The storied rivalry continues: Bombers and Swans fight out another classic

Essendon and the Sydney Swans have fought out many storied battles over the years.

Late in a vexed 2021 season, in a game moved from the Gabba back to the MCG in the snapped fingers of another COVID-enforced lockdown in Brisbane, they fought out another worthy of that history, in one of the best games of the season.

Josh Kennedy celebrates a Swans goal with Lance Franklin.Credit:AFL Photos

It was the Swans who prevailed, just – coming from behind to kick 13 goals to 10 in an extraordinary second half of football. The Bombers have taken a hard hit in their quest for a top-eight finish, but they can hold their heads right up. They counter-punched Sydney to the end.

In so doing, the Swans’ remarkable season has taken another twist. With the Lions slipping off the pace after a shock loss to Hawthorn, Sydney are now right in the mix for a top four spot, fighting it out with Port Adelaide. They have the Saints, North Melbourne and the Gold Coast Suns to come. Anyone want to tip against them in those games?

Will Hayward celebrates a goal.Credit:Getty Images

This was a game of surges, swings and roundabouts. At different times, especially in a pulsating third quarter – in which the Swans kicked seven goals to the Bombers’ five, after raising their pressure around the ball – all the best and most talented players of both sides rose their games and the intensity of the contest.

Star Swan Isaac Heeney, who had taken his marks higher upfield and was comparatively subdued after a brilliant performance last week, made two desperate tackles in quick succession in the second half, setting up Luke Parker to flip the momentum the Swans’ way. Parker kicked a second for the quarter, and the brilliant Tom Papley caught fire with three.

But Essendon weren’t done. Coach Brett Rutten threw Jake Stringer into the centre late in the term, and he detonated – burying Sam Wicks in a tackle, then bursting clear to bomb the ball through from 55 metres. Minutes later, he burst from the centre square and hammered it down Peter Wright’s throat.

And throughout, there was Zach Merrett, the best player on the ground, whose field kicking throughout was as good as it gets. Merrett had 35 disposals, and did it all with them, with surgical precision. Two goals and four assists iced an individual performance that could only have been improved by a Bombers victory.

Dejected Essendon players after the final siren of the game against the Swans at the MCG.Credit:Getty Images

But that wasn’t to be. Essendon had held the early advantage, with Darcy Parish another raising his game, gathering 33 touches after being tagged out of the action against the Giants last week, his hands lightning. The Bombers had the advantage on the inside of the contest, the Swans getting the upper hand in space.

Jake Stringer.Credit:AFL Photos

An upset was on – but the Swans surged, their experienced players leading the way, the younger ones quick, keen, and skilful. They’re a fine team, and loom as a serious threat in September. And if Essendon don’t quite make it this time, they’ll take more heart from this loss than they will from many of their eight wins so far this year.

BEST
Sydney Swans: Mills, Parker, Papley, Kennedy, Dawson, Hickey.
Essendon: Merrett, Parish, Stringer, Heppell, Hind, Wright.

VOTES
Z. Merrett (Essendon) 9
C. Mills (Sydney) 8
L. Parker (Sydney) 8
D. Parish (Essendon) 7
T. Papley (Sydney) 7

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