Successful comeback games from Zak Jones and Dan Robinson have rubber-stamped a dominant victory by the NEAFL Swans in Saturday’s preliminary final against Aspley, the emphatic victory booking the minor premiers a place in next weekend’s Grand Final.
Jones and Robinson, who alongside Abe Davis lined up in their first competitive games after extended injury lay-offs, were managed throughout the contest but still played keys roles in the 15.23 (113) to 4.7 (31) thrashing at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Jones in particular was in everything after the shackles were released in the second quarter, showing no signs of any lingering effects to be judged among the best alongside Nic Newman (32 disposals, 1 goal), Brandon Jack (28 disposals), Jordan Foote (25 disposals, five tackles) and Toby Nankervis (24 disposals, 19 hit outs, 2 goals).
Jones ran freely and showed his trademark aggression, applying immense pressure on the opposition with his chase and tackling, much to the delight on the red and white faithful who turned out in support.
Robinson played predominately as a wingman before being moved to the half-back line, while Davis battled manfully deep in defence.
After a strong opening term (five goals to one in favour of the home side), the scoring dried up in the second quarter albeit for two goals - the first from debutant James Bell and the last from big man Toby Nankervis - which proved to be daggers to the heart of the visitors who controlled most of the general play.
The NEAFL Swans' defence, led by experienced heads Jeremy Laidler (20 disposals) and Ted Richards (19), stood extremely firm despite Aspley kicking with a strong breeze favouring the southern end.
They spoiled, harassed and intercepted their opposing numbers multiple times with Laidler even sneaking forward at one stage in the first quarter to add his name to the score sheet.
What chance the Hornets had to mount a comeback diminished the other side of the break as the Swans first regained the ascendancy and then capitalised, kicking seven unanswered goals to put the result beyond doubt and seal the 82-point win.
Nankervis raked in six marks and provided an important target up forward, while the likes of James Rose (two goals) and Sam Murray (two goals) were also lively. Murray's performance was arguably his best four-quarter display of the season.
Dean Towers will also put his name right in senior calculations, his speed and skill on show in a game amassing 22 disposals, two goals and five tackles.
Next week’s clash will be the NEAFL Swans’ fifth Grand Final appearance in six years.
They’ll play either GWS or Sydney Uni in the all-important decider.
SYDNEY 5.4 7.9 11.19 15.23 (113)
ASPLEY 1.2 2.6 2.7 4.7 (31)
GOALS – Sydney: T Nankervis, J Rose, D Towers, S Murray, T Leonardis 2, N Newman, J Laidler, Z Jones, J Bell, J Foote. Aspley: N Jackson 2, M Hutchinson, E Mallan.
BEST – Sydney: J Laidler, T Nankervis, N Newman, T Richards, D Towers, B Jack. Aspley: D Lawrence, H Joyce, M Payne, J Ainsworth, M Hutchinson.
