The Sydney Swans have advanced to a preliminary final, but could be without Jarrad McVeigh and Gary Rohan after both were injured in Saturday night's six-goal win over Adelaide at the SCG.
McVeigh (calf) and Rohan (knee) were first-half casualties in the 18.10 (118) to 12.10 (82) victory that sets the Swans a Friday night date with Geelong at the MCG.
The Swans' injuries come just seven days after losing ruckman Kurt Tippett (jaw) and NAB AFL Rising Star winner Callum Mills (hamstring), setting them a huge task to qualify for the Grand Final.
McVeigh limped off in the second term, and despite reappearing with the left calf strapped for a five-minute burst to start the third, was done for the night.
With just seconds remaining before half-time, Rohan came crashing down after a marking contest in his defensive 50 and sat up clutching his right knee before being taken off the field on a stretcher.
The Swans set up their victory with a blistering seven-goal first quarter, and despite some third quarter pluck from the Crows, were never seriously troubled.
After being taught a lesson by Greater Western Sydney in intensity the previous week, the Swans responded perfectly.
They were ferocious around the contest, led by a colossal 42-disposal, 10-clearance night from Josh Kennedy, who got great midfield support from Tom Mitchell (32 touches), Dan Hannebery (31) and Luke Parker (24 and 12 tackles).
They won the contested ball count 166-147.
Lance Franklin had a huge influence, kicking four goals, as did exciting small forward Tom Papley, but perhaps it was second-year sensation Isaac Heeney that stole the show.
Heeney was everywhere and finished with 32 disposals and nine marks, working tirelessly back to help his defenders and pushing forward to create overlap run.
His final quarter contested mark and goal was icing on the cake.
Although Eddie Betts kicked three goals, Nick Smith's job on him should not be undersold.
Betts had just two touches to half-time and was largely ineffective for much of the game.
It's the second-straight season Adelaide has exited in the second week of the finals, but they can hold their heads up after also having to overcome injury problems.
Their defence was rocked in a chaotic first half, with Jake Lever (corked thigh) and All Australian Daniel Talia (groin) off during the second quarter.
Lever was crunched by Franklin after dropping back into the space in front of him on the lead and did not return for the night.
Talia was brave, and returned after 15 minutes on the boundary line, but was clearly affected and unable to move with any freedom.
Matt Crouch was prolific 34 disposals.
SYDNEY SWANS 7.3 10.5 12.9 18.10 (118)
ADELAIDE 3.2 4.4 8.9 12.10 (82)
GOALS
Sydney Swans: Franklin 4, Papley 4, McGlynn 3, X. Richards 2,Rohan, Parker, Hannebery, Mitchell, Heeney
Adelaide: Betts 3, Cameron 2, Lynch 2,Walker 2, McGovern 2, Thompson
BEST
Sydney Swans: Kennedy, Heeney, Smith, Papley, Hannebery, Franklin, Mitchell
Adelaide: M. Crouch, Laird,Sloane, Atkins, Thompson
INJURIES
Sydney Swans: McVeigh (calf), Rohan (knee)
Adelaide: Lever (ankle), Talia (leg)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Farmer, Meredith, Jeffery
Official crowd: 38,136 at the SCG
