Ill-discipline costs Swans in upset AFL loss to the Fremantle Dockers

Sydney’s long winning streak is over, with a maligned Swan committing two costly errors in a shock one-point loss to Fremantle.

Fremantle has stunned red-hot premiership favourite Sydney by one point in a major boilover at the SCG.

The Swans had won 10 straight games to pull well clear atop the AFL ladder and move into short-priced favouritism for the 2024 flag.

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But they had been guilty of some slow starts in recent weeks and that finally caught up to them on Saturday afternoon as the Dockers prevailed 15.9 (99) to 14.14 (98) in front of 35,477 fans.

Sydney key forward Logan McDonald had a chance to continue his side’s winning streak when he took a late mark on the 50m arc, with the siren blowing before he took his set shot.

Looking for that little extra in the kick, McDonald sprayed it to the right and failed to score, as the Dockers claimed a deserved win.

Teammates console Logan McDonald (centre) after the game. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The Dockers flew out of the blocks, kicking the first three goals of the game and seven goals to just two by the first break.

Their 27-point lead at quarter-time would prove the difference, with the Swans battling all day to close the gap, finally drawing level in the dying minutes.

But they were unable to get in front as Fremantle moved into third place and staked its claim as a contender this season.

In a game that ended in such a close contest, two moments from Sydney midfielder Taylor Adams might draw a little ire from coach John Longmire.

Early in the first quarter, the combative midfielder gave away a 50m penalty downfield after tripping up Docker Andrew Brayshaw after a tackle.

Taylor Adams (right) reacts after giving away a 50m penalty. Photos: Getty Images/Fox Sports

Luke Jackson was the beneficiary and he nailed the set shot to add to Fremantle’s strong start.

“I think Taylor Adams might’ve given away a little free kick there against Brayshaw,” Jack Riewoldt said on Fox Footy.

“Tripped him up in the background there you can see.

“Brayshaw gave him a little bit back as well.”

Then right after halftime, when the Swans had kicked the first goal of the third term to cut the margin to 20 points, Adams gave away another costly downfield free kick.

From the centre bounce right after a Tom Papley goal, Docker Caleb Serong had kicked the ball forward from a clearance when Adams gave him a little push in the back, sending the Freo midfielder sprawling.

“This is big, I want to see who gave the free kick away,” Garry Lyon said in commentary as Sam Sturt kicked the goal for the visitors.

Brayshaw takes a selfie with teammates after the Dockers’ win. (Photo by Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

“When you’ve got some momentum, you’re 27 points down and you’ve kicked the first goal, you don’t need it do you?”

Riewoldt added: “That’s a couple that Adams has given away.”

Once the commentators saw a replay, they all agreed there was very little in the incident and Adams had been hard done by.

But having already given away one goal from an unnecessary 50m penalty, the 30-year-old didn’t need to push Serong in the back and give the umpires the opportunity to blow the whistle once more.

Adams is an aggressive midfielder who operates right on the edge, drawing headlines two weeks ago when his agitating benefited the Swans.

In a clash against Adelaide, Adams had been goading the Crows all day and when he flashed up seven fingers to indicate how many goals teammate Joel Amartey was going to kick, Mitch Hinge had had enough, bowling the Swan over.

The Swans walk from the field after the rare defeat. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

It resulted in another free kick and a goal to Adams as Sydney stormed over the top of Adelaide, having trailed by 23 points in the second term.

On Saturday, the Swans fell just short of another comeback victory and a Carlton win over Richmond on Sunday would draw the Blues within eight points of Sydney at the top of the ladder.

Sydney lost for just the second time this season, following a shock defeat to the Tigers way back in round three.

The Dockers meanwhile improve to 9-5 along with a draw and can consolidate a spot in the top-four when they host Richmond in round 17.

Originally published as Ill-discipline costs Swans in upset AFL loss to the Fremantle Dockers