It meant the Magpies could be taking part in catch-up all afternoon – a place they weren’t precisely unfamiliar with and, certainly, have relished in. They virtually did once more, kicking seven of the final 9 targets.
The Pies’ historical past of beautiful comebacks and miraculous slim wins meant that Sydney may by no means really calm down. It received nervy deep within the third quarter, when the guests outscored them three targets to 2, and a miss after the siren from Isaac Heeney left the margin at 23 factors and door ajar for an additional fantastical end.
Veteran Magpie Steele Sidebottom flies for a mark.Credit score:AFL Images
An eight-minute arm wrestle adopted initially of the ultimate time period, earlier than the Pies drew first blood with a snap from Patrick Lipinski made it three consecutive targets to Collingwood for the primary time within the match. A way of panic was visibly setting in, on the sphere and within the grandstands.
However Papley received the purpose Sydney desperately wanted when he was awarded a questionable two-on-one mark, regardless of shoving Darcy Moore within the again and facet, with about10 minutes to go. But the Swans couldn’t discover the killer blow, and gave the impression to be working out of fuel.
Brody Mihocek marked and goaled from the highest of the sq. to chop it again to fifteen factors. Then Will Hoskin-Elliot snapped, they usually wanted two targets in 4 minutes. A smothered clearance kick from Ollie Florent fell to Steele Sidebottom, who minimize it again to 3 factors – the tightest margin of the evening. However that they had nothing extra to present.
A dejected John Noble after the ultimate siren.Credit score:AFL Images
Lance Franklin, monstered by Melbourne’s Steven Might a fortnight in the past, defied those that went the early crow and recommended he’d run out of juice. He kicked 2.1 however past the numbers had an enormous affect on how issues performed out in Sydney’s ahead line, because of his sheer presence. The most effective that Franklin’s first match-up, Brandon Maynard, may do was attempt to wipe the oil off his arms. Jeremy Howe after which Darcy Moore had been despatched to Buddy, whose profession may certainly be over subsequent weekend – if Sydney can ship him off on the proper word.
The Swans, perennial finals contenders, have achieved a exceptional job to place themselves able to contend for the flag. They’ve rebuilt their checklist at fast pace, spending simply two seasons out of the highest eight in 2019 and 2020 because the previous guard moved on and the brand new breed stepped up.
Solely two gamers on their checklist, co-captain Luke Parker and Sam Reid, had been a part of the staff that received the 2012 grand ultimate – however it appears solely Parker will get a shot at including one other medal to his assortment, with Reid subbed out early within the third quarter with an adductor pressure.
The 30-year-old has had a profession restricted by a wretched run of accidents, however had fought again from virtually being delisted on the finish of final season to grow to be a pivotal member of this new-look Sydney staff. His physique might have failed him once more on the worst potential second.
Collingwood additionally used their sub, with Mason Cox (groin) withdrawn within the third time period for Nathan Kreuger, in what felt rather more like a tactical transfer.
SYDNEY
6.3 11.7 13.10 14.11 (95)
COLLINGWOOD
3.0 7.1 10.5 14.10 (94)
GOALS
Sydney: Papley 3, Franklin 2, Stephens, Heeney, Reid, Clarke, Rowbottom, Parker, Warner, McInerney, McDonald.
Collingwood: Hoskin-Elliott 2, McCreery 2, Elliott 2, Mihocek, Cameron, Bianco, Daicos, Crisp, Daicos, Sidebottom, Ginnivan.
BEST
Sydney: Warner, Hickey, Mills, Papley.
Collingwood: Crisp, Moore, Cameron, Pendlebury.
UMPIRES
Stephens, Meredith, Stevic
CROWD
45,608 at SCG.
