Four goals to birthday boy Tom Papley has led Sydney to a dramatic two-point victory over the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night. 

The Swans still have a finals pulse after the hard-fought 11.12 (78) to 11.10 (76) win at the SCG. 

It was worrying signs for the Swans early as Bulldogs powerhouse Tom Liberatore (30 disposals, 11 clearances, one goal) won five disposals and kicked a goal within the opening minute of the game.  

The Bulldogs' quick, aggressive handball game sliced through the Swans and put plenty of pressure on the Swans' backs. Often isolated in one-on-ones, the Dogs' forwards registered six marks inside 50 in the opening term for their five goals. 

Aaron Naughton (three goals, seven marks) and Marcus Bontempelli (31 disposals, eight tackles, two goals) caused the Swans endless headaches throughout the night. 

When the Dogs weren't winning it in the air, their representation at ground level was causing plenty of issues for the Swans. Not only did the visitors exert control at stoppages, winning the clearances 52-34, but their ability to win the groundball was impressive. 

03:19

Last two mins: Swans soar to pinch thriller over Dogs

Enjoy the thrilling final moments between Sydney and the Western Bulldogs in round 18, 2023

Without Chad Warner and Angus Sheldrick available, Sydney's issues at stoppage were exacerbated. Added to this, John Longmire opted to go without a recognised ruck for the battle against Tim English and while Hayden McLean, Logan McDonald and Joel Amartey worked admirably, the Bulldogs finished with 60 hitouts and 10 clearances in an outstanding performance. 

Important for the Swans, however, were Errol Gulden (30 disposals, 773m gained) whose pinpoint kicking repeatedly set up teammates in attack, and Luke Parker (23 disposals, four clearances) who continued his reliable presence around the footy. 

There was a significant shift in the second quarter, as the Swans began to focus on getting the ball forward however possible. In doing so, they added speed and unpredictability to their transition from the back half and removed the Dogs' ability to park extra numbers behind the play. 

Instead of being able to sit three or four defenders on Lance Franklin, exposing Sydney's blinkered forward entries, the Dogs had to separate and become accountable to several Swans. 

That Bulldogs' defence was also hurt when emerging rookie James O'Donnell was subbed out after a heavy knock to the side of the head. O'Donnell had started the game beautifully, intercepting everything coming his way. 

Added to this, Sydney's forward pressure was impressive, led by Isaac Heeney, Amartey and Franklin, resulting in 22 tackles inside 50 to the Dogs' nine. The defensive efforts from the Swans' forwards forced poor, hurried attempts to exit defence from the Dogs and contributed to the home side's four-goal second term.  

00:51

Gulden's bullet kicks continue to turn heads

Errol Gulden showcases his stunning left foot with these eye-catching assists

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:38

    Mark of the Week - Round 18

    Buddy turns back the clock with a sensational one-handed mark to take this week's Mark of the Week, presented by QATAR Airways.

    AFL
  • 00:21

    Goal of the Week - Round 18

    Isaac Heeney shows his class with a wonderful snap to kickstart our third quarter against the Bulldogs.

    AFL
  • 02:03

    "To get the win for Horse's 300th means a lot" - Florent

    Hear from Oli Florent after the Swans nail-biting two point victory over the Bulldogs in Thursday Night Football.

    AFL
  • 07:40

    Full post-match, R18: Swans

    Watch Sydney's press conference after round 18's match against Western Bulldogs

    AFL
  • 00:34

    The perfect ending to Horse's 300th

    The perfect way to wrap up Horse's 300th . Moments that Matter presented by Fiserv

    AFL
  • 08:51

    Highlights: Sydney v Western Bulldogs

    See the highlights as the Swans and Bulldogs clashed in Round 18 at the SCG

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Gulden's bullet kicks continue to turn heads

    Errol Gulden showcases his stunning left foot with these eye-catching assists

    AFL
  • 03:19

    Last two mins: Swans soar to pinch thriller over Dogs

    Enjoy the thrilling final moments between Sydney and the Western Bulldogs in round 18, 2023

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Papley wins race as Swans see finish line

    Tom Papley notches his fourth goal of the game in the dying minutes to edge Sydney in front

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Heeney helps himself to crumbs for coolest of snaps

    Isaac Heeney curls a superb kick around the corner to extend the lead for the Swans

    AFL
  • 00:46

    Sydney Swans break all time membership record

    A huge THANK YOU from us to you, our red and white members.

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Pumped-up Papley brings usual energy in ripper

    Tom Papley celebrates in style after this beauty on the burst

    AFL
  • 01:27

    Round 18 Team Selection, presented by QBE

    Hear from Swans senior coach John Longmire as he goes over the three changes ahead of our clash with the Bulldogs.

    AFL

Talk about elite skills 
In a game where Sydney's forward entries were too messy and Buddy-centric, Errol Gulden's star rose once again. One of the best field kicks in the game, Gulden changed momentum in the match with his neat kicking. First with his linking disposal from the back half, and then as he lowered his eyes going inside 50, putting the ball on a platter for his teammates. 

Plenty to celebrate 
Not only was it leading goalkicker Tom Papley's 27th birthday, but coach John Longmire notched up his 300th game in the top job. Longmire, the longest serving coach in Swans history, became just the 25th person to coach 300 AFL games, and just the ninth to do so at one club. In that time he has won a premiership and reached four Grand Finals, making finals in all but two seasons. 

SYDNEY                         2.3     6.7     8.9     11.12 (78)
WESTERN BULLDOGS    5.4     6.4     9.6     11.10 (76)

GOALS   
Sydney: Papley 4, Franklin 2, Florent 2, Rowbottom, Amartey, Heeney,  
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 3, Bontempelli 2, Liberatore, Vandermeer, Poulter, Weightman, Scott, Ugle-Hagan 

BEST   
Sydney: Gulden, Rowbottom, Parker, Florent, Papley 
Western Bulldogs: English, Liberatore, Bontempelli, Naughton, Richards, Treloar 

INJURIES   
Sydney: Melican (hamstring) 
Western Bulldogs: O'Donnell (concussion), Darcy (corked quad) 

SUBSTITUTES 
Sydney: Ryan Clarke (replaced Lewis Melican in the third quarter)
Western Bulldogs: Riley Garcia (replaced James O'Donnell in the second quarter)

Crowd: 26,221 at the SCG