SYDNEY: 3.4, 5.8, 9.10, 13.15 (93)
FREMANTLE: 3.1, 5.3, 6.6, 10.9 (69)
GOALS
Sydney: McGlynn 3, Franklin 3, Parker, Tippett, Jetta, Jack, Pyke, Hannebery
Fremantle: Pavlich 4, Mzungu 2, Fyfe, Sutcliffe, Mundy, Walters
BEST
Sydney: Parker, McGlynn, Jack, Franklin, Hannebery, Grundy, Shaw, Richards
Fremantle: Barlow, Mundy, Pavlich, Fyfe, Neale, Silvagni, Dawson
INJURIES
Sydney: Malceski (hamstring)
Fremantle: TBC
What Happened
Sydney delivered the goods in the second half as they worked their way out to a 24-point Qualifying Final victory over Fremantle at ANZ Stadium in a brutal contest on Saturday afternoon.
There was just five points in it at half-time as defence reigned supreme in the opening two quarters, but as the match opened up in the second half, it was Sydney that proved cleaner as they kicked four goals to one in the third term to take control of the contest.
Trailing by 22 points at three-quarter time, the Dockers returned fire with two goals in two minutes to open the final term as Cameron Sutcliffe’s goal was followed by an incredible snap from Matthew Pavlich to slash the margin down to 10.
But that was the cue for Franklin to step it up and deliver the goods when it really counted as he nailed one shot that rolled home from 75 metres.
But it was his second goal for the quarter – and third of the game – that had everyone talking as Franklin took possession on the boundary, 45 metres out and somehow threaded it through the eye of the needle.
The goal was reminiscent of his Goal of the Year effort against Essendon in 2010 and even left his team-mates gawping.
“I don’t know how he kicked that goal from the boundary mate,” declared Kieren Jack after the game on Channel 7. “It was pretty special.”
Still Fremantle came but every time the Dockers challenged, Sydney found a way to respond, keeping the Dockers at arm’s length until the final siren.
The victory didn’t come without the Swans paying a massive price, though, as Nic Malceski injured his hamstring early in the game and was subbed out at quarter-time.
With the Swans having used their sub early, it was always thought they may struggle as the game wore on.
Aware that fatigue may be a factor the Swans piled on plenty of pressure as they attacked heavily in the second term.
But an undermanned Freo defence, well marshalled by Zac Dawson and Alex Silvagni, held firm and a late goal from Pavlich off the ground in the shadows of half-time, ensured there was just a five-point gap at the main break.
Fremantle stepped up the attack in the third term themselves but this time it was Sydney’s defence that held firm, defying the loss of Malceski to rebound Docker attacks time and again.
But weight of numbers looked against them as Tendai Mzungu’s second goal made it just three points midway through the third quarter.
And it looked like Freo were set to take the lead as Hayden Ballantyne – in another quiet finals performance – took possession in the square and looked to poke it home.
But Dane Rampe stepped up with a brilliant tackle to take Balantyne through for a rushed behind and the Swans took advantage of the let-off, going coast-to-coast from the kick in for Lewis Jetta to kick truly.
Goals to Adam Goodes and Jack took the margin out to 22 just before three-quarter time but it could have been worse for Freo as Buddy took possession with 10 seconds on the clock, only to be brought down by a superb Alex Silvagni tackle, setting up a spectacular final term.
Fallout
The Swans will be sweating on Malceski’s fitness as a hamstring injury is generally a three-week affair, making a potential Grand Final touch and go for Sydney’s vital rebounding defender. With Malceski’s contract still undecided, it’s possible he may have played his last game for the Red and Whites.
Hope he's in my fantasy team
Luke Parker again did the job for Sydney with 32 possessions, six tackles and a goal.
What's next
Fremantle will have to regroup ahead of a semi-final clash with either Port Adelaide or Richmond at Patersons Stadium, while the Swans have a fortnight off before a home Preliminary Final.