Summary
So there’s your top four for 2020, and it features Geelong, just, after they dug themselves out of a massive hole against the plucky Swans. The Cats were lethargic in the opening half and it took until late in the third quarter to eradicate the skill errors.
Maybe it was the four changes to the 22? Rohan and Steven both looked short of a gallop, while Selwood took his time to grow into the contest. Maybe it was the impact of Richmond towelling them up the week before? Either way, it gives Chris Scott food for thought about his best 22 heading into the finals. Maybe one of those less heralded youngsters will get a run as a defensive small forward after all?
Dangerfield stood up when someone in hoops needed to be counted, but Menegola was excellent yet again, while Blicavs excelled in the second half and performed a vital smother with the last act of the contest. Better will be needed against Brisbane or Port Adelaide if Geelong are to improve on their poor recent record in finals.
Sydney did enough to win and but for some awful decision making in front of goal probably would have. Papley’s 2.5 is the standout, but that hides an open goal miss from him and a couple of other unfathomable errors from the men in red with goals begging.
The engine room of Lloyd, Kennedy and Parker was outstanding, denying Geelong the clearance dominance they are so accustomed to. Sinclair bossed the ruck, ably supported by Aliir who roamed with presence and was the first half’s key performer.
Now it’s over to Fremantle v Western Bulldogs to see who completes the finals picture, then Port Adelaide’s clash with Collingwood tomorrow night to settle the destination of the minor premiership.
Thanks again for your company, we’ll be back to do more of this soon I’m sure.
Another year, another top four finish for @GeelongCats 😼 pic.twitter.com/eHA9qNjAOy
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 20, 2020
Updated
Plenty to like from the Swans today. On another day Papley kicks 5.2, not 2.5, and they romp home with clear air at three-quarter-time.
And exhale. That was wild. Geelong were awful for the first two quarters, below-par in the third, but then Dangerfield found an extra gear as full forward and his quality ripped the game open either side of three-quarter time. The final term looked to be a breeze but then the nerves set in late on and the brave Swans could have forced a tie with the last kick of the contest.
Sydney 9.9 (63) lose to Geelong 10.9 (69)
Gee whizz. That was close. Sydney won the final clearance, sent the ball downfield, a pack formed, and the ball fell to a red guersney, Rowbottom, who snaps firmly towards goal - but Blicavs is there with the smother. Wow! That was an enormous intervention.
The Cats survive and advance in fourth place!
Updated
Q4: 20 secs remaining: Sydney 9.9 (63) v 10.9 (69) Geelong - Scrap that - Sydney score! McInerney with the finish from the Hail Mary play down the corridor. Oh boy.
Q4: 1 mins remaining: Sydney 8.9 (57) v 10.9 (69) Geelong - Finally, with one minute remaining, the Cats have it sewn up. A soft, fatigue-induced turnover in defence, pounced on by Dangerfield, and he calmly finds Duncan, who feeds Miers, who eats up the clock preparing to shoot - only to miss everything from 30m!
Q4: 2 mins remaining: Sydney 8.9 (57) v 10.9 (69) Geelong - West Coast fans cannot criticise the Swans for not giving their all. They continue to push as hard as possible, forcing Geelong to defend at full stretch and pressurising the Cats’ halfbacks as they look to ease down the clock.
Q4: 4 mins remaining: Sydney 8.9 (57) v 10.9 (69) Geelong - It is getting ragged and desperate out there with both sides guilty of skill errors and poor decision making. The broken field play suits the Swans who have eaten up the metres by foot all afternoon. On this occasion they can’t hit a target though and Geelong can wind down the clock.
Q4: 6 mins remaining: Sydney 8.9 (57) v 10.9 (69) Geelong - the umpiring this game has been wild with some barmy calls going against both sides. Geelong are on the receiving end of another odd decision, penalised for claiming a mark and collecting the Sydney defender in the head with his knee. For his incredible lead-up play, laying a huge tackle and then delivering the perfect assist, Dangerfield deserved the highlight.
Q4: 7 mins remaining: Sydney 8.9 (57) v 10.8 (68) Geelong - Sydney aren’t giving up, and after chopping off a promising Geelong entry inside 50 they lash down the other end through the corridor swiftly enough to allow Papley to escape over the back and kick his second.
Q4: 9 mins remaining: Sydney 7.9 (51) v 10.8 (68) Geelong - Brilliant in midfield from Ablett, bursting forward, and his long entry is tailor made for Dangerfield, but the Cat is denied his fourth goal in a row in a tough marking contest. The whistle blows for a free-kick his way, but Parfitt plays on and toe-pokes a goal, with the help of the video umpire after the original effort was ruled a rushed behind.
Q4: 10 mins remaining: Sydney 7.9 (51) v 9.8 (62) Geelong - The Swans look a little leggy now. A promising situation on the left wing evaporates under pressure from Miers, and kicks that were nailing targets earlier in the day are squirting off the sides of boots. Those behinds from Papley and others when Sydney were on top will frustrate John Longmire.
Q4: 12 mins remaining: Sydney 7.9 (51) v 9.8 (62) Geelong - The Cats have the run now and suddenly the skills are sharper, the movement is slicker, and the outcome is a mobile forward line full of leading targets. Yet again Dangerfield is the man honoured, and yet again he goals - three in a row for the Brownlow Medalist - and he has dragged this game back in his side’s favour. As well as Dangerfield, Menegola has been instrumental in this recovery, as has Blicavs who has arrested Sinclair’s ruck dominance.
Q4: 13 mins remaining: Sydney 7.9 (51) v 8.8 (56) Geelong - Slick ball movement from the Cats and it should end with a mark and a goal but Rohan fumbles despite finding separation at the top of the square. He makes amend soon afterwards though, getting on his bike to hunt the ball and deliver superbly for the lead of Dangerfield. With his second shot on goal for the quarter, he scores! The Cats finally hit the front.
Q4: 15 mins remaining: Sydney 7.9 (51) v 7.8 (50) Geelong - A TV graphic reveals how imposing Geelong have been in final quarters this season, and by contrast, how poor Sydney have been. And it’s the Cats who start the brighter, Menegola in the action for multiple phases before Ablett crumbs smartly in the right forward pocket, feeding Dangerfield to mark. But the former Crow can’t slot the acute set shot and the Swans continue to lead, as they have since the opening minute.
Oh the joy of the last round. Players playing for careers, playing for limited spots in finals, thinking about holidays next week and the cool refreshing water as you plunge in off the scorching sand. Love the first round and the last round. Always good for 1/9 footy tipping
You’d still back Geelong in from here, but they have been second best for most of this match so far. The move to put Dangerfield in the goalsquare during that third quarter worked, but the Cats still need to exert more pressure around the ground to stop the Swans waltzing out of defence, and find more composure to deliver inside-50 - just three marks in the arc for Geelong so far.
Three-quarter-time: Sydney 7.9 (51) v 7.7 (49) Geelong
Two points in it at the final break. Sydney just look like they’re tiring a little after three quarters of sustained pressure footy. Geelong are starting to capitalise around the ground but skill errors are costing them dearly, especially at the moment when they need to load up and deliver inside-50.
Q3: 2 mins remaining: Sydney 7.9 (51) v 7.6 (48) Geelong - 106 games, zero goals for Jake Kolodjashnij, but he was inches away from putting his side ahead from long range. As it is Geelong creep closer to the Swans without impressing.
Q3: 5 mins remaining: Sydney 7.9 (51) v 7.5 (47) Geelong - The Cats almost score from a rare centre clearance win but Hawkins can’t crumb Dangerfield’s huge leap. the Swans then go coast-to-coast with ease. That has been Geelong’s major issue today, the lack of sustained forward pressure. Sydney can’t convert though, and after a tough deliberate out-of-bounds call Geelong travel at speed up the other end, and that speed equals space in the forward line, which is meat and drink for Dangerfield who marks on the lead then goes back to kick a huge set shot from 50m. Boy his team needed that.
Q3: 7 mins remaining: Sydney 7.9 (51) v 6.4 (40) Geelong - Geelong are rattled. Dangerfield doesn’t take the game on from 50m, then Menegola misses his target forward with time and space. But they do benefit from a rare free-kick in attacking territory. Who is awarded to? Hawkins, and he doesn’t miss drop punts from 30m out. The Cats remain in touch, just.
Q3: 8 mins remaining: Sydney 7.9 (51) v 5.4 (34) Geelong - Yet again Sydney rebound away from some soft Geelong forward pressure, this time it’s swift enough for Reid to get separation and make the lead, which is honoured. He marks and hammers a handsome set shot through for a goal.
Q3: 9 mins remaining: Sydney 6.9 (44) v 5.4 (34) Geelong - Papley gets his fifth - behind of the afternoon - after some more unfathomable sloppy play from Geelong. Some Cats look like they’re playing in quicksand. Sydney handballed their way out of lax forward pressure, then profited from a soft Henry turnover in midfield. Papley should have done better on the run.
Q3: 10 mins remaining: Sydney 6.8 (44) v 5.4 (34) Geelong - The Cats get a much needed goal. It wasn’t pretty - Taylor hoofing a long bomb to the top of the square, only for the ball to come off hands and spill over the back, where Rohan unselfishly handballs to Tuohy to slam home.
Q3: 12 mins remaining: Sydney 6.8 (44) v 4.4 (28) Geelong - When Sydney do clear their lines they look adept at picking their way forward. Hayward should do better spilling an unopposed mark just inside 50, but it doesn’t matter for long. The Cats are in all sorts down back, so uncharacteristic today, and a sloppy misplaced kiss across halfback ends with the simplest turnover, smart hands from Aliir and Papley, allowing McInerney time and space to snap home. This is worrying for Cats fans.
Q3: 13 mins remaining: Sydney 5.8 (38) v 4.4 (28) Geelong - The Cats are knocking on the door, building wave after wave of pressure, but so far there’s been no killer final pass and the Swans remain in front.
Q3: 14 mins remaining: Sydney 5.8 (38) v 4.4 (28) Geelong - Better pressure from the Cats this half already with the defensive set-up denying Sydney any opportunity to clear their lines. The Swans do well to hold fort long enough though, then win the crucial contest on the boundary near the 50m line. Selwood is then cleaned up in a marking contest by the flying Reid. Oooof, that made me sore just watching from the couch.
Q3: 15 mins remaining: Sydney 5.8 (38) v 4.4 (28) Geelong - The Cats get the first entry inside-50 following a high tackle on Selwood. From there they win the stoppage for Ablett to run onto but the veteran snaps wide.
The second half will get underway shortly. What will Geelong serve up?
A visual representation of the opening half. The Swans with all the menace but unable to really get a hold of the inattentive Cats.
The way the Cats are (not) playing reminds me of the time Ross Lyon arrogantly rested half the Freo team in the last game of the season......
I don’t think of this Geelong group as an arrogant bunch, but suddenly the decision to make four changes - three including older blokes short of a gallop - looks a little optimistic. I also think the opening half exposed the Cats’ obvious area of weakness, the lack of a dominant ruckman. If Rhys Stanley wasn’t a lock to return for the finals, he surely must be now.
The stats sheet remains very ugly for the Cats. The Swans are dominating disposals, clearances, and inside-50s. Geelong have just two marks inside-50 all half - maybe Richmond’s performance last week has unpicked the Cats’ forward structure for the rest of the competition? Dangerfield has just five touches, Steven four, and Rohan two. So much for that celebrated list of inclusions.
For the Swans, Lloyd leads allcomers with 17 disposals, Sinclair has dominated in the ruck, Aliir has been the game’s key target, and in Papley Sydney have the most significant performer of the afternoon. The goalsneak has done pretty much what he’s wanted, crumbing neatly and darting away from attacking stoppages, but from his eight kicks he’s registered 1.4 - flip that around and his side could be out of sight.
Half-time: Sydney 5.8 (38) v 4.3 (27) Geelong
Well, that was unexpected. Sydney bossed that from go to woah and if not for some woeful finishing would deservedly be four or five goals up. As it is, Geelong, despite one of their most abject halves of footy for a long long time, are just 11 points down. Plenty for Chris Scott to mull over at the break.
Q2: 1 mins remaining: Sydney 5.8 (38) v 4.3 (27) Geelong - Blicavs is off after taking a knee to his ribs in a marking contest. That’ll sting. The Cats ditch the long kick down the line in favour of little chips around halfback, but they’re chopped off in traffic twice in quick succession. Eventually Ablett takes command and sends Geelong forward, where Hawkins fails to hold onto the kind of contested mark he’s been gobbling up all year.
Q2: 2 mins remaining: Sydney 5.7 (37) v 4.3 (27) Geelong - The Cats are losing every aerial contest on centre-wing, meaning they’re unable to make more than one kick forward or maintain territorial dominance. The Swans should punish them again but Reid takes his eyes off a mark that should have led to a makable shot.
Q2: 4 mins remaining: Sydney 5.7 (37) v 4.3 (27) Geelong - Bronx cheers around Metricon Stadium for a free-kick to Dangerfield. The ball ends in the hands of Hawkins on the lead but he makes a mess of the set shot around his body from the left forward pocket.
Q2: 6 mins remaining: Sydney 5.7 (37) v 4.2 (26) Geelong - After the shootout of the opening quarter it’s all become a lot cagier this term. Papley should find the target after a rare break down the open side of the ground, the left, but he snaps wide, his fourth behind of the day already.
Q2: 7 mins remaining: Sydney 5.6 (36) v 4.2 (26) Geelong - It should be pointed out the Cats have been on the receiving end of a few stinky umpiring decisions, two very dodgy deliberate out of bounds, and a couple of unpaid marks in particular, but that is not enough to explain why they are so stodgy around the ground.
Q2: 8 mins remaining: Sydney 5.6 (36) v 4.2 (26) Geelong - Another stoppage, another Sydney win, another shot from Papley waltzing away from traffic, this time snapping fractionally wide. Geelong have no oomph whatsoever.
Q2: 10 mins remaining: Sydney 5.4 (34) v 4.2 (26) Geelong - The Cats are miles off their game. Clearing kicks are going out of touch, players are being caught in possession, free-kicks are being conceded in innocuous situations. It needs a big name or two to stand up and grab this by the scruff of the neck before the rot sets in.
Q2: 11 mins remaining: Sydney 5.4 (34) v 4.2 (26) Geelong - It’s all Geelong this quarter, but it’s either tight through the corridor or slow out wide. That invites Sydney to counterattack into acres of space and - oh boy - Hayward strolls through the 50m arc like a rambler on a Sunday jaunt, he has a full minute to kick a goal with his eyes closed, but for some reason he never pulls the trigger, and he’s eventually run down by Henry. The second incredible clanger from Sydney today.
Jack Henry never gave up!
— AFL (@AFL) September 20, 2020
What a chase and tackle to save a certain goal. #AFLSwansCats pic.twitter.com/KA8iY82V5I
Updated
Q2: 15 mins remaining: Sydney 5.4 (34) v 4.2 (26) Geelong - Geelong start the quarter on the front foot and they have the first scoring opportunity when Miers is tackled without the ball just inside-50. He offloads to Tuohy on the burst but the Irishman belts his huge drop punt wide. Sydney can’t clear their lines though, offering Hawkins a simple snap from 15m out, but it’s on his non-preferred left, and he skews an ugly hack wide.
Bad news for the Swans with James Bell ruled out after failing his HIA following his heavy collision with Jordan Dawson.
Sydney dominating clearances and contested possessions, they lead inside-50s 15-10 too, and with Aliir offering the game’s most potent aerial threat there’s great structure to their set-up. Geelong need to up their intensity and get their forwards on the ball. Between them, Hawkins, Dangerfield, Rohan and Ratugolea have just two disposals.
Quarter-time: Sydney 5.4 (34) v 4.1 (25) Geelong
Good grief! That is one of the all-time bad misses. Papley roasts Taylor with the ball heading inside 50 and the Cat star unsure whether to stick or twist. The outcome is the small forward streaking towards the unguarded sticks, only for him to dribble a shocking effort that wobbles wide. That was one of three quick points for Sydney as they continued their impressive effort right up to the siren. Geelong with a lot of work to do.
Nick Blakey makes it the perfect start for the Swans 🤷♂️#AFLSwansCats pic.twitter.com/1TZ98Z2oCN
— AFL (@AFL) September 20, 2020
Q1: 2 mins remaining: Sydney 5.1 (31) v 4.1 (25) Geelong - Welcome back GAJ. A bobbling ball in the centre square looks innocuous, but the little champ reads it better than anyone, rides one tackle, sidesteps another, runs his full compliment and stabs the goal on the run. Sydney have slogged their guts out all quarter but the Cats keep pulling out moments of individual brilliance to remain in touch.
Little Master is BACK 🙌🐐 @GeelongCats pic.twitter.com/IjzOgeTkOi
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 20, 2020
Updated
Q1: 3 mins remaining: Sydney 5.1 (31) v 3.1 (19) Geelong - Sydney deservedly extend their lead. Aliir has been super impressive as a tall target inside-50, and he causes problems for Geelong’s defence again, bringing a bomb to the hotspot to ground where Papley darts onto the palm-down front and square, scoots away from traffic and snaps the trademark goal. Only the fourth time this year Sydney have kicked five goals in any quarter.
Q1: 5 mins remaining: Sydney 4.1 (25) v 3.1 (19) Geelong - Another simple, rapier-like goal from Geelong. They win their first clean ball from the centre bounce of the afternoon, Guthrie carries it forward, exchanges handballs with Miers, then finishes superbly with his left foot on the run from 40m.
Back to that head knock from earlier, Bell has gone into the rooms for an HIA.
Q1: 6 mins remaining: Sydney 4.1 (25) v 2.1 (13) Geelong - Selwood grunt in midfield, brilliance from Ablett outside, then Hawkins too strong one-on-one inside-50. For all Sydney’s dominance early on, sometimes you can’t legislate for class like that. Geelong creeping their way back on the scoreboard, against the run of play.
Q1: 8 mins remaining: Sydney 4.1 (25) v 1.1 (7) Geelong - There’s a lack of zip from Geelong in these early exchanges, typified by offering Sinclair an uncontested ball-in. From there the Swans work their way along right centre-wing but the move ends with a nasty looking clash of heads between Dawson and Bell. Both are a bit groggy but ok to continue.
Q1: 10 mins remaining: Sydney 4.1 (25) v 1.0 (6) Geelong - The Swans dust themselves off quickly. They have been busier around the ground and harder at the contest so far, and that industry serves them well again, handballing at pace across half-forward, carving through Geelong’s defence, until Kennedy is in position to kick an excellent goal. Sydney already at their best opening quarter score for 2020!
Q1: 11 mins remaining: Sydney 3.1 (19) v 1.0 (6) Geelong - The Cats are slowing the game down, chipping the ball across halfback, but when they go down the line the Swans cut off the clearing kick and head back the other way with interest. Papley doesn’t get enough on his snap though and Blicavs smuggles the ball through for a behind. Geelong then finally show their class, streaking across Metricon Stadium, Ablett crumbs superbly, and Parfitt kicks the steadying goal.
Q1: 13 mins remaining: Sydney 3.0 (18) v 0.0 (0) Geelong - What is going on!!?? Three in three opening minutes from the Swans! Another centre clearance win sets up a series of repeat phases in dangerous territories and after one failed effort too many to clear their lines the Cats finally cough up a shooting chance that Dawson accepts gleefully.
Updated
Q1: 14 mins remaining: Sydney 2.0 (12) v 0.0 (0) Geelong - It’s taken Geelong a few minutes to settle, but a free-kick to Selwood on halfback sets up a clean chain of possession down the left flank that should end with a Tuohy goal, but somehow the Irishman drops a simple mark and is not awarded the free-kick he anticipates. The Swans ignore his protestations - and on replay Tuohy was very very stiff for not being paid a mark - and travel coast to coast before Blakey peels off a beautiful finish on the run. Hmmmm, could we be on course for an upset?
Q1: 15 mins remaining: Sydney 1.0 (6) v 0.0 (0) Geelong - There’s no clear footy from either side with both midfields scrapping hard for first use, until a hack forward from the centre square lands favourably for Aliir, starting at CHF. Almost immediately after the mark there’s a whistle for encroachment and the Swan is walked to the top of the square to belt Sydney into an early lead. Congratulations if you had Aliir Aliir as your first scorer.
Opening bounce!
Here we go. Can the Cats claw their way back into the top four? Let’s find out...
Hawthorn are sending their retiring premiership heroes out on a high with a thorough belting of Gold Coast. Even Ben Stratton has hit the scoreboard.
THE STREAK IS OVER!!!!
— AFL (@AFL) September 20, 2020
Ben Stratton doubles his career goal tally 👏#AFLHawksSuns pic.twitter.com/Sn9VZpqlSg
Who said there was no room for sentiment in footy? Ben Stratton moved forward, gets a pass from Bruest, 15 metres out - kick your second career goal in your final career game.
Here’s the news story filtering through about Melbourne’s hub breach:
Now the Swans are on the move in their natty red and white tops, red shorts and socks.
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) September 20, 2020
And the Cats are out onto the turf in their familiar hooped guernseys, blue shorts and socks. They need to bounce back today after last week’s wake-up call against Richmond, not only for the top four finish, but to prove the performance against the Tigers was only a blip as they head into the finals.
Ready up Cats fans 🔵⚪️#AFLSwansCats #GeelongStrong pic.twitter.com/TZC7nvXEdR
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) September 20, 2020
Updated
It’s warm and bright on the Gold Coast this afternoon. A slight northerly breeze is the only possible impediment to the playing conditions.
Immediately after the conclusion of this match - and the resolution of the top four - Fremantle take on Western Bulldogs in a fixture that will reveal the last piece of the top eight jigsaw. It’s win or bust for the Doggies.
Then tomorrow evening Port Adelaide take on Collingwood with the four points on offer enough to hand the Power the minor premiership and the McClelland Trophy.
After that we’re onto the finals...
News filtering through that Melbourne have alerted the AFL to a breach of the hub protocol involving Harley Bennell. That’ll go down well.
Who on earth came up with the idea to write such a heartfelt banger featuring the feminised version of Bernard?
Is this a trick question? Isn't it from the Motown team of Holland–Dozier–Holland? In which case my money is on a case of unrequited love by one of H-D-H for a young woman named Bernadette as the inspiration.
Oh, for sure, DrRudi, I reckon you must be right. It’s just Bernadette is an unlikely name to hear delivered like that (for me, anyway) - even though with three short syllables it hits hard.
If McLachlan truly does stand against “fighting all forms of racism and discrimination on and off the field” then corporate partnerships with mining magnates must be revoked and the code’s revenue model adjusted so sustained economic growth can be achieved without plummeting Aboriginal people into further despair.
Ben Abbatangelo takes a look at one of the AFL’s corporate partnerships to demonstrate how it’s important for the administration’s worthy rhetoric to be supported by meaningful action.
Afternoon Jonathan. One of my favourite people is Bernadette, so there. :)
As I said in yesterday's thread, I'd rather today's Melbourne Covid figures and a Geelong loss, than bouncing back to the previous day's with Geelong winning. In all seriousness.
If we do win, I'd much rather be playing Brisbane at the Gabba, than Port at Adelaide oval, so I'm afraid I'll be cheering Collingwood on this evening. Sorry Jude.
Speaking of Adelaide oval, how in hell did Toyota manage to have those huge banner ads in front of the beautiful trees behind the hill during the Adelaide game? That section of the ground is one of the lovely, unique things about Adelaide Oval.
Go Cats. Keeping my fingers crossed for Selwood's knee today.
Great to have you on board Winnie!
Geelong XXII
In: G. Ablett (352 games)
In: J. Selwood (305 games)
In: J. Steven (191 games)
In: G. Rohan (139 games)
Chris Scott has managed his troops expertly throughout this unconventional season, and now he gets to reap the benefits with a list of powerful inclusions. Superstar Ablett returns to the fray after spending time with family in Victoria, while skipper Selwood is back after being treated with kid gloves following his round 12 injury. Rohan was a late withdrawal last week, while Steven has been absent since round 14. All will benefit from the run before Geelong launch into the finals at full steam. The Cats now have the luxury of being able to name near-enough their best 22 - perhaps Rhys Stanley for Esava Ratugolea being the only foreseeable change for a finals-intensity fixture.
Tom Atkins, Brad Close, Lachie Fogarty and Ben Jarvis are the four to drop out of last week’s 22.
Backs: Jed Bews, Harry Taylor, Jake Kolodjashnij
Half Backs: Jack Henry, Mark Blicavs, Tom Stewart
Centre: Zach Tuohy, Joel Selwood, Sam Menegola
Half Forwards: Luke Dahlhaus, Gary Rohan, Jack Steven
Forwards: Mark O’Connor, Tom Hawkins, Gary Ablett Jnr
Followers: Esava Ratugolea, Patrick Dangerfield, Brandan Parfitt
Interchange: Lachie Henderson, Mitch Duncan, Gryan Miers, Cam Guthrie
Sydney XXII
Three changes from John Longmire with Rowbottom, Sinclair, and Dawson coming in for the injured Taylor and Amartey, and the dropped Wicks.
The Swans seem destined to end this season third from bottom on the ladder, but that lowly status belies a level of improvement throughout the year for a young group, and some impressive recent showings. Last time out they tested Brisbane, while before that they led for three quarters against Carlton, and upset Melbourne. 2020 has been a rare rebuilding year for the Sydneysiders but there are already plenty of green shoots on display.
B: C.Mills, A.Aliir, H.Cunningham
HB: J.Thurlow, L.Melican, J.Lloyd
C: D.Stephens, J.Kennedy, N.Blakey
HF: J.McInerney, S.Reid, W.Hayward
F: Bell, T.McCartin, J.Rowbottom
FOLL: C.Sinclair, LParker, T.Papley
I/C: O.Florent, J.Dawson, R.Clarke, R.Fox
In: J.Rowbottom, C.Sinclair, J.Dawson
Out: S.Wicks (omitted), L.Taylor (foot), J.Amartey (ankle)
Pre-game #Bloods2020 pic.twitter.com/6PB0In40Yh
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) September 20, 2020
Preamble
Today’s agenda is simple: Geelong win and they finish fourth, the Cats lose and they have to settle for fifth. One outcome sees them head to the finals with a double chance and, probably, second-favourite status behind Richmond. The other sends them on a treacherous playoff adventure beginning with a sudden death elimination final.
Sydney v Geelong is underway from Metricon Stadium at 3.35pm. Follow all the action right here, and get in touch, if you feel like it, via Twitter or email, or chat amongst yourselves below the line.
1) Those awesome jackets.
2) You don’t get many Bernadettes nowadays.
3) Who on earth came up with the idea to write such a heartfelt banger featuring the feminised version of Bernard?
That was a seriously enjoyable game of footy - shame we couldn't finish our season with a win, but very proud of the young cygnets out there today. Gave the cats a real fright in that game, and even almost snatched a draw at the end.