The Sydney Swans have secured a spot in the 2014 AFL Grand Final with a dominant performance against the North Melbourne Kangaroos at ANZ Stadium on Friday night. The match finished 19.22.136 – 9.11.65 in a red and white wash.
With some sumptuous defensive clearances and suffocating tackling, the Sydney Swans have outclassed the Kangaroos. With a record-breaking winning margin and in excellent preparation for the grand final next week against either Port Adelaide or Hawthorn, the Swans have imposed themselves as favorites heading into the decider.
In a fast and physical start to the match, it was the Kangaroos who drew first blood through rising-star Ben Brown. North Melbourne proving to Sydney early that they were ready to play some quick, hard footy.
Playing in his 350th game, Australian of the Year Adam Goodes showed his class and composure to kick a steadying goal for the Swans with 8 minutes to go in the first (1.2.8 – 1.0.6).
Goodes’ goal lit a fire under the Sydney forwards. Sydney kicking four goals in a row to take a healthy 4.5.29 – 1.2.8 lead into the second quarter.
Lance Franklin dominated North Melbourne defender Scott Thompson in the forward 50, claiming a number of contests unopposed through some solid physical play.
“They’re a quality side and you have got to be on your best at all times,” commented the rattled Kangaroos coach Brad Scott.
Proving their coach’s point, North Melbourne struggled with accuracy in front of goal and the Sydney Swans made them pay. With goals in the second quarter to Jack, Tippett, Goodes and Parker (2), Sydney began to run away with the match. Luke Parker took an absolute clanger, embodying the confidence Sydney were playing with.
The difference was 36 at the half. Josh Kennedy led the way in the midfield for Sydney with 17 disposals and 10 contested possessions.
The Swans were dictating play, with a commanding 38-19 possessions and 10-4 marks inside 50, while saturating the North Melbourne forwards in defense.
“That pressure is really what we wanted to bring early, to set ourselves up for the second half,” commented a satisfied Jarryd McVeigh at half time.
Two goals in a row (Harvey, Petrie) injected some hope into the match for the Kangaroos, reducing the gap to within 40 points. But it was Kurt Tippett who answered right back for the Sydney Swans, kicking his third with 8 to go in the third term.
The Swans closed out the match before a dejected Kangaroos side kicking 6.5 – 3.4 in the most competitive quarter of the match.
“Super effort by the boys tonight… can’t fault anyone out here,” commented 350 gamer Adam Goodes post-match.
Tippett and Franklin looked comfortable, confident and healthy up front. Both are key players for Sydney as they head into what will be their 2nd Grand Final in 3 years next Saturday at the MCG.
