NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 13 review

By Michael DiFabrizio

Sydney Swans 14.14 (98) def. Port Adelaide 13.16 (94)
 
The Swans became the second team to knock off ladder leaders Port Adelaide, registering a four-point win in a top four blockbuster at the SCG.
 
Lance Franklin was the star of the show, kicking five goals among 23 disposals.
 
The Swans looked more comfortable in the first quarter but would have gone into the first break lamenting some inaccuracy, having kicked 2.8.
 
Port got on a run soon after to take the lead, before Adam Goodes stepped in to bring his tally to three goals at half time.
 
The momentum continued in the third quarter, but a late Robbie Gray goal put Port back within 15 points at the last change.
 
Chad Wingard and Angus Monfries closed the gap even more at the start of the fourth. Franklin responded with his third goal – and followed that up with two more.
 
The Swans withstood another Port rally to hold on for the win.
 
Rhyce Shaw was massive again with 32 disposals, 10 marks and eight rebound 50s. Jarrad McVeigh (two goals) and Kieren Jack (eight inside 50s) were also among the best.
 
Brad Ebert had 40 disposals for Port Adelaide.
 
The win marked eight in a row for the Swans, who next face the underperforming Richmond.
 
Brisbane Lions 12.8 (80) def. by GWS GIANTS 19.11 (125)
 
The GIANTS registered their biggest ever win and first ever away victory, taking down the Brisbane Lions by 45 points.
 
After two wins on the trot, the Lions were favoured to get on top of the GIANTS – but it was clear early it wouldn’t be that easy.
 
The GIANTS went into both quarter time and half time one point up.
 
Around the same time the Lions lost veteran Jonathan Brown to concussion in the third quarter, the away side went on a run of five-straight goals.
 
From there, they ran away with it – holding the Lions goalless in the last term.
 
A host of GIANTS were prominent in the win, including key forwards Jeremy Cameron (four goals) and Jonathon Patton (three).
 
Lachie Whitfield (32 disposals), Callan Ward (31) and Tom Scully (30) ensured for the second week in a row – and just the second time ever – three GIANTS topped 30 touches.
 
In defence, Tim Mohr had a standout game with 11 marks and seven one-percenters.
 
The GIANTS will look to continue their momentum at home next week against Carlton.
 
NSW/ACT Notes
 
Anthony Miles (North Albury) had a career-best 30 disposals in just his second game after being upgraded off the Richmond rookie list. He also had 10 clearances and a goal in the loss to Fremantle.
 
Tom Hawkins (Finley) grabbed 13 marks, collected 20 disposals and kicked 3.2 for Geelong in their win over St Kilda.
 
Lenny Hayes (Pennant Hills) had eight tackles and 18 touches for the Saints. Josh Bruce (Eastlake) had 12 disposals.
 
Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) had 26 disposals, seven tackles and a goal for the Swans. Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) had 24 touches and a pair of goals.
 
Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) had 25 disposals and seven inside 50s. Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES Bulldogs) had seven one-percenters and four tackles.
 
Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park) had 16 disposals. Brandon Jack (Pennant Hills) had five inside 50s before being replaced as the sub.
 
Matt Suckling (Wagga Tigers) had two goals and 20 disposals for Hawthorn in their win over Carlton. Isaac Smith (Temora) had a goal and 22 disposals.
 
Taylor Duryea (Wahgunyah) had 18 touches and five marks. Luke Breust (Temora) had a team-high 10 contested possessions plus a goal.
 
Sam Rowe (North Albury) had 11 one-percenters and six marks for the Blues.
 
Jason Tutt (Ainslie) kicked two goals and had six inside 50s for the Western Bulldogs in their upset win over Collingwood.
 
Jarrod Witts (St Ives) had 19 hitouts and laid six tackles for the Pies.
 
Taylor Walker (North Broken Hill) kicked 2.1 and took seven marks for Adelaide in their win over North Melbourne.
 
Daniel Cross (Albury) had 20 disposals and seven marks for Melbourne in their win over Essendon.
 
Phil Davis (Marist Canberra) returned from injury for the GIANTS and had eight one-percenters.
 
NEAFL (Round 12)
 
Hills Eagles 12.13 (85) def. Eastlake 7.13 (55)
Southport 23.10 (148) def. Queanbeyan 5.7 (37)
Brisbane Lions 10.10 (70) def. by UWS GIANTS 13.14 (92)
Sydney University 7.5 (47) def. by Sydney Swans 9.13 (67)
Belconnen 7.12 (54) def. by Ainslie 11.13 (79)
NT Thunder 21.16 (142) def. Gold Coast Suns 9.9 (63)
Aspley 15.11 (101) def. Redland 13.7 (85)