Swans rise to first after torrid slog against Eagles
Swans surge to the top of the ladder after gripping contest against Eagles
THE SYDNEY Swans have surged a game clear at the top of the ladder with a labour-intensive 28-point win over West Coast in atrocious conditions at Patersons Stadium.
The Swans registered their 11th straight win for the year, and their eighth consecutive against West Coast, in front of just 25,076 fans who were drenched by the relentless Perth rain.
After a tight first-half battle, the Swans eventually drew away to win 10.19 (79) to 7.9 (51).
The victory lifts the Swans to first on the ladder, above Port Adelaide and Hawthorn, who both suffered upset losses earlier in the weekend.
Luke Parker was best afield with 33 disposals, 22 contested, and two goals. His Swans teammate Adam Goodes celebrated becoming the AFL games record holder for an indigenous player by kicking three goals in his 341st match.
The Swans midfield relished the wet conditions, gathering 194 contested possessions, the most for any team this season. Parker, Ben McGlynn, and Craig Bird led the way while Matt Priddis shone again for the Eagles with 28 touches - 21 of them contested.
It was nearly impossible to win a clean possession as the two teams registered 197 tackles for the game - the 11th highest combined total in an AFL match.
"The contested possessions and the tackles were right up there from both teams so I thought our intensity over the four quarters was pretty good," Swans coach John Longmire said.
"They challenged us in the third quarter and we withstood that, and went on again in the last. It was really pleasing coming over here and play a team that has been in pretty good form."
Eagles coach Adam Simpson was pleased with his side's effort but thought the Swans found an extra gear when required.
"I think the effort was there," Simpson said.
"But there is a difference between effort and work-rate. When there is a one-on-one contest we are pleased with how we are competing but I think the work-rate of Sydney across the ground, getting the extra number there after the contest, wore away at us and in the end we weren't good enough."
Although the Swans were in control for most of the day, it took them a while to put West Coast away.
Both sides made late changes pre-match. Star Swan Kurt Tippett was withdrawn with knee soreness and Nic Naitanui general soreness, but the moves may have been strategic given they were replaced by fleet-footed runners in Gary Rohan and Jamie Cripps respectively.
The visitors controlled the opening term with 17 inside 50 entries to 12 but the margin was just eight points at the first change.
The game threatened to be blown apart in the second as the quarter was almost exclusively played in the Swans' half. But after a brilliant running goal from Dane Rampe at the five-minute mark, the Swans kicked seven consecutive behinds.
The Eagles conjured a goal late in the term through Cripps to cut the margin to 13 points at half-time.
The third term was a true arm-wrestle as the rain continued to tumble. The Eagles got within five points courtesy of a 55m bomb from Scott Lycett and a quick snap out of congestion from Luke Shuey.
But McGlynn goaled late in the term to maintain the 13-point margin at three-quarter time.
The Swans lifted a gear in the last, kicking the first three goals of the term to secure the four points.
Kennedy chose to bump Jones and collected him in the head with the point of the shoulder. Jones was subbed out later in the quarter with concussion.
Matt Rosa also suffered an injury to his right pectoral muscle while laying a tackle in the third term. His right arm was placed in a sling and he played no further part in the game.
Luke Parker and Lance Franklin celebrate a goal during the Swans' win on Sunday. Picture: AFL Media
WEST COAST 2.2 4.5 6.7 7.9 (51)
SYDNEY SWANS 3.4 5.12 7.14 10.19 (79)
GOALS
West Coast: Kennedy 2, Priddis, Shuey, Darling, Cripps, Lycett
Sydney Swans: Goodes 3, Parker 2, McGlynn 2, Rampe, Reid, Franklin
BEST
West Coast: Priddis, Mackenzie, Shuey, Gaff, Darling
Sydney Swans: McGlynn, Parker, Kennedy, McVeigh, Jetta, Bird, Malceski
INJURIES
West Coast: Rosa (pectoral)
Sydney Swans: Jones (concussion)
SUBSTITUTES
West Coast: Sam Butler replaced Jeremy McGovern during the third quarter
Sydney Swans: Brandon Jack replaced Zak Jones during the first quarter