THE SYDNEY Swans have continued their revival in season 2007 with a spirited victory over the Western Bulldogs in Canberra.
The ninth-placed Bulldogs began the game as one of the competition’s form sides, after last week’s come-from-behind win over Collingwood. But they were no match for Paul Roos’ organised team, which now has its second win in a fortnight over highly-rated opposition and its fifth win of the season.
A superb first half from ruckman Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt set up a 38-point lead at the main break, and the Swans comfortably held the Bulldogs at arms’ length in the second half.
They ran out comfortable winners 15.10 (100) to the Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57).
Everitt finished the game with 24 hit-outs and covered acres of ground, pushing forward to set up several Swans attacks and contributing a goal of his own in the first quarter.
Fellow Swans ruckman Darren Jolly also drifted forward to kick three goals as the Swans kicked four unanswered goals to break the game open before half time.
In front of a sell-out crowd predominantly decked out in red and white, the Swans continued to shut down the Bulldogs' running style of game in the second half.
The Swans’ midfield starred, dominating stoppages and getting the ball into the forward line with speed and ease. Reigning Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes returned to form, leading the Swans with 26 disposals and setting up an important goal.
Fellow midfielder Nic Fosdike was also excellent, collecting 24 possessions and laying four tackles.
After a fairly even first quarter, in which Everitt and Jolly kicked three of their team's five goals, the Swans came alive in the second. Bulldog Farren Ray kicked the quarter opener, but the Swans responded. They kicked five unanswered goals and stretched their lead to 38 points at the main break.
The long-standing battle between Jason Akermanis and Jared Crouch continued in the first half, with neither a clear winner. While Crouch failed to shut down Akermanis completely, he limited the former Brisbane Lion’s influence and was instrumental in several of the Swans’ plays. Crouch limped off in the third, suffering a hamstring injury, and Aker's kicked his only goal in the fourth.
The Bulldogs fought back in the third, applying pressure to the Swans and running the ball through the centre for the first time in the match. Despite dominating possession throughout the quarter, the Bulldogs only managed to cut the Swans’ lead by four points.
Midfielder Brett Kirk played an excellent game on star Bulldogs midfielder Scott West, restricting him to six touches in the first half. Though he collected 10 in the second half, most of them were when the game was beyond the Bulldogs’ reach.
After kicking the first goal of the fourth quarter, the Dogs again looked at though they might be dangerous. But Adam Goodes ran through the centre and found Michael O'Loughlin deep inside 50, who kicked a goal and sealed the Swans' victory.
Further goals to McVeigh and O'Loughlin were icing on the cake for the Swans, who are now back inside the top eight.
SYDNEY 5.4 10.6 12.8 15.10 (100)WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.3 4.4 6.7 8.9 (57)
GOALSSydney: M O'Loughlin 4, D Jolly 3, A Schneider 3, A Buchanan, P Everitt, B Hall, N Malceski, J McVeigh. Western Bulldogs: M Robbins 3, B Johnson 2, J Akermanis, M Hahn, F Ray.
BESTSydney: P Everitt, D Jolly, A Goodes, M O'Loughlin, A Schneider, N Malceski, B Kirk. Western Bulldogs: B Harris, B Johnson, N Eagleton, D Cross.
INJURIESSydney: J Crouch (hamstring), N Davis (hamstring) replaced in selected side by H Grundy, T Kennelly (virus) replaced in selected side by S Dempster. Western Bulldogs: A McDougall replaced in selected side by M Robbins.
Reports: Nil.
Umpires: M Vozzo S Ryan K Nicholls.
Official crowd: 14,517 at Manuka Oval.
