Sydney have beaten a fast-finishing North Melbourne by 14 points, ensuring the Kangaroos will receive their first wooden spoon since 1972.
The Swans, keen to respond after their surprise loss to St Kilda, burst out of the blocks, then held firm through the Kangaroos’ second-half surge to prevail 13.13 (91) to 12.5 (77) at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
“We were able, when we were challenged, to kick away again,” Sydney coach John Longmire said.
“That was a really good sign, the ability to be able to steady, absorb it – they were coming hard – and then kick away again with the intensity up and going.”
But the sixth-placed Swans will sweat on the fitness of Nick Blakey, who was forced out of the game with an ankle injury in the third quarter and Josh Kennedy, who limped off clutching his hamstring in the final minute.
North Melbourne coach David Noble was pleased with how his charges found a way back into the game, having shown video clips around their contest work at halftime.
But he stressed he didn’t consider the result an “honourable loss” and wouldn’t be drawn on their now-guaranteed last-place finish.
“I’ve got no interest in talking about the wooden spoon. It’s what it is,” Noble said.
“We’re working on continuing to improve. That’s where we sit, which is not ideal.
“We’ve certainly been chasing really hard to improve and get up the ladder, so that’s been our focus and we certainly haven’t had any internal discussions around that.
“So we’ll just continue to move on.”
Despite resting Lance Franklin, Sydney found plenty of options in attack, with Will Hayward kicking three goals, while Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy and George Hewett were typically industrious around the stoppages.
North Melbourne midfield duo Luke Davies-Uniacke (24 disposals) and Jy Simpkin (22 touches) impressed while the lively Cam Zuurhar booted three goals.
Sydney’s pressure was ferocious early and they reaped the rewards, leading by 18 points at quarter-time, then 31 at the main break.
The Kangaroos, who have consistently fought out games this year, came out of halftime with renewed intensity and controlled the third term, booting four goals to two.
Blakey was replaced by Colin O’Riordan late in the term after landing awkwardly from a marking contest.
At the start of the final term, North youngster Eddie Ford booted back-to-back majors to cut the deficit to 10 points, before Jed Anderson drew the Kangaroos within four points.
But they were unable to haul themselves in front and Hayward kicked back-to-back steadying goals to give Sydney some breathing room.
North’s Aiden Bonar came off the ground late after a heavy knock, but later passed a concussion test, while debutant Charlie Comben provided a late highlight when he kicked his first goal after the siren.
Chris M
Guest
Lance Franklin will return to the Sydney side, but at his age I think he would be able to hit the scoreboard more effectively if he had a second genuine key position goalkicking threat to take multiple defenders away from him. In the final year of his contract, it may be the difference between him averaging another goal every couple of games. Hayden McLean played his heart out and impressed against North Melbourne. Nonetheless, in Franklin's absence he managed to kick only one goal against the wooden spoon team. Sam Reid contributes to the Sydney team too, rucking part-time and drifting down back in defence at the back end of quarters, as well as providing a target around the ground. As great as that is, Sam Reid doesn't threaten the scoreboard anywhere enough. Six goals and six behinds in ten games, close enough to one goal every two games, is not enough return. If Sydney really wants to threaten for the premiership, how many goals per game do they need to get from their key position forwards?
Kick to Kick
Roar Rookie
Second best I think. Brisbane in 2017 had one more win and 4 more percentage points by the end of round 22. Two years later Fagan’s team ended the home and away season in 2nd place! But I agree that kind of rise is on the cards for Noble’s team.
Roger of Sydney
Roar Rookie
GO Swans, agree about first half pressure but after lunch they were terrible at bringing the ball into the forward line, they need to fix that before the finals. North played a good second half but Swans looked like they had back off.
MG
Roar Rookie
The Swans pressure in the first half was phenomenal. They stood up to it really well with an extended period of the ball staying in their defense. The tables turned and they dominated. Swans also good defensively. They have played good football since the bye and will be a team to watch next year.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Tarryn Thomas is a gem. Love watching him play. Simpkin, Zurhaar, Larkey, LD-U, Phillips, Stephenson...they are driving the improved performance.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
They have a good coach in place with Noble. The improvement in the short period of time, is quite recognisable. Pretty fair record to be 1st spoon since 1972. Just shows how long they've punched above their weight for.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Hahaha potentially I’m still concerned that they’re relying too much on players in the thirty plus category. But since the injury to Ben Cunnington that’s much less of a concern
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I think the Roos may be the best wooden spooner we’ve had since the turn of the millennia. They’re certainly the most improved when you compare their performances at the start of the year with their performances lately
Micko
Roar Rookie
Is that a good omen for North? They were competing for, and winning premierships, not long after that spoon!