[VIDEO] Sydney Swans vs Adelaide Crows Highlights: AFL scores, blog

Match Result:

Sydney Swans 17.15.117 defeat Adelaide Crows 9.11.65

Today’s game became all-important after last nights’ result and the winner would set themselves up for a tilt at finals action.

The Swans jumped out early and a six goal first quarter saw them assert themselves on the game. Tippett was dominant in the ruck and hit the scoreboard often.

Another 5 goals in the second quarter and the Swans were scoring freely in unusual style. Their before mentioned star midfield was dominant.

The 3rd quarter and the 7 minute mark saw the crowd break out into applause for the Swans no.37. Adam Goodes. A strong gesture from his home crowd.

There was an incredible goal review when Matthew Wright looked to have toe pocked a goal which the umpire had ruled over the line and a point. This system needs its own review.

The second half indicated that the Crows may be starting to feel the after effects of the last few weeks and they looked bereft of ideas.
Buddy Franklin appeared hampered by his back injury and finished on the bench.

Another 4 goals to the Swans in the last quarter and they finished with 17 goals. They are not usually known for their high scoring.

Daniel Hannebery was supreme in the midfield and finished with 40 disposals. Jarrad McVeigh and Sam Mitchell racked up their own high totals of disposals. Dean Rampe was superb across half back.

For the Crows Tom Lynch tried hard up forward and finished with 3. Dangerfield worked into the game and Scott Thompson tried all day.

A great win by the Swans and one which will keep them in premiership contention. The Crows final eight hopes have taken a hit.

It sets up a huge game next Friday in Adelaide against Richmond.

The Swans travel to Geelong for a Saturday night fixture that will again be a big night with much interest if Goodes plays.

Match Preview:

Amidst the booing controversy the Sydney Swans still have a game to win when they host the Adelaide Crows at the SCG. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:15pm (AEST).

The Swans’ form has faltered in recent weeks, and they will treat this game as a must-win to shore up a coveted top-four position on the ladder.

On the flipside, Adelaide arrive in Sydney with a good past record here – the Swans haven’t beaten the Crows at the SCG since 2004 – and will be looking to consolidate their place in the top eight.

The absence of Adam Goodes means that the football can demand the attention and the Swans will be hoping that their players can refocus their energy on winning the game.

The match ups are intriguing. It is hard to see the Swans losing with a star midfield in good touch this. However they will be matched against Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane, who represent a class of their own. The winner of these contests will go a long way to deciding the result.

Sam Jacobs should dominate the ruck and he will give Dangerfield and Sloane a big advantage.

Buddy Franklin will be important to the Swans in kicking a winning score. He missed last week, so he will be keen to contribute. Ted Richards, Ben McGlynn and Kurt Tippett join him in returning to the team and all will boost the Swans in the absence of Goodes.

The Crows backline also receives a boost with young star Daniel Talia coming back from injury.

Their forward line is one of the Crows’ strengths. Taylor Walker, their young captain, is playing his 100th game and is a key to their game plan. He straightens the Crows up and has formed a gun combination with Eddie Betts in kicking goals this season.

Prediction
In a close tussle, expect the home crowd to lift Sydney over the line.

Swans by 5 points.

Will the Swans’ focus return this week to ensure a top-four tilt, or will the Crows march on towards September? Join The Roar from 4:15pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.