Sydney have all however clinched the minor premiership after humbling Essendon by 39 factors at Docklands to finish the Bombers’ slim finals probabilities.
After a scrappy first half, the Swans discovered type by slamming by way of six targets to 1 within the third quarter, turning a seven-point deficit right into a 21-point lead by the ultimate break.
Sydney powered to a 15.8 (98) to eight.11 (59) win – their second-straight victory after shedding 5 of their earlier six matches earlier than beating Collingwood final Friday night time – on the again of kicking 12 targets to 4 after halftime.
Essendon’s night time was summed by spearhead Jake Stringer spraying a straightforward set shot after the three-quarter time siren that might have given them confidence heading into the ultimate quarter.
Simply as he did late in opposition to the Magpies, star midfielder Isaac Heeney stepped up with a superb second-half to raise the Swans.
Heeney had simply 5 possessions at halftime, however fired within the third quarter with 12 touches and a aim.
Regardless of being ineligible for the Brownlow Medal resulting from suspension, Heeney will possible ballot one other three votes after ending with 22 disposals and three targets.
Resurgent former captain Luke Parker performed a vital position up ahead with three targets, whereas present skipper Callum Mills was very important down again in his finest outing since coming back from damage 5 weeks in the past.
Sydney (16-6) will end on high of the ladder for the primary time since 2016 except they lose in opposition to Adelaide subsequent week, and Port Adelaide, GWS or Geelong win their remaining two video games, in addition to making up a sizeable proportion hole.
Essendon sat within the high 4 simply six weeks in the past, however one other late-season stumble – they’ve misplaced six of their final eight video games – means they’ll miss finals forward of a visit to the Gabba in opposition to the Brisbane Lions subsequent Saturday night time that may carry their marketing campaign to an in depth.
The Bombers have not performed finals since 2021, and their final post-season win got here again in 2004.
It’s a painful finish to what had once more loomed as a promising season.
Essendon dominated the first-half, having 37 inside-50s to Sydney’s 18 within the first-half, however might solely handle 4.5 for all their hard-work and left the Swans within the contest.
Former captain Dyson Heppell was unnoticed of the workforce, regardless of through the week saying his retirement at season’s finish.
As a substitute of serving to Essendon within the defensive-50, he was given a farewell to his residence supporters earlier than the sport.
AAP
