Workmanlike Sydney were forced to tough out a 28-point win in the wet over West Coast at Patersons Stadium but the graft was worth the while as the Swans moved a game clear atop the AFL ladder.
Consistent Perth rain meant the game was going to be a tough, contested struggle, but Sydney’s class prevailed with the Swans running out 10.19 (79) to 7.9 (51) winners.
West Coast did well to remain in touch for three quarters and got to within a six points thanks to consecutive goals late in the third quarter, but the Swans went on to kick the next four of the match to set up the 28-point win.
While the Swans soar the Eagles’ finals hopes look all but over, sitting three wins behind eighth-placed Gold Coast.
West Coast likely will be without Josh Kennedy in the short-term with the star forward expected to be cited by the match review panel for a high bump on Sydney youngster Zak Jones in the opening minutes. Jones was subsequently subbed out of the game with concussion.
Kennedy had a good duel with Sydney defender Ted Richards who held him to two goals but at the other end the Lance Franklin-Eric Mackenzie clash was even more enthralling.
Mackenzie did well, holding Franklin to just the one goal and 13 possessions.
However, Adam Goodes kicked three goals for the Swans on the same day he moved past Andrew McLeod as the games record holder as an Indigenous player in VFL/AFL history.
Luke Parker was outstanding for Sydney with 33 possessions and two goals in a best on ground display while Ben McGlynn wasn’t far behind with 27 disposals and two goals.
Craig Bird also racked up 27 touches, Jarrad McVeigh 27, Josh Kennedy 26, Nick Malceski 23, Lewis Jetta 22 and Dean Rampe 22 as well as a goal off half-back.
Matt Priddis had 28 possessions for the Eagles, Andrew Gaff 25, Luke Shuey 24, Xavier Ellis 21 and Mark Hutchings 21. Matt Rosa had 20 disposals before injuring a shoulder in the third quarter.
The wet conditions saw both teams leave a big man out with Kurt Tippett not lining up in Sydney’s forward line with a minor knee complaint while West Coast went with Scott Lycett instead of Nic Naitanui following his kickless and markless effort last week against Fremantle.
