WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.2 5.5 7.10 9.13 (67)
SYDNEY 7.3 11.5 17.7 20.10 (130)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Stringer 2, Boyd, Cooney, Liberatore, Bontempelli, Hrovat, Johannisen, Griffen
Sydney: Franklin 6, Tippett 4, Lloyd 2, Goodes 2, Malceski, Jetta, Malceski, Towers, Hannebery, Parker
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Liberatore, Boyd, Hrovat, Macrae, Murphy
Sydney: Parker, Franklin, McVeigh, Hannebery, Malceski, Mitchell,
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Campbell (right eye)
Sydney: Sam Reid (hip) replaced in selected side by Dean Towers
SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Daniel Giansiracusa replaced Tom Campbell (eye) in the second quarter
Sydney: Jeremy Laidler replaced Kurt Tippett in the third quarter
Crowd: 22,430 at Etihad Stadium
Lance Franklin had 18 disposals to go with his six goals. Photo: Quinn Rooney (Getty)
What happened
Sydney all but sealed the minor premiership with a 63-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
Spearhead Lance Franklin kicked six goals to move nine goals clear in the Coleman Medal standings, while Kurt Tippett slotted four majors before he was subbed out at three-quarter time.
The Swans outclassed the Bulldogs across the ground, winning clearances and centre clearances, gaining more inside 50s and out-tackling the Bulldogs.
The visitors booted the opening six goals to put the result beyond doubt.
They led by 37 points at quarter time, 36 points at the long break and 57 points at the final change.
Jake Stringer scored two goals for the Bulldogs and Tom Liberatore tried hard in the midfield, but lacked support.
And here's the banner that got up - #AFLDogsSwans pic.twitter.com/NX43IurqAZ
— Danny McGinlay (@dannymcginlay) August 24, 2014Fallout
The win moves Sydney a game clear of Hawthorn and Geelong with a percentage advantage going into next week's regular-season finale against Richmond.
Hope he's in my fantasy team
Swans veteran Jarrad McVeigh was the game's leading ball-winner with 33 touches. Luke Parker (32) and Dan Hannebery (29) provided good support in Sydney's powerful midfield.
Jackson Macrae managed 30 disposals for the losers.
What's next
The Bulldogs are back at Etihad Stadium next Sunday against Greater Western Sydney. The twilight game will likely be veteran Daniel Giansiracusa's last in the AFL.
The Swans have a tricky home match against Richmond on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium. The Tigers must win to make the finals.