The Sydney Swans will face off against the Fremantle Dockers next weekend after defeating Carlton in front of 37,980 at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
The Swans captured a 13.8 (86) to 8.14 (62) victory to revive their hopes of a premiership repeat, but will likely go into next Saturday night’s final against the Dockers without guns Kurt Tippett and Tom Mitchell, both injured in the first quarter, while Ryan O’Keefe also looked very sore after the final siren.
Jarrad McVeigh notched a career high 42 disposals, including 20 in the second quarter, as the Swans turned a brilliant third term into a 24-point win.
Leading by 22 at the half, Sydney smashed the lead out to 54 points by kicking five goals to none to cruise to the win despite a goalless final quarter.
Carlton kicked three quick goals to begin the fourth quarter, but could manage just one more over the rest of the term.
McVeigh’s brilliant night was flanked by the performances of Dan Hannebery (33 possessions), Ryan O’Keefe (30), Kieren Jack (30) and key defender Heath Grundy (32). Luke Parker kicked three goals and Harry Cunningham added two for the Swans.
“We lost two guys early and we really fought it out. The last quarter we were probably on our last legs,” McVeight told ABC’s Grandstand.
“We probably tried to rest a few boys deep in defence to rest the bodies, but it was a super, super win from the boys to come back from last week.
“We really wanted to win the game of footy and from the second quarter we really put the foot down.
Andrew Walker led the Blues with 30 touches while Jarrad Waite kicked three goals.
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Ryan Pierse, Getty Images.
