Swans down gallant Dogs

Sydney 17.14 (116) def. Western Bulldogs 14. 6 (90)

Sydney have extended their winning streak to four games as the harbour city side held off a gallant Western Bulldogs to win by 26 points at the SCG.

It was not long ago in the season that critics were suggesting the Swans would relinquish their hold on the premiership trophy as quickly as they got it.

But a Barry Hall-inspired outfit proved just too good for the Dogs who are making a name for themselves this season.

It was Sydney who shot out of the blocks as they booted the first five goals to leave Rodney Eade with a first quarter headache. Barry Hall slotted a clever snap before Nick Davis drilled his own for the quarter.

Sydney’s chaotic pressure and physicality in on-ball situations was telling and the Dogs were struggling to shake the tackles that were thrown their way.

But when the Dogs managed to break down the kennel door, Nathan Eagleton found the big sticks before Matthew Robbins booted two of his own as the visitors went into the half time break just 15 points down after trailing by as much as 33 during the first quarter.

The second quarter opened at a cracking pace as the Dogs aimed to work on the momentum they built up at the end of the first quarter. Brad Johnson, ever the smiling assassin, kicked three excellent goals to put the Dogs in front for the first time in the match.

The Dogs small lead was short-lived though. Hall was allowed a free shot at goal for a dubious free kick and when Davis and the industrious Kirk goaled, the Swans looked like they were steering their ship into more comfortable waters.

Rolling rain clouds above the SCG opened and the game became a slippery affair that suited the Swans who were always first with the ball from the stoppages.

Robbins booted his third goal after an Adam Goodes indiscretion but the ever-present Hall presented for his third of the game as the Swans went into the half time break leading by a couple of straight kicks.

The third quarter proved decisive as Sydney broke the back of the Bulldogs with six goals as the Dogs struggled to move into their forward line.

Goodes and Jude Bolton gained the ascendancy in the middle as Davis and Hall piled the pressure on the Bulldog backline.

At the other end, it was Matthew Robbins starring in his own show as kicked his fourth and fifth goals to give the Bulldogs some hope but the Swans were always able to answer the challenges and they went into the final change with a comfortable 39 point lead to defend.

There was the faintest whiff of a comeback when Johnson added two to his tally but Ryan O’Keefe doused the embers with a goal that silenced the kennel faithful.

Farren Ray and Chris Grant added respectability to the scoreboard as they posted their first goals of the match but time ran out and the Swans walked away with the points.

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