The Western Bulldogs have claimed an upset four-point win over the Swans at the SCG, winning 11.11 (77) to 10.13 (73) in the round 5 clash.
In a match affected by the elements, both sides struggled with accuracy in front of goal. The Swans were looking to bounce back from last weeks defeat to the Freemantle Dockers, but came up short in clutch moments towards the end of the game.
The Bulldogs burst out of the blocks, kicking five first quarter goals to capitalise on the inaccurate Swans. Sydney managed only 5 behinds from their final scoring shots of the opening term while the Dogs kicked 3 in a row to finish 2.5.17 – 5.1.31 up.
The Swans were having no trouble getting the ball inside the forward 50 tallying 6 in the opening 5 minutes of the second quarter. Adam Goodes was warmly received by the home crowd in his return to the top grade. The veteran midfielder kicked an important goal to keep the Swans in touch.
Just as it looked like Sydney were gaining momentum, the Bulldogs popped through a major. The Swans were dominating centre clearances but their forwards were being marked out of the match in what was a tough fought battle.
The rain bucketed down at the SCG and fans were flocking to seek shelter as the ball turned into a piece of soap. Sydney passed their inaccuracy on to the Bulldogs kickers. After the opening major the Dogs scored 5 behinds in a row. Sydney clawed back a little ground to finish the half within 11 (4.9.33 – 6.8.44) of the Western Bulldogs who had a number of chances to put the foot to the throat.
Lukas Webb has had 10 disposals and four score involvements this quarter, but his three shots at goal have led to two behinds and a missed shot.
Sydney captain Jarrad McVeigh was optimistic at the break, recognising the good start by the Bulldogs.
“Their pressure has been outstanding,” McVeigh said.
“We just have to get it up forward in these conditions instead of handballing.”
The Sydney forwards finally found some room in the third quarter with Tippett and Franklin nabbing goals through strong marks. Again the Bulldogs didn’t let the Swans back into it. A huge opportunistic torpedo from Jake Stringer nudged the margin out to more comfortable 17 points.
#Boom #AFLSwansDogs http://t.co/XxWJ0tX4hv
— AFL (@AFL) May 2, 2015
Sydney’s domination of the hitouts (53-26) was failing to convert into points. With 9 inside 50’s to the Bulldogs 1 in the first ten minutes of the fourth quarter Sydney looked to be on the charge towards a memorable victory. After 68% of possession inside the forward half, the Swans finally kicked into the lead.
Easton Wood fly-kicked the match-winning major for the Dogs with 5 minutes remaining. It sparked some panicky, crumbing footy from both sides, with the victorious Western Bulldogs finally running out 10.13.73 – 11.11.77 victors in what was an epic battle in trying conditions.
“It’s the best win I have ever been a part of,” commented an elated Bulldogs captain Robert Murphy after the match.
“We rose to the occasion and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys and the club.”
The Western Bulldogs jump to third on the AFL Ladder with the Sydney Swans sinking to 6th. Sydney play the Melbourne Demons at the MCG next Saturday and will be trying to avoid 3 losses in a row.
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