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Goodnight!
Well, that’s a wrap for today.
Thanks for joining us for Sydney’s nail-biter win over Essendon and Adelaide’s demolition of flag-fancies Port Adelaide.
It’s going to be an interesting looking ladder after this round.
Taylor Walker of the Crows celebrates a goal.Credit: Getty
We’ll see you next time. Have a sleep!
Goodnight.
Swans hold off fast-finishing Bombers, but Buddy injury sours triumph
By Andrew Wu
Lance Franklin’s immediate playing future hangs in the balance after injuring his calf on a night Sydney kept their finals flame flickering by surviving a late surge from Essendon, whose September aspirations took another massive blow.
The Swans led by 37 points in the third quarter but were out on their feet as the Bombers mounted a stirring fightback in the final term, holding on by just two points in front of 38,319 at Marvel Stadium.
Lance Franklin celebrates with the Swans after their victory over the Bombers, during which he was subbed off with a calf injury.Credit: AFL Photos
Swans goalsneak Tom Papley kicked what proved to be the sealing goal from 60 metres out with just under four minutes left, ending a run of five unanswered goals from the Dons.
There were six seconds left on the clock after Jye Menzie threaded a set shot from the boundary line, but the Bombers could not pull off the perfect play from the centre bounce, the siren sounding with the ball in dispute on the half-forward line.
Crows claim big win over Power
The day of upsets continue with Adelaide claiming a huge 47-point victory over their crosstown rivals Port Adelaide in the Showdown.
Taylor Walker headlined the evening with seven goals, while Jordan Dawson was prolific with 34 touches, 15 of those contested possessions, and Rory Laird brought the pressure with 13 tackles and 26 disposals.
Taylor Walker celebrates a goal.Credit: Getty
Final score: Adelaide defeated Port Adelaide 16.16 (112) to 9.11 (65).
‘It’s good fun’: Tom Papley after the win
“Happy to get the win for the boys,” Swans’ star Tom Papley told Channel Seven, after admitting he was glad he didn’t celebrate his late 60-metre goal too early.
Sydney defeat Essendon in thrilling finish.Credit: Getty
But despite the nail-biting finish, he’s already looking towards next weekend.
“Massive game next week, one of the biggest diaries in the home-and-away season [Sydney derby with GWS]. Looking forward to it. This is what it is all about.”
But of the night and his celebrations: “It’s good fun.. I provide the energy and I am out here enjoying it.”
Swans win in thrilling finish
Sydney have claimed a two-point win over Essendon in a thrilling finish at Marvel Stadium.
The Bombers came charging and got within striking distance with Jye Menzie kicking a goal to put the game within two-points with just six seconds on the clock.
Unsurprisingly, Essendon, despite winning the clearance, couldn’t get another in that time and Sydney held off the late scare.
Final score Sydney defeat Essendon 15.11 (101) to 15.9 (99).
Isaac Heeney of the Swans.Credit: Getty
Papley extends Swans’ lead
Tom Papley took the game on and booted the ball 60 metres out from home.
It got a kind bounce and went through the big sticks to give Sydney an eight-point lead with just over three minutes to go.
Offfft.
Less than a goal in it
There are just three-points in it.
The last goal from Bomber Sam Durham. Essendon are charging and they’ve got all the momentum.
It’s tight and tense as Marvel Stadium heaves, and it’s all going to come down to the wire.
Bombers are charging
Essendon are not giving up. Two back-to-back goals from Peter Wright has closed the gap to 9-points with just over six minutes to go.
We’ve got a thrilling finish on our hands.
Essendon v SydneyCredit: Getty
Rampe on the sidelines
Sydney’s Dane Rampe has come from the ground and is sitting on the bike on the sidelines. He appears to be going through a fitness test.
The Swans have already activated their sub with Lance Franklin off with a calf injury, according to Fox.
Sydney lead by 14-points with just over ten minutes left in the game.
The Bombers are coming – they have kicked five of the last six goals.
Tex kicks six
Adelaide’s Taylor Walker has kicked six goals and helped his side hold a 28-point lead over Port Adelaide in the Showdown at Adelaide Oval.
The Crows midfield are also getting it done, with Matt Crouch, Jordan Dawson and Rory Laird leading the disposal count, while Port Adelaide trail in both contested and uncontested possessions.
Taylor Walker celebrates a goal.Credit: Getty
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