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Lance Franklin inspires Swans to win over GWS and seals finals berth

LANCE Franklin’s matchwinning display against a wounded GWS ensures yet another finals berth for the Sydney Swans. And more importantly, it’s set up a top-four showdown with Buddy’s former team.

Sydney's Lance Franklin celebrates kicking a goal with Kieren Jack. Picture. Phil Hillyard
Sydney's Lance Franklin celebrates kicking a goal with Kieren Jack. Picture. Phil Hillyard

FIVE goals from Lance Franklin has given the Swans a gutsy 20-point win over cross-town rivals GWS — and a spot in the top four.

In an unforgettable night for the Sydney Superstar, Buddy earned the Brett Kirk Medal for best afield in the Sydney Derby.

He also moved past Leigh Matthew into seventh spot on the all-time goalkicking list, and thrust himself back into the race for the Coleman Medal.

STATS: AMAZING BUDDY INSPIRES SWANS WIN

After starting the day eight goals behind Jack Riewoldt and six goals back from leaders Ben Brown (who plays Sunday), he finished his big night just three off the lead. He will meet his old team Hawthorn at the SCG next Saturday night in what will be a playoff for a top-four finish.

Sydney's Lance Franklin with Brett Kirk after receiving the Brett Kirk medal against GWS. Picture. Phil Hillyard
Sydney's Lance Franklin with Brett Kirk after receiving the Brett Kirk medal against GWS. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Sydney’s win extends their head-to-head record against the Giants to 11-4. It also secures the Swans their ninth consecutive finals appearance and their 15th in the last 16 years.

“The last few weeks I’ve been able to train a bit more,” Franklin said after the game.

“Having Macca (Jarrad McVeigh) and Kizza (Kieren Jack) back in the team has really helped.”

It was another last-man standing affair for the Giants, who had no fit men on the interchange from midway through the third quarter.

Ryan Griffen was out with a hamstring, Jeremy Finlayson was receiving treatment on a knock to the ankle, Daniel Lloyd a cut eye and Phil Davis a hip injury.

Dejected Giants co-captain Callan Ward after the loss. Picture. Phil Hillyard
Dejected Giants co-captain Callan Ward after the loss. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The Davis injury, sustained in a marking collision with teammate Rory Lobb, proved critical as the Giant hobbled off the field and did not return until after half time. When he did he was clearly struggling and was forced to move away from Franklin, leaving the highly inexperienced Finlayson to deal with the superstar forward.

The Giants tried Nick Haynes and Adam Tomlinson at times but it was mostly left to Finlayson — playing just his 14th game.

Luke Parker wasn’t far behind Franklin as the Swans best, finishing with 33 possessions including 15 contested and two goals.

He had plenty of support from Jake Lloyd (30 possessions), Josh Kennedy, Zak Jones and Kieren Jack, who were beaten early by the GWS midfield but got stronger the longer the game went and in the end finished all over the Giants.

Ryan Griffen (left) copped an injury while Dan Hannebery and the Swans sealed their September berth. Pic: Getty Images
Ryan Griffen (left) copped an injury while Dan Hannebery and the Swans sealed their September berth. Pic: Getty Images

Defender Dane Rampe did another outstanding job on Jeremy Cameron and clearly has had the better of the Giants key forward over recent outings. Cameron finished with just eight touches and one goal.

George Hewett claimed another scalp in Stephen Coniglio, keeping him to just four second-half disposals after picking up 17 in the opening half.

Dylan Shiel was the best for GWS and didn’t give up all night finishing with 33 possessions including 13 contested. Tim Taranto also kept going all match with 31 and 13, Callan Ward 27 and 13.

Jeremy Finlayson was forced onto Buddy after Phil Davis suffered an injury. Pic: Getty Images
Jeremy Finlayson was forced onto Buddy after Phil Davis suffered an injury. Pic: Getty Images

SYDNEY 1.2 4.3 5.9 11.14 (80) def GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 3.3 6.6 7.9 8.12 (60)

GOALS: Sydney: L Franklin 5 K Jack 2 L Parker 2 T McCartin W Hayward

Greater Western Sydney: D Lloyd 2 H Himmelberg 2 A Bonar D Shiel J Cameron S Coniglio

BEST: Sydney: Franklin Parker Rampe Jack Lloyd Kennedy Jones McVeigh

GWS: Shiel Taranto Ward Haynes Tomlinson Hopper

Umpires: Troy Pannell, Jacob Mollison, Curtis Deboy.

Venue: Spotless Stadium

VOTES

3 — Lance Franklin

2 — Luke Parker

1 — Dylan Shiel

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/lance-franklin-inspires-swans-to-win-over-gws-and-seals-finals-berth/news-story/4c81b03ae15445faa547a36e5a52638e