Sydney Swans and St Kilda will meet at 7.20pm (AEST) tonight in a tantalising elimination final at Etihad Stadium.
Both teams are high on confidence – Sydney stringing together three straight, and St Kilda coming off two wins. Last time they met (just three weeks ago) Sydney swiftly brushed aside last year’s grand finalists at the SCG. But there’s no doubt St Kilda are a force to be reckoned with at home.
The Saints secured a home final by beating Carlton last week in a match everyone tipped the Blues to win easily. Meanwhile Sydney defeated the lowly Brisbane Lions to cruise into finals football.
Between Carlton and Brisbane, some may argue the Saints have had the better lead up of the two and will be poised for a tight contest on the night.
But if Sydney have proved anything these past few weeks, particularly after their victory over Geelong at Skilled Stadium, it’s that their young squad is ready and up to the challenge that awaits them this September.
Lining up for his 19th finals match, the key player for Sydney will be Adam Goodes.
A true leader, how he performs on the night, determines whether or not the Swans will come out victorious. Up front, through the middle, scrambling at the back, he does it all.
St Kilda’s man of the moment is pint-sized rocket Steven Milne. He’s kicked the most goals for his club this season and has remarkably scored first in nine games this season.
Injury has affected the Saints in a big way this season. They’ve lost key man Lenny Hayes for the season as well as Andrew McQualter, Sam Crocker, Tom Ledger, Will Johnson and James Gwilt. St Kilda also have David Armitage coming in for Michael Gardiner who was subbed last game. For Sydney, the big loss for them is defender Heath Grundy who is out with glandular fever. Crowd favourite Lewis Jetta and miracle man Nick Malceski have been dropped for Lewis Roberts-Thompson, and young tall forward Sam Reid who is back from calf tightness.
With nothing to lose and everything to gain, these finals regulars are sure to produce something special in Melbourne tonight.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
I dunno. Hawks didn't impress me that much against Geelong the other day, and that was WITH Buddy. I think they'll try to play him. Apparently its just badly jarred so I expect they'll do everything possible to ensure he has a go. Hawks a big step up from what St Kilda dished up tonight though. As you say, tough, but not impossible. Can't wait to see how they handle the pressure at the MCG! Love September! Cheers for the nice comments :)
mds1970
Roar Guru
Hawthorn next week will be tough, but not impossible. The Hawks will be without Buddy which helps the Swans. I'd be backing the Hawks, but with the spirit the Swans are showing, an upset isn't completely impossible. Anyway, well blogged tonight Melanie. Thanks for that.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
St Kilda really outshone Swans in the 3rd quarter, to their credit. They just didn't get the goals they needed up front.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Sydney led at every quarter. Fantastic effort. Will be fascinating to see how this young squad go from here..
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Nobody there, the final siren sounds, game over, season over for St Kilda. FULL TIME St Kilda 08.09.57 Sydney 12.10.82
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Can't be long left now....Sam Reid has it on Saints 50m mark and kicks to the pack. Ball coming back towards Saints goal..
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Swans take the foot off the pedal a bit now. Very relaxed defending there. Dal Santo takes a two step kick from just left, 40m out and splits the middle. Q4 St Kilda 08.09.57 Sydney 12.10.82
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Fisher almost gets a consolation goal, but another miss sums up their night. Not taking their chances. Q4 St Kilda 07.09.51 Sydney 12.10.82
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
MUMFORDDDD! Takes a Leo Barry-esque pack mark flying in from the left with strong hands overhead in the left corner, 30m out. Takes the set shot and kicks true. Game over for Saints. No coming back from here... Q4 St Kilda 07.08.50 Sydney 12.10.82
mds1970
Roar Guru
It's a blowout now, Mumford adds another.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Jesse White has a chance to finally wrap up the game. Kicks straight from outside 50m but plucked on the line by the Saints. Q4 St Kilda 07.08.50 Sydney 11.10.76
mds1970
Roar Guru
Ben McGlynn kicks from the boundary. Swans by 26 at the 21 minute mark. That's the ball game.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Swans win the clearance from the bounce and it goes toward the left pocket. High contact by Geary on McGlynn results in yet another free and McGlynn finishes well! Goal to Sydney with 5 minutes to go! Q4 St Kilda 07.08.50 Sydney 11.10.76
mds1970
Roar Guru
O'Keefe gets a free from outside the 50, and puts it through. Swans 20 points clear, that's just about it for the Saints.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Sydney have it from a holding the ball free and quickly Bolton kicks to the pack in front of goal. Mumford almost gets the two-touch mark but drops it! O'Keefe comes away with a free and converts his shot on goal! Another 6 points to Sydney and a 20 point buffer! Q4 St Kilda 07.08.50 Sydney 10.10.70
Fivehole
Guest
Tide has turned, can't see the saints getting up from here
mds1970
Roar Guru
I can't see where the Saints are going to find three goals. Time is running out; and the Saints could only manage one point from their last 7 inside-50s.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Saints really need to take their opportunities this quarter or they're no chance.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Stabbed kick from Jones finds Milne who takes the mark clean! Misses the shot though.. Q4 St Kilda 07.08.50 Sydney 09.10.64
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
The ball going in one direction at the moment - toward the Sydney goal!