Sydney finally claims a win at the SCG as Essendon drops third straight match
Sydney’s era of dominance might be over but the Swans snapped long drought at the SCG to heap more misery on Essendon, which dropped its third straight game.
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The Swans’ era of dominance might be over, but the Sydney Cygnets emerged in emphatic style to record a famous win over Essendon.
Youngsters Nick Blakey and Tom McCartin were sensational for the courageous Swans who responded from the ignominy of being consigned to dead last for the first time in 25 years to rise at the SCG and down the Bombers 11.11 (77) to 10.12 (72).
Essendon’s David Meyers had a 60m kick after the siren to try and clinch it for the Bombers, but it fell well short, and the Swans celebrated a victory that proved the unfamiliar pain they have experienced this season may be short lived.
“It’s important to be able to win. It’s handy to be able to show we can change momentum in the course of a game, with a younger team to be able to do that, it’s important,” Sydney coach John Longmire said.
“We go to Tasmania next week (to play North Melbourne), the challenges don’t stop, as a younger player it doesn’t stop. It starts again next week.
“You also have to enjoy it and enjoy those moments in footy. It’s a tough caper and you have to enjoy the tight wins when you can.”
McCartin showed there is life after Lance Franklin, and the rangy Blakey showed he could be anything in the AFL, with a strong presence up front and a lion-hearted tackle on tired teenage legs in the final minute which proved matchwinning.
Essendon’s Zac Clarke missed an easy kick that would have levelled the scores at 71-71, only for the Swans to go end-to-end and another of the Bloods’ next generation stars Will Hayward to run into an open goal and put the final nail in the Bombers’ coffin.
Hayward missed a sitter in the first quarter, indicative of a number of missed chances from Sydney, but right from the outset it was clear the Bloods spirit had returned to the SCG, and the longer the game went the more the kids flourished.
George Hewett did an outstanding tagging job on Essendon’s Dylan Shiel, restricting him to 17 possessions.
Pre-season, Bombers legend Matthew Lloyd said Essendon should be 6-2 at this stage of the season with its talent, yet it’s 3-5.
Both sides had numerous three-goal bursts in a match full of momentum changes, but Sydney’s ability post-clearance proved vital.
YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER
Sydney Swans members received a “robocall” from John Longmire on the eve of Friday night’s game in a bid to inspire fans to ignore the current ladder position and flock to the SCG.
The rally cry only had a limited impact, with only a modest crowd of 26,502 turning up at the Cricket Ground for a Friday night blockbuster which in past years would have almost sold out.
But the passionate call to arms from Longmire — delivered as a prerecorded message to supporters on Thursday night — was clear.
“John Longmire here. In my time coaching the Sydney Swans we’ve faced plenty of challenges. And when we’ve needed to the most we’ve always lifted, as a team and as a club. And a big part of this has been because of our fans who get right behind us. This Friday night we’re up against Essendon. We need your support. Help us lift by adding your voice to the red and white army in the stands. See you at the SCG.”
FANTASIA LAND
Just as Orazio Fantasia corrected the record on how to pronounce his surname, the Bombers’ unsung hero produced a four-goal masterclass that was impossible to misinterpret.
Fantasia hit the scoreboard just 30 seconds into the match and his stunning goal on the stroke of halftime (his third) was among the best of the year.
YOU TALK LIKE A LITTLE GIRL
It wasn’t out of the normal “dissent” handbook, but Swans defender Dane Rampe didn’t miss one of the umpires during a heated moment in the second quarter.
Rampe was mystified at having been called for moving off his mark, and gifted Jake Stringer a simple shot at goal, which he duly nailed.
The umpire claimed he repeatedly warned Rampe about moving and had no choice but to blow the free.
Rampe had a different version. “I can’t hear that … you talk like a little girl.”
SYDNEY 2.6 6.8 9.9 11.11 (77)
ESSENDON 2.3 7.3 8.6 10.12 (72)
GOALS
Sydney: Dawson 2, Fox, Blakey, Florent, Papley, Heeney, Reid, O’Riordan, McCartin, Hayward
Essendon: Fantasia 4, Parish 2, Bellchambers, Merrett, Stringer, McKenna
BEST
Sydney: Parker, Hewett, Kennedy, Blakey, McCartin
Essendon: Hurley, Heppell, Merrett, McGrath, Hooker
INJURIES
Sydney: Nil
Essendon: Michael Hurley (ankle)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Meredith, Gianfagna, Mollison
Official crowd: 26,502 at the SCG
Ben Horne’s votes: 3. Luke Parker, 2. George Hewett, 1. Josh Kennedy
Originally published as Sydney finally claims a win at the SCG as Essendon drops third straight match
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