The Sydney Swans have taken a step closer to the minor premiership with 63 point victory over the Western Bulldogs.
Parker McVeigh and Hannerbery were prolific in the midfield for the Swans, winning the ball and sending it down to their twin towers who combined for 10 goals for the match.
The Bulldogs were led by Macrae, Hrovat and Boyd in the middle while Jake Stinger was their only multiple goal kicker with 2.
Buddy’s 6 goals move him 9 goals clear in the Coleman medal race.
FINAL SCORE:
SWANS 20.10.130
BULLDOGS 9.13.67
The Western Bulldogs and Sydney Swans are set to do battle at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:20pm (AEST).
The Swans are looking to guarantee themselves top position by defeating the Bulldogs and Tigers over the next two weeks.
The Bulldogs sit in 14th place and although their season is drawing to an end, but the side can be happy with the development of their young talent in 2014.
It is also the first time these teams will meet this season, with the Swans undefeated against the Bulldogs since 2010.
The Bulldogs undersized defense has struggled against the big forwards of the competition this year and if Franklin get loose then its game over – characteristically, Buddy will have a large say on the outcome of this match as he so often does.
Alternatively if the Bulldogs can curb Franklin’s influence it will go a long way to helping their chances of upsetting the Swans.
The Bulldogs will hope their enormously talented group of young players such as Bontempelli, Stringer, Liberatore and Macrae can all align to a huge influence on this game to pull off the win.
The midfield battle will be tightly contested with the Swans first in the competition in tackling and the Bulldogs third.
Josh Kennedy was subbed off in the first quarter with hamstring tightness against the Saints and it’s hard to see the Swans risking him this week. Tom Mitchell is Kennedy’s likely replacement after his dominating form for the Swans reserves.
The Bulldogs will have Jack Macrae return after resting with soreness and may look to young defender Michael Talia to combat the Swans tall forward line.
Prediction:
The Swans are looking to ensure top spot and a home final and should come out determined this match. The Bulldogs have some great young talent but too many holes in defense to hold a formidable Swans outfit.
Swans by 40 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:20 PM (AEST)
Mark
Guest
Did they really reject him? Ironic because I'm sure they'll try to get him if he leaves
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOALS BULLDOGS: Stringer 2, Boyd, Cooney, Liberatore, Bontempelli, Hrovat, Johannisen, Griffen SWANS: Franklin 6, Tippett 4, Malceski 2, Goodes 2, Lloyd 2, Jetta, Towers, Hannebery, Parker DISPOSALS BULLDOGS: Macrae 30, Hrovat 29, Boyd 28 SWANS: McVeigh 33, Parker 32, Hannebery 29 My best three were: 3 votes - Parker 32 disposals (18 contested), 11 tackles, 9 clearances, 1 goal 2 votes - Franklin 18 disposals, 9 marks (5 inside 50), 6 goals 1 vote - McVeigh 33 disposals, 6 tackles, 4 inside 50's Well done to the Swans and thanks for stopping by everyone!
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
Ha, good luck with that and thanks for getting involved with the chat today!
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
The Swans took care of business and are one step closer to winning the minor premiership by securing top spot on the ladder. Their forwards look worthy of every cent in this game by completely terrorizing the Bulldogs defense. While they had their moments in the match, each time the Dogs mounted anything resembling a challenge the Swans would click up a gear and increase the lead. Parker McVeigh and Hannerbery were prolific in the midfield for the Swans, winning the ball and sending it down to their twin towers who combined for 10 goals for the match. The Doggies were led by Macrae, Hrovat and Boyd in the middle while Jake Stinger was their only Multple goal kicker with 2. Buddy's 6 goals move him 9 goals clear in the Coleman medal race.
Jake
Guest
You guys worried yet? The 'so called overpaid dud' Tippet managed 4 goals, not bad for a 3rd option forward. And that reject Malceski that you Freo supporters oppose, booted 2 goals off 23 touches.
Radelaide
Guest
Good work Jayme now I can look forward to the too-ing and fro-ing between Bosk,Gene,Don and the legion of Swans fans that seem to inhabit these boards these days.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
So close, yet so far :)
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Swans win by 63 points.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND BULLDOGS Shaw handballs the ball through the Doggies goals for a rushed behind. BULLDOGS 9.12.66 SWANS 20.10.130 Q4 0.12
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND BULLDOGS Macrae's running shot at goal is across the face. BULLDOGS 9.11.65 SWANS 20.10.130 Q4 0.41
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL SWANS Murphy's kick is smothered by Rohan on the last line of defense who picks up the ball and hands it to Lloyd who kicks his second. BULLDOGS 9.10.64 SWANS 20.10.130 Q4 1.25
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL BULLDOGS Long ball into the Doggies forwad line is marked strongly by Stringer who splits the big sticks. BULLDOGS 9.10.64 SWANS 19.10.124 Q4 2.35
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL SWANS A Buddy Special!!! Buddy hits the ruck contest at pace, his hands are holding off Morris of trails behind, meanwhile soccers the ball towards goal then soccers the ball again through the posts. BULLDOGS 8.10.58 SWANS 19.10.124 Q4 3.45
Radelaide
Guest
One more Bud...to mean really nothing to me :)
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND SWANS McVeigh sends a chaos ball towards the goal but Murphy gets a diving fist to the ball. BULLDOGS 8.10.58 SWANS 18.10.118 Q4 7.48
Radelaide
Guest
What he needs is a new car ;)
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
A Bulldogs supporter tried to offer Buddy some money from his wallet. That's like trying drown a fish!
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND SWANS McVeigh tumbles the ball into the post. BULLDOGS 8.10.58 SWANS 18.9.117 Q4 12.46
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND SWANS Rohan streams done the wing and hits Buddy on the lead. He hooks the shot to the right. BULLDOGS 8.10.58 SWANS 18.8.116 Q4 13.33
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
He wasn't happy about being given the red vest, he wanted the bag.