From Bird to Tippett, we run the rule over the Grand Final-bound Swans
Craig Bird – 3
Started as the substitute and came into the game in the final minutes before three-quarter time when Reid hurt his right knee. Played a decent quarter for nine touches and a goal, which was slotted on the final siren.
Harry Cunningham – 7
Was enormous against Brent Harvey. Kept the Kangaroos' veteran to one disposal in the first quarter, and while Harvey ended with 19, most of them came when the result was decided. Also won a bit of the ball himself to cap off a decent evening.
An outstanding game. Not only kicked five goals, but selflessly brought teammates into proceedings. Comprehensively beat Scott Thompson, roamed all over the ground, which showcased his enormous work rate, and took 11 marks. A terrific all-round performance.
Heath Grundy – 6
Played against Ben Jacobs and Ben Brown and didn't have a lot of involvement, although he collected nine touches across half back. Looked ginger after he caught his left ankle underneath him in the fourth quarter, but played out the game.
Adam Goodes – 7
Celebrated his 350th game with entry into a fourth Grand Final and three goals – the first of which was the Swans' opener of the night with nine minutes left in the first quarter – and beat Michael Firrito when the defender matched up on him. Also brought the ball inside 50 six times in a strong team performance.
Dan Hannebery – 6
Got going late in the first quarter to carry nine disposals into a quiet second term. Ended with 22 touches in a solid midfield performance that also featured drive into attack.
Kieren Jack – 8
Won plenty of contested ball and combined well with Parker and Kennedy to make life tough for the Kangaroos at the stoppages. Had 14 touches in an impressive first half and ended with 23, having delivered the ball inside 50 five times. Was an important cog in the Swans' midfield engine.
Lewis Jetta – 5
Was quiet early, but found himself on the end of a handpass from Lloyd late in the first, which gave him a goal before quarter-time. Did some nice things without making a consistent impact. Got poked in the eye late but played out the game.
Josh Kennedy – 8
Was the main midfield instigator in the first half. Was involved right from the start with 12 first-term disposals and kept going, with a dominating performance at the stoppages the Roos struggled to match. Won clearances, contested ball and tackled hard in a supreme game, showing his hamstring woes are clearly well behind him.
Jake Lloyd – 5
After 12 disposals in the first half, the youngster dropped off in the third and didn't touch the ball. Didn't have much involvement after that, but was serviceable before the main break.
Nick Malceski – 4
Didn't look to really push himself physically, but managed to set up six inside 50s and collect 18 disposals. Got through the game, but looked lethargic at times.
Ben McGlynn – 8
Fitting he was one of the side's best after missing the opportunity to play in the 2012 Grand Final. Started well in the midfield and set up a few forward forays, which translated into an excellent two-goal game.
Jarrad McVeigh – 5
A quiet game by the experienced midfielder's standards. Recovered from five touches to half time to end with 14, and still managed to get in and do the grunt work when required.
Luke Parker – 8
Made a statement to All Australian selectors with a terrific performance, one that was capped off by three goals and a soaring grab that will be replayed all week after he managed to balance his knees on the shoulders of both ruckmen and bring the ball down with him.
Luke Parker made light of his All Australian snub with an outstanding display. Picture: AFL Media.
Mike Pyke – 6
Was probably beaten – just – by Todd Goldstein but still managed 30 hit-outs. The Swans were better at ground level, but the ruck duel was relatively even with Goldstein having slightly more impact around the ground.
Dane Rampe – 5
Spent time on Ziebell in the second quarter and provided good disposal off half-back. Didn't have a huge amount of the ball, but contributed with the rest of the back half with second efforts and pressure.
Sam Reid – 6
Marked well and had eight touches after being sandwiched between Nathan Grima and Andrew Swallow in the first quarter. Missed a sitter in the second quarter with a low flat kick before being subbed out in the third after hurting his right knee when he landed from a marking contest.
Ted Richards – 7
Played on Drew Petrie and did an excellent job. Didn't touch the ball in the first quarter but racked up five one percenters, which soared to 12 by the final siren. Was solid in a team-like backline performance that rattled the Roos.
Gary Rohan – 8
May not have played a better game in his career. Started forward but also played off half-back where he launched several electrifying bursts up the ground. Totally destroyed Aaron Black – even mugging the ball from his hands to turn it into a second-quarter goal to Goodes – and ended with 23 touches and six inside 50s. An impressive performance that got better as the game wore on.
Rhyce Shaw – 7
Rebounded well and gave the Swans drive off half back after 13 first-half touches. Was among those who set the standard in the first quarter, and continued to deliver with 20 touches for the game.
Nick Smith – 7
Played on Lindsay Thomas, who was largely ineffective. Also spent time on Daniel Wells when Brad Scott started him forward after half time. Did a decent job.
Kurt Tippett – 7
Took a while to get going after missing his first two shots at goal, but it was a case of third time lucky when Franklin set him up later in the quarter. Rucked a bit and ended with four goals in an impressive performance from another of the Swans' forwards.
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Be part of AFL Opening Round to kick-off the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season in QLD. March 6-9. Brisbane Lions host Geelong at the GABBA and Gold Coast SUNS take on Essendon at People First Stadium.