Hobbled superstar Lance Franklin’s six-goal haul and a stunning match-winner from Tom McCartin have dragged Sydney back into the AFL’s top eight, with the Swans pipping Collingwood by two points at the SCG.
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Final score
Sydney Swans 11.7.73
Collingwood Magpies 10.11.71
In another big Round 20 clash, the Sydney Swans, fighting for their finals lives, host the Collingwood Magpies, in what should be a Saturday night SCG classic. Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a live blog of the game from 7:25pm AEST.
The Sydney Swans find themselves looking down the barrel of their finals-playing mortality, as they come into this round sitting in that ever precarious 9th position.
Geelong’s loss on Friday in their heart-pumping classic against Richmond has opened the door for the Swans to jump back into the eight, and should results go their way this round, the Swans can work their way back into strong finals contention.
There are one or two stories hovering around the Swans coming into their round. The form of Buddy has been perplexing, the future of Dan Hanneberry has been concerning, and the Swans’ inability to win at home has just been plain confusing.
However, the feel-good story of the round is that of Alex Johnson, returning to AFL footy after near 6 years out of the game, having undergone five knee reconstructions since his last game, that being the AFL grand final win in 2012.
As for the Swans’ opponents, the Pies, in a lot of ways, and though it may at times feel counterintuitive, you have to feel sorry for the black and white stripes.
I saw an interesting post on Twitter recently, from ABC political commentator and long-time Pies fan Barry Cassidy, putting out a starting 18 line-up for Collingwood of first team starters out injured. Ouch.
Yet the Pies come into this round still in third, having pushed Richmond all the way last weekend, and in a lot of ways they were unlucky not to get a result.
For Collingwood, a lot rests on the big, All-Australian form, broad shoulders of Brodie Grundy, having a season nobody thought would be capable of pushing Max Gawn for best ruckman in the game. Expect the bearded tall to have a big say in this contest.
It has been a while since these two teams last met, way back in round 3 last year, and that time, again at the SCG, it was Collingwood who held off a fast-finishing Sydney for the win.
Prediction
Home ground advantage, the return of Johnson, the desire to push back into the 8, and a possible return to form of Buddy should see the Swans home. Nothing against the Pies, but all those injuries and last week’s exhaustion must eventually take its toll.
Swans by 12.
Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a live blog of the game starting from 7:25pm AEST, and don’t forget to leave a comment below.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
De Goey will play either this week or next. Forget Moore and Elliott I’d say. Treloar only a chance , probably unlikely.
Chris
Guest
Peter, it seems that the injury may start tappering off this week and next. That is good reason to try McLarty this week against Brisbane. It's ludicrous to bring him in September untried. There are five long term and four medium term absentees. The latter are of concern, namely De Goey, Treloar, Darcy Moore and Jamie Elliott. When will they be coming back if at all? Is Fasolo going to be given another crack?
Neil from Warrandyte
Roar Rookie
I think it’ll be Richmond v GWS qualifying final.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Reid will be back playing twos next week Chris, barring more setbacks. Goldsack too next week. Treloar injury was horrific. Best hope for him week two of final if everything goes right. Fans might just get a chance next week or two as might Mclarty. Siers best game yet last night.
Rod
Guest
That win by the Swans last night was so satisying. Great to see AJ slot in well in his first game back after a marathon of sports hell. And we did without Naismith, Grundy, Hannebury, Reed, Jones, Rohan, Mills and Melican; all first pick players. People don't seem to appreciate how hard the young guys currently playing for the Swans have had to work this season. We often hear about other teams tough luck with a long injury list; but not so much about the Swans' long list. Just saying.
Angela
Guest
Like they did against Collingwood this week?
Chris
Guest
Finals Week 1 RICH 1st VERSUS 4th MELB GEEL 5th VERSUS 8th HAW PORT 6th VERSUS 7th GWS WCE 2nd VERSUS 3rd COLL Semi Finals RICH 1st VERSUS 5th GEEL COLL 3rd VERSUS 7th GWS Preliminary Finals MELB 4th VERSUS 3rd COLL WCE 2nd VERSUS 1st RICH Grand Final MELB 4th VERSUS 2nd WCE Conclusion:Melbourne Premiership. Sam Mitchell to Carlton after his impressive stint in Perth. The Eagles happy with their progress but no comntinuity in sight. Richmond drop out at the Preliminary Finals stage as I have said all along. Now let's hear from the pundits. Statistics don't lie. I have thrown my hat into the ring for only one reason: TO SUBDUE THE ARROGANT MINDLESS TIGER FRINGE!
Chris
Guest
Will Treloar make it for the September 7/8 engagement? Will Reid make it? Will Fasolo be given a chance? Please shed some light on these issues Peter....
Mark
Guest
Hopefully Sydney see that he’s got the same genetics as the Reid brothers and don’t go near him. Great game!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Moore’s manager Liam Pickering has held back on the Moore contract to extract more $$$ if the Pies, as expected, miss out on Lynch.The strategy has backfired with his repeat hamstring issues lessening his currency rather than increasing it. If Lynch goes to Tigers then Pies may well take the draft pick for Moore and send his hamstring issues to the Swans. Leaves a lot of $$$ left in the Pies kitty but no real Key defenders left to spend it on.
Chris
Guest
Collingwood's defeat is a blessing in disguise. First of all, the selection panel will have to go for height and youth. It's high time McLarty was given a go. He should go straight into the Full Back post and Mihocek up forward. There is no point in praying that Reid or Moore will come good. Those ifs and buts don't get you anywhere. Fitness and able bodied fighters are needed. Magden didn't do badly and the other untried may perform equally well. Next week, it a must win contest to ensure finals contention. We need Howe and McLarty in and maybe Fasolo to brighten up the forward line.Three must changes and a must win. As for the Swans, they may come unstuck against the Dees next week.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Tipping point for the Pies reached it seems. Should beat Brisbane and Freo and get a final or two but they might be the best the Pies can get this year.
RT
Roar Rookie
They looked inept long ago.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
yep, will put the frighteners up most teams from here on in
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Awesome win for the Swans!
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Not an AFL supporter but in touch with some players in the NEAFL comp and you know just how much that meant for AJ. Great win and well deserved!
perry cox
Roar Guru
Today was huge for us Birdman - we may not finish in the 4 come Monday, but if we keep winning, we have every chance.
perry cox
Roar Guru
Not sure if it was poor tactics or just great pressure by Collingwood Boon. Swans played smart when they had control.
perry cox
Roar Guru
Great game to call AD. It had everything tonight.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Hawkies in 3rd! At least until tomorrow when Giants and Melbs will overtake us