Swans too strong for Bombers as tempers flare at SCG
There's never a dull contest between Sydney and Essendon and Saturday night was no different
By Martin Pegan at the SCG
SYDNEY has continued its unbeaten start to the season, winning an often spiteful clash with Essendon at the SCG on Saturday night.
The Swans locked in the 19.17 (131) to 15.11 (101) result after an evenly-balanced first half, the lead changing six times in the second quarter alone.
SWANS v BOMBERS Full match coverage and stats
The fireworks started early after Peter Wright collected Harry Cunningham high, forcing the small Swan out of the match and setting the scene for an emotion-charged night.
The Bombers' big forward is sure to come under MRO scrutiny with a possibly heavy ban awaiting.
A four-point half-time lead to the home side grew to 23 points at the final change, but the margin wasn't an accurate reflection of the closeness of the game.
Sydney kicked the first goal of the final term, but it was then visitors' turn with the next three majors bringing the margin within two goals.
The Swans proved it was up to the challenge though, with two quick replies providing enough breathing space, before they ran away with it in the last few minutes.
Isaac Heeney was again a major factor in the win, and Tom Papley left his colourful fingerprints all over the result, especially in the all-important third quarter.
Zach Merrett led from the front for the Dons and brought his side right back into contention with two last-quarter goals, while the increasingly impressive Nic Martin again proved what a valuable pick up he has been for Essendon.
More to come
SYDNEY 4.4 8.9 13.13 19.17 (131)
ESSENDON 4.1 8.5 10.8 15.11 (101)
GOALS
Sydney: Papley 4, Hayward 3, McLean 2, Ch.Warner 2, Gulden 2, Amartey 2, McDonald, Heeney, Blakey, Jordon
Essendon: Gresham 3, Stringer 3, Wright 2, Merrett 2, Langford 2, Goldstein, Draper, Cox
