First there was Trent Dennis-Lane’s effort to run down Carlton’s Dennis Armfield that resulted in a free kick and subsequent goal to send the Swans into the second round of the finals last year.
Then on Sunday, Jude Bolton’s lunging tackle on Essendon's Kyle Hardingham won a free kick which he converted to give the Swans a five-point lead in the 25th minute of the fourth quarter.
Moments later, Marty Mattner was forced to make a last-ditch tackle on Brent Stanton who was running into an open goal to secure victory for the Swans.
For Bolton, who is turning into an unlikely forward after booting six goals in the opening two rounds, the win has given the club a much-needed confidence booster.
“To have a draw last week you don’t know where you’re at,” Bolton said.
“Certainly Essendon are a quality side so to match it with them and then overcome them it was just a great effort by our group.”
After making the match-winning tackle and kicking truly from 45 metres out you’d understand Bolton celebrating his team’s nail-biting victory.
Instead, Bolton came straight into the changerooms and called on his team to do all the necessary recovery to best prepare themselves for the trip to Perth next weekend.
“We’ve got a short week now and we’ve really got to focus on West Coast who have also had a great start to the year,” he said.
“Great teams win anywhere, anytime.”
Bolton may become a regular part of the forward structure if he can continue his goalkicking form.
While there were no nerves running in to take his shot on goal, Bolton said he’s happy to sacrifice his place in the midfield for the betterment of the team.
“You certainly know what’s at stake (running in to take the set-shot on goal to win the game) but you’ve just got to go through your routine and back yourself,” Bolton said.
“Hopefully you want to take that shot, that’s the main thing.
“You’ve actually got to be able to play in different positions and if you’ve got to rest forward that’s fine, I’ll play that role I don’t mind.”
