Melbourne has denied Sydney a home final with a hard-fought 21-point win at the packed SCG on Sunday afternoon.

41,753 people flocked to the Swans final match of the home and away season, but it was the Demons who came back from 17 points down to record an 11.11 (77) to 7.14 (56) victory at the SCG on Sunday.

The Swans, needing a win to secure a sixth-place finish and a home final, took a four-point lead into the last term but missed their chances as Bayley Fritsch sealed the result with three late goals for a bag of five.

The Swans inaccuracy in front of goal cost them early in the match, kicking 2.5 in the opening quarter and missed several key scoring opportunities throughout the rest of the match.

It was a hard contest all afternoon, with a finals-like atmosphere at the SCG. Errol Gulden (42 disposals and two stunning goals) and Callum Mills (30 and one) were enormous for the Swans, who will finish seventh or eighth and now be on the road for their finals campaign. Luke Parker (23 disposals) gave the Swans drive out of the middle along with Chad Warner (22), while retiring ruck Tom Hickey, playing his 150th match, engaged in a spirited running battle with Demons skipper Max Gawn.

The Demons (16-7) looked more settled near goal with Fritsch back in the side for the first time since breaking a foot in round 16, and the forward made an immediate impact with two early majors.

Christian Petracca (29 disposals, one goal) helped spark the Demons in the second half, although he failed to make the most of several chances near goal, while Jack Viney (29) and Clayton Oliver (24) played big parts.

The Swans had the momentum in the third term and pulled away to a 17-point lead before Melbourne fought back with two late goals to stay in the contest before eventually overrunning the hosts.

The Swans (12-1-10) had their chances throughout but paid the price for misfiring near goal as Logan McDonald (1.3), Isaac Heeney and Parker (both 0.2) all missed gettable shots.

Last year’s runner-up Sydney will now be on the road for an elimination final against Carlton or St Kilda.

Fritsch marks return with bag
Playing his first game since round 16 after suffering a foot injury, Bayley Fritsch marked his return with a five-goal haul. The forward hurt his foot again during the clash, but played out the game and had a huge role in the Demons' victory. Fritsch had 16 disposals, took four marks and kicked 5.0 in a starring role.

Tearful Buddy gets deserved farewell
Nearly a month after announcing his retirement, Lance Franklin was given a fitting farewell by fans at the SCG on Sunday. Franklin, one of the all-time greats, was tearful as he undertook a lap of honour at half-time in front of the adoring Swans faithful.

 

SYDNEY                   2.5     3.8     7.12       7.14 (56)
MELBOURNE           3.2     5.4      7.8      11.11 (77)

GOALS 
Sydney: Gulden 2, Wicks, Warner, Mills, McLean, McDonald
Melbourne: Fritsch 5, Melksham 2, van Rooyen, Pickett, Petracca, Brayshaw

BEST 
Sydney: Gulden, Mills, Parker, Warner, McCartin
Melbourne: Petracca, Fritsch, Viney, May, Brayshaw

INJURIES 
Sydney: Nil
Melbourne: Fritsch (foot), Melksham (leg), Bowey (shoulder)

LATE CHANGES
Sydney: Tom Papley (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Ryan Clarke
Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES 
Sydney: Aaron Francis (unused)
Melbourne: Bailey Laurie (replaced Jake Melksham in third quarter)

Crowd: 41,753 at the SCG