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Sydney and Carlton players react as the final siren sounds during the AFL 1st Elimination Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Carlton Blues at ANZ Stadium.
Sydney started the game with a relentless attack that left Carlton stunned. But the Blues surged before the first break, closing Sydney’s lead.
There was an odd moment in the first quarter that left everyone (including the umpires) scratching their heads. For what seemed a lifetime an interchange infringement was penalised and then overturned.
Although that was quickly forgotten as a classy performance from both teams saw the scoreboard tick over at a frantic pace, with the Swans taking a 24 point lead at half time.
But it wasn’t long before Chris Judd came to life, pushing Carlton closer and closer to the lead with an exhilarating display in the ruck that brought Sydney’s attack to an absolute halt in the third quarter.
Carlton seemed to have all the run with Robbie Warnock, Andrew Walker and Jarrad Waite being instrumental as the Blues took a 7 point lead going into the final quarter.
On a somewhat sour note though, an incident of ‘staging’ showed its ugly head.
Carlton’s Jarrad Waite made a ridiculous attempt to win a penalty with some remarkable acting. Taking a shoulder bump, he flung his head backward, put his hand to his face in agony and collapsed face down in the turf, and stayed down for a decent amount of time before leaping up and pleading for a penalty from the umpire.
But Waite was clearly guilty of simulation as replays showed there was no head contact whatsoever.
This sent the crowd into a frenzy and the volume only lifted as Sydney began the fight back.
With a deafening ‘Syyyyyyydddd-neeeeyy’ chant reminiscent of an EPL match, the 41,596 fans gave the game an incredible atmosphere that seemed to ooze out of the television screen.
Sydney’s youngsters continued to do their bit with some impressive performances. Paul Bevan kicked three goals, Kieren Jack made the most tackles on the ground, 2010’s Rising Star Daniel Hanneberry had another strong showing, while Josh Kennedy had the greatest impact with 31 disposals.
But it was straight shooter Trent Dennis-Lane who proved to be the match winner.
In his debut season, TDL, as he’s known by fans, has been deadly accurate in front of goal for most of the season despite his small physique. Finishing with four goals, Dennis-Lane’s last two in the final quarter put the Swans 12 points in front.
It was a close finish though, thanks to Lachlan Henderson who scored for Carlton with just one minute to go. But when Carlton’s Jeff Garlett missed his shot and scored a behind with 30 seconds left on the clock, Dennis-Lane’s final contribution was enough to get the Swans over the line, beating the Blues by just 5 points, 99 – 94.
While Carlton players were left in tears as another season had come to an end, the Swans and their fans were overjoyed at the prospect of their retiring heroes Paul Roos and Brett Kirk having one last crack at a grand final berth. And just two more wins could see the Swans well and truly make it too.
Next week Sydney will play the struggling Western Bulldogs in what will be a fascinating hit out between ex-Swan favourite Barry Hall and his old team.
If the Swans win, then St Kilda is all that stands in their way from a chance at winning the flag. Despite the Saints’ miraculous win over Geelong, their collapse in the second half showed that they are not invincible.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely caught a serious case of September footy fever, and I cannot wait to see what happens next week.
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