NSW/ACT Notebook: Semi-Finals wrap
By Michael DiFabrizio
Sydney Swans 13.8 (86) def. Carlton 8.14 (62)
The Swans have withstood injury troubles to defeat Carlton by 24-points and once again book a preliminary final spot.
Kurt Tippett and Tom Mitchell both went down in the first quarter, which would’ve made the home fans quite nervous.
Putting that aside, Sydney burst out of the blocks in the second quarter to turn a one-goal lead into a 22-point half time advantage.
Even at this point there was cause for nervousness, though. Carlton had been damaging in the second half against Port Adelaide and Richmond the previous two weeks and could’ve been expected to do the same again.
But after a bit of a lengthy stalemate, a Luke Parker goal – one of his three for the night – ten minutes into the third term opened the floodgates. The Swans kicked away while holding the Blues scoreless for the quarter.
Withstanding a slight fight-back at the end, Sydney came out victors.
Jarrad McVeigh was massive with 42 disposals, equal second on the list of most in a finals match. He did it at 88 per cent efficiency, kicked two goals and took nine marks.
Kieren Jack had 30 touches, two goals, seven clearances and eight inside 50s. Ryan O’Keefe, Heath Grundy and Dan Hannebery also each broke the 30-disposal barrier.
For Carlton, Andrew Walker had 30 disposals and Jarrad Waite kicked three goals.
The Swans next play Fremantle at Patersons Stadium on Saturday.
NSW/Notes
Both Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) and Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) had nights to remember at ANZ, see the match report for details.
Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park) had two goals plus 15 disposals at 93 per cent efficiency in an impressive AFL finals debut.
Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) had 23 disposals, seven tackles and five rebound 50s.
Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES Bulldogs) had 20 disposals with six rebound 50s.
In Geelong’s win over Port Adelaide, Tom Hawkins (Finley) lifted his team with two goals.
NEAFL (Northern Conference Final)
Brisbane Lions 19.11 (125) def. Aspley 11.13 (79)
NEAFL (Eastern Conference Final)
Sydney Swans 15.11 (101) def. Belconnen 6.13 (49)
