable, booting four goals while Lance Franklin edged closer to 1000 goals, but was well held by Jayden Laverde, kicking two goals.

Superb performances from Zach Merrett (35 disposals, 13 score involvements, two goals) and Darcy Parish (34 disposals, eight clearances) were not enough for Essendon, who missed a glorious chance to potentially climb into the top-eight – making it back to back losses.

Ben Rutten’s side will now head into a must-win clash against the ladder-leading Western Bulldogs next week and will need all four points if it is to keep its finals hopes alive.

The Bombers flew out of the blocks with the first two goals of the game with their direct, attacking football causing headaches for Sydney’s defence along with their stranglehold of the clearances (8-3 at quarter-time).

However, Essendon’s wastefulness with its forward entries and kicking in front of goal ensured the Swans were within eight at quarter-time.

Sydney got the early jump and momentarily took the lead at the start of the second-term but again came unstuck as the Bombers swung the pendulum back in their favour with three unanswered goals.

After halftime, the Swans matched the Bombers’ ferocity in the middle and finally got a foothold in the inside 50 count (19-10 in third quarter) with the likes of Parker and Josh Kennedy matching the efforts of Merrett and Parish in the middle.

The Bombers led by two goals at the main break. Pic: Michael KleinSource:News Corp Australia

Run of the Mills

There were no signs of rustiness post-quarantine for Callum Mills, who picked up his 2021 form right where he had left off.

Mills, who has transitioned brilliantly into a permanent midfielder from a rebounding defender, was a welcome sight in the Swans side after missing the last two games due to being caught in an exposure site.

33 disposals made it an incredible five straight games with over 30 possessions.

Third term seesaw

It was arguably the quarter of the season.

After ten goals in a tight first-half, the game completely opened up as both sides traded blows at either end – booting a combined 12.2 in an epic third term.

Tom Papley was at his brilliant best, kicking three of the Swans’ seven goals for the quarter to put his stamp on the contest – including a brilliant goal from the boundary.

Buddy vs Laverde

For over 15 years, Lance Franklin has made a habit of feasting on Essendon defenders.

Throughout his career, Buddy has averaged over four goals a game against the Bombers and this time around Jayden Laverde was given the task of curtailing Franklin’s influence.

Laverde continued his breakout season and battled on manfully with a shoulder injury, holding Buddy to only two goals for the contest.

BOMBERS: 3.3, 6.5, 11.5, 16.6 (102)

SWANS: 2.1, 4.5, 11.7, 17.7 (109)

D’URBANO’S BEST

BOMBERS: Merrett, Parish, Heppell, Stringer, Langford, Laverde

SWANS: Mills, Papley, Kennedy, Dawson, McInerney, Parker

GOALS

BOMBERS: Langford 3, Stringer 2, Merrett 2, Wright 2, Smith 2, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Clarke, Cutler, Shiel, Hind

SWANS: Papley 4, Parker 2, Hayward 2, Franklin 2, Reid, Hickey, Wicks, Kennedy, Blakey, Gulden, Mills

INJURIES

BOMBERS: Laverde (shoulder)

SWANS: nil

UMPIRES:

Gavine, Chamberlain, Whetton

VENUE: MCG

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

3: Callum Mills (SYD)

2: Zach Merrett (ESS)

1: Tom Papley (SYD)

Source: Read Full Article