NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 19 review

By Michael DiFabrizio

Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) def. Essendon 8.9 (57)
 
The Swans returned to the winners list after defeating Essendon by 22 points at the SCG.
 
The home side seemed to be in control early on, with a four goal buffer at both quarter time and half time in a low-scoring game. Sydney had 60 more disposals than their opponent at the main change.
 
But the Dons injected life into the contest with a hot start to the third term, getting within 10 points.
 
This preceded at seven-minute deadlock that was broken with a calming goal to Kurt Tippett. The Swans, who were without Lance Franklin due to knee soreness, were able to run out the match from there.
 
Though the Bombers won the clearances, most other statistical categories fell the way of the Swans.
 
Luke Parker’s 35 disposals with seven clearances was seemingly the standout individual performance, but he wasn’t alone.
 
Ben McGlynn’s two goals and 25 disposals at 80 percent efficiency was also influential. Mike Pyke had 49 hitouts and Adam Goodes had 10 marks to go with his two goals.
 
Down back, Heath Grundy did well to hold in-form Bombers forward Jake Carlisle to 1.2.
 
The Swans meet an out-of-form Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval next week.
 
Richmond 13.11 (89) def. GWS GIANTS 8.14 (62)
 
The GIANTS put up a fight but weren’t able to match Richmond, going down by 27 points at the MCG.
 
Ultimately, GWS will be ruing a goalless second quarter – in which the Tigers added five majors of their own – and not getting the ball forward enough or winning enough contested ball.
 
The Tigers, who were playing to keep their finals hopes alive, were just five points up at the first break before their surge.
 
In the second half, the two sides were constantly trading goals but GWS weren’t able to make a real dent in the margin.
 
One major incident from the game was Richmond’s Reece Conca hitting Devon Smith behind the head, which will likely end up at the tribunal.
 
That may have overshadowed a fantastic game by teammate Brandon Ellis, which featured 34 disposals at 82 percent efficiency and a goal.
 
The GIANTS’ leaders were Callan Ward (26 touches, six clearances, one goal), Toby Greene (27 touches, 10 tackles) and Adam Treloar (29 touches, one goal).
 
The next assignment for GWS will be hosting North Melbourne in Canberra on Saturday.
 
NSW/ACT Notes
 
Taylor Walker (North Broken Hill) booted four goals and had 14 disposals in Adelaide’s loss to West Coast, part of what was a strong weekend for NSW/ACT tall forwards.
 
Josh Bruce (Eastlake) tried out life as a forward for St Kilda in the loss to Gold Coast, ending up with three goals and six marks. Lenny Hayes (Pennant Hills) had 24 disposals, nine tackles and six marks in the same game.
 
Tom Hawkins (Finley) kicked three goals and took six marks for Geelong in their win over North Melbourne.
 
Sam Rowe (North Albury) kicked a goal and had five one-percenters for Carlton in their narrow loss to Fremantle.
 
Matt Suckling (Wagga Tigers) had 28 disposals and five inside 50s for Hawthorn in the win over the Western Bulldogs. Will Langford (East Sydney) had 21 touches, six clearances and five inside 50s.
 
Taylor Duryea (Wahgunyah) had 18 touches and a goal. Luke Breust (Temora) had 12 touches and kicked 1.2.
 
Dean Terlich (Osborne) had 25 disposals, four rebound 50s and four tackles for Melbourne in their loss to Brisbane. Aidan Riley (Figtree) had 14 touches and three tackles.
 
Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) had 25 disposals, two goals and five clearances for the Swans. Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) had 24 touches, seven tackles and a goal.
 
Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) picked up 26 touches with five tackles and five inside 50s. Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) also had 26 touches, along with seven clearances.
 
Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES Bulldogs) had 17 disposals and six tackles. Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park) had six tackles and eight marks.
 
Phil Davis (Marist Canberra) had 16 disposals, five rebound 50s and 11 one-percenters for the GIANTS. Zac Williams (Narrandera) had 13 touches.
 
Anthony Miles (North Albury) picked up 12 touches and three inside 50s for Richmond.
 
Jarrod Witts (St Ives) had 28 hitouts and laid five tackles for Collingwood in their win over Port Adelaide.
 
NEAFL (Round 18)
 
Sydney Swans 9.11 (65) def. Brisbane Lions 4.14 (38)
Ainslie 11.8 (74) def. by Sydney University 16.8 (104)
UWS GIANTS 14.18 (102) def. Hills Eagles 8.6 (54)
Redland 28.15 (183) def. Queanbeyan 9.2 (56)
Southport 6.7 (43) def. by NT Thunder 12.8 (80)
Eastlake 9.8 (62) def. by Belconnen 9.13 (67)
Gold Coast Suns 3.6 (24) def. by 26.18 (174)