NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 22 review

By Michael DiFabrizio

GWS GIANTS 9.13 (67) def. by Collingwood 11.9 (75)
 
The GIANTS got within eight points of their first ever win over Collingwood, going down in front of more than 10,000 fans at Spotless Stadium.
 
The Pies managed to rally home in a thriller despite injuries to Brent Macaffer, Dane Swan and Clinton Young.
 
The GIANTS hit the lead early and held an advantage throughout the entire match up until the 22nd-minute mark of the fourth quarter. Two late Pie goals sealed the win for the visitors.
 
Toby Greene racked up 42 disposals and booted a goal for the GIANTS. Josh Kelly (28 disposals) and Shane Mumford (46 hitouts) were also impressive.
 
Devon Smith was the only multiple goal kicker with two.
 
The Pies benefitted from three goals to Josh Thomas, which included the lead-stealer in the fourth term.
 
The GIANTS’ final match of the year is next week against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
 
Western Bulldogs 9.13 (67) def. by Sydney Swans 20.10 (130)
 
There was never any hint of doubt as the Swans cruised to a healthy 63-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
 
In the first term, the Swans built a buffer of more than six goals and didn’t look back – adding to the margin at each change.
 
It was a goal fest for the Swan forwards, with Lance Franklin kicking six, Kurt Tippett four and Adam Goodes two.
 
The performance from Franklin puts him in the box seat for a third Coleman Medal, his goal tally being brought to 67.
 
Luke Parker’s game of 32 disposals, 10 clearances, 11 tackles and a goal was the other standout individual performance.
 
Jarrad McVeigh topped the ball winners with 33 touches and Nick Malceski got it done on both ends – racking up 10 rebound 50s and kicking two goals.
 
The Swans round out the home and away season by hosting Richmond, who need a win to play finals, at ANZ Stadium next week.
 
NSW/ACT Notes
 
Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) had 33 disposals, six tackles and four inside 50s for the Swans. Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) saw 25 touches and seven clearances.
 
Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES Bulldogs) had five marks and five tackles. Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park) took eight marks.
 
Will Langford (East Sydney) amassed 23 disposals and kicked two goals for Hawthorn in the win over Geelong. Isaac Smith (Temora) had four inside 50s. Luke Breust (Temora) kicked a goal.
 
Tom Hawkins (Finley) kicked three for the Cats. Hamish McIntosh (Lavington) had 17 hitouts.
 
Mark Whiley (Finley) had nine tackles, one goal and 17 disposals for the GIANTS.
 
Jarrod Witts (St Ives) had 20 hitouts and generated four inside 50s for the Pies.
 
Sam Rowe (North Albury) took 11 marks and had 19 disposals in Carlton’s loss to Port Adelaide.
 
Taylor Walker (North Broken Hill) took six marks and kicked 2.1 in Adelaide’s loss to North Melbourne.
 
Daniel Cross (Albury) had 18 disposals and six tackles for Melbourne in their loss to West Coast.
 
NEAFL (Round 21)

Southport 7.9 (51) def. by Sydney University 10.5 (65)
UWS GIANTS 17.11 (113) def. Brisbane Lions 14.14 (98)
Redland 5.10 (40) def. Aspley 4.7 (31)
Ainslie 16.12 (108) def. Belconnen 7.11 (53)
Queanbeyan 15.16 (106) def. Eastlake 11.4 (70)
Hills Eagles 12.11 (83) def. by Sydney Swans 18.9 (117)
Gold Coast Suns, NT Thunder – bye