NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 15 Reviews

Sydney Swans 15.16 (106) def. GWS GIANTS 8.12 (60)

The Swans have avenged their shock Round 1 loss to the GIANTS with a 46-point Battle of the Bridge win at the SCG.

Though there was just one goal in the first 20 minutes, the Swans eventually found their touch going forward and continued to restrict the GIANTS defensively.

The GIANTS were also hurt by the loss of experienced defender Heath Shaw, who left the ground with concussion mid-way through the opening term.

By half time, the visitors were struggling with just one goal to their name and a 44-point deficit.

The second half was more competitive, but the result was never in question.

Lance Franklin finished with five goals, while Josh Kennedy had a quality all-round game with 29 disposals, 10 tackles and two goals.

Nick Malceski led the defensive effort with seven marks and 27 disposals. Kieren Jack led the ball winners with 32 touches.

Phil Davis showed more signs of returning to form for the GIANTS despite the high-profile Swans forwards eventually wearing down his side’s back line.

Tomas Bugg, the GIANTS’ sole first half goal kicker, bagged two goals. Adam Treloar (28 disposals) and Devon Smith (27) were the prominent midfielders.

The win marked 10 in a row for the Swans, who now look forward to the challenge of beating West Coast at Patersons Stadium.

The GIANTS will look to bounce back hosting Adelaide at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.

NSW/ACT Notes
Luke Breust (Temora) kicked three straight goals in Hawthorn’s win over Gold Coast, bringing his streak of goals without a behind to 26. He is within reach of Tony Lockett’s record of going 29 goals without kicking a behind.

Isaac Smith (Temora) was superb in the same game, picking up 27 disposals, two goals, nine tackles and five inside 50s. Matt Suckling (Wagga Tigers) took four marks and had 14 touches.

Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) had 32 disposals, seven clearances, six inside 50s and a goal for the Swans in their win. Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) had seven tackles and 18 touches.

Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) kicked a goal and took five marks. Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) had 17 touches and also kicked a goal.

Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES Bulldogs) had 18 disposals plus four rebound 50s. Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park) had 17 disposals and seven marks.

Phil Davis (Marist Canberra) had six one-percenters, six tackles and five marks for the GIANTS.

Jarrod Witts (St Ives) continued his recent form with a career-high 26 hitouts plus 17 touches, six marks and a goal for Collingwood in the win over Carlton.

Sam Rowe (North Albury) had seven one-percenters and five marks for the Blues.

Anthony Miles (North Albury) had 27 disposals and six clearances for Richmond in their win over St Kilda.

Lenny Hayes (Pennant Hills) saw the ball 15 times and had seven tackles for the Saints.

Tom Hawkins (Finley) kicked 3.1 and grabbed five marks for Geelong in their win over Essendon.

Taylor Walker (North Broken Hill) kicked 2.0 and had 15 disposals for Adelaide in the Showdown win over Port Adelaide.

Dean Terlich (Osborne) had three inside 50s and three clearances for Melbourne in the loss to the Western Bulldogs.

NEAFL (Round 13)
Hills Eagles 12.24 (96) def. Queanbeyan 3.9 (27)
Southport 19.12 (126) def. Ainslie 7.6 (48)
Eastlake 10.9 (69) def. Belconnen 8.17 (65)
Brisbane Lions 14.5 (89) def. by Aspley 20.20 (140)
Sydney Swans 5.8 (38) def. by UWS GIANTS 10.21 (81)
NT Thunder 19.11 (125) def. Sydney University 1.9 (15)
Redland 17.17 (119) def. Gold Coast Suns 12.11 (83)