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The Sydney Swans have defeated their old adversary the West Coast Eagles on a grey, wet day at the SCG. The match was a far cry from the high scoring encounters that have filled season 2016, with players struggling to execute skills to the best of their ability.
West Coast started the better of the two teams, looking very comfortable at the SCG despite having not played there in six years. Reigning Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy claimed the first major of the afternoon, with prolific midfielders Matthew Priddis and Andrew Gaff getting plenty of the ball.
The game turned however when rain began to fall, as the Swans’ star-studded midfield brigade adapted quickly and efficiently, placing the Eagles backline under immense pressure. As the rain fell, so did the Eagles, whose inability to keep possession of the ball resulted in a wave of Sydney goals.
The visitors fought their way back into the game briefly in the third quarter on the back of goals from Kennedy, Yeo and Redden, but their lead didn’t last. From midway through the third term the Swans dominated, with fullback Ted Richards seemingly impassable in defense. The veteran fullback was enormous all day, and even finished with a rare goal to his name.
West Coast’s continual turnovers only put them further behind, and as the Swans improved with ball-in-hand, their relentless attitude never wavered as they put the game to bed. Superstar forward Lance Franklin had an off day in front of goal kicking 2 goals and 5 behinds, but presented well.
Sydney youngster Tom Papley announced his arrival with his best game yet, finishing with 2 goals to go with his 4 tackles and 20 touches. The Swans now sit on top of the ladder, and will look to strengthen their hold on a top 4 spot with more determined performances like this one today.
West Coast should be furious with themselves today, as their large turnover count was their biggest downfall. Although they had many players who put in solid efforts, they quite simply weren’t good enough, and will need to work on crucial areas of their game if they are to match it with some other competition contenders.
Final score
Sydney Swans 12.16 (88)
West Coast Eagles 7.7 (49)
This Saturday get set for another titanic clash between the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles as the long-time rivals lock horns at the SCG. Join The Roar from 1:45pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
Both Sydney and West Coast come into this game with three wins and one loss, with a victory sure to set one of them firmly in the top four as we enter the second month of season 2016. Both are highly fancied as premiership chances, and are almost locks to feature in finals action come September.
The last five meetings between these foes have all been held on the expansive Domain Stadium ground, so it will be interesting to see how the West Coast players handle the unfamiliar and much smaller dimensions of the SCG – especially since they haven’t taken the points there in a whopping 17 years. It will also be ex-Swan Lewis Jetta’s first game against his old home crowd, while Callum Sinclair will likewise line up against his Eagle teammates for the first time.
West Coast have plenty of strengths, but most notable is their firepower. With Jack Darling and Josh Kennedy both sitting equal fifth for goals scored, Swans defenders will have their hands full – not to mention the trouble it takes containing ground level threats Mark LeCras and Josh Hill. The battle could be equally as absorbing at Sydney’s scoring end. Lance Franklin has come back from his break last year on fire averaging four goals a game, and this could be the day that the superstar explodes.
Sydney is a team not usually known for blooding too much young talent, yet today they are giving big-game experience to players such as Callum Mills, George Hewett, Tom Papley and Daniel Robinson. What a huge test it will be for them against last year’s runners up. West Coast will be boosted by the returns of champion Brownlow medalist Matt Priddis and experienced halfback Sharrod Wellingham.
On a small ground, scores can come heavily, and with two high quality outfits such as these, buckle in for a shootout. Contested ball and clearance work will be as crucial as ever, so expect big games from guys like Priddis and Jack. These two teams do not like each other, so we are in for a ripper.
Let the feathers fly!
Prediction
The Sydney Swans are as proud as they come and will fight all day, but the Eagles look slightly too strong at every line. West Coast to break their SCG hoodoo and win by 15.
Will the Sydney Swans defend their fortress or will the West Coast Eagles fly high to victory? Join The Roar from 1:45pm (AEST) for live rolling coverage, and join in the discussion.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.