NSW/ACT Notebook: Finals Week 1

Sydney Swans 13.15 (93) def. Fremantle 10.9 (69)
 
The Swans are through to another preliminary final after beating Fremantle by 24 points at ANZ Stadium.
 
The home side led for most of the match and carried leads into each change, but their advantage was never massive.
 
After a third term which saw rain start to trickle down, the Swans had built a 22-point lead.
 
When Freo kicked the opening two goals of the final term, including an impressive snap on the run from Matthew Pavlich, the Dockers were within 10 points and had the momentum.
 
However, Lance Franklin soon intervened. The star kicked a pair of impressive goals to halt the Dockers’ run, and the Swans were able to hold them off as the clock wound down.
 
Nick Malceski had to be subbed off earlier due to what appeared to be a hamstring injury, the only downside from a Swans perspective for the afternoon.
 
Luke Parker was the leading ball winner with 32 disposals and a goal. Kieren Jack, Dan Hannebery and Lewis Jetta also topped 20 touches and kicked a goal.
 
Ben McGlynn joined Franklin in kicking three majors.
 
Fremantle’s star was Pavlich, who finished with four goals.
 
The win gives Sydney the week off, facing the winner of Geelong’s clash with North Melbourne in two weeks’ time at ANZ Stadium.
 
NSW/ACT Notes
 
Isaac Smith (Temora) had 27 disposals, eight marks, seven inside 50s and a goal for Hawthorn in their win over Geelong.
 
Will Langford (East Sydney) had 18 touches, six clearances and a goal. Luke Breust (Temora) kicked a goal and recorded six tackles.
 
Taylor Duryea (Wahgunyah) amassed five tackles and five one-percenters.
 
Hamish McIntosh (Lavington) had 15 hitouts and three marks for the Cats. Tom Hawkins (Finley) was held to 1.2 by Hawk defender Brian Lake.
 
Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) had 21 disposals, nine tackles, five inside 50s and a goal in Sydney’s win over Fremantle.
 
Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) booted three goals and delivered 19 touches. Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) amassed 19 touches and five inside 50s.
 
Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park) laid five tackles and generated three inside 50s. Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES Bulldogs) had five rebound 50s and three tackles.
 
Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) laid five tackles and had 13 touches.
 
Anthony Miles (North Albury) racked up 24 disposals at 83  percent efficiency in his first AFL final for Richmond in the loss to Port Adelaide. He also had four inside 50s and four clearances.
 
NEAFL (Preliminary Finals)
 
UWS GIANTS 10.7 (67) def. by Aspley 16.16 (112)
Sydney Swans 16.11 (107) def. NT Thunder 6.9 (45)
 
Grand Final fixture: Aspley vs. Sydney Swans (Graham Road Oval, Brisbane) Saturday 1.30pm