A North East Australian Football League premiership remains out of reach – for now - after Sunday’s heartbreaking four-point grand final loss to GWS Giants.
The NEAFL Swans, who had tried and failed in four previous attempts since the league’s amalgamation in 2011, were again upstaged in one of the most fiercely contested finals in the competition’s history.
Despite the bravest and best efforts from those still healthy and in the game during the dying minutes at Blacktown International Sportspark, it was the Giants who stood firmest to prevail 11.12 (78) to 11.16 (82).
The two combatants went goal for goal in a tense final term underlined by six lead changes and two game-ending injuries to Zak Jones and Tyrone Leonardis which left just two on the bench for the rest of the quarter.
Jones was involved in a heavy collision with GWS’ Sam Reid which forced him off the ground on a stretcher, a considerable blow given the zippy defender was arguably one of the best players on the ground at the time.
Leonardis meanwhile landed awkwardly in a marking contest and had to be carried off with what looked to be a knee injury. The left-footer took no further part in the game.
Whatever the minor premiers threw, the Giants responded, in particularly the knockout punch which came at the 30-minute mark.
In a one-on-one battle deep in defence, Ted Richards went one-on-one with opposing number James Stewart but slipped at a key moment which left the door and passage to goal wide open for Stewart to capitalise.
It was a heart crushing moment for Richards who battled manfully all afternoon for his 10 disposals, five marks and three rebound 50s.
Nic Newman also had a golden opportunity to possibly save the day after marking and taking a set-shot as the final siren loomed. But the defender’s kick, usually so penetrating and accurate, fell short and the Giants’ defence cleared.
The NEAFL Swans’ fate was sealed shortly after much to the delight of the many GWS fans who stormed the field at the final siren, leaving the red and white to rue another missed opportunity.
That opportunity looked well and truly up for grabs after the NEAFL Swans began the game strongly, kicking five goals to two as the likes of James Rose and Leonardis found a way around goals despite the absence of forward-ruck Toby Nankervis.
Nankervis and Jeremy Laidler were late withdrawals, the duo pulled out as potential replacements for Kurt Tippett and Callum Mills who were later today ruled out of the AFL side’s semi-final clash with Adelaide at the SCG.
GWS hit back after quarter-time, taking a leaf out of Sydney’s book by setting up well behind the ball and using the footy efficiently to boot four of the next five goals to square the ledger at 6.9 apiece by half-time.
Neither team was able to dictate terms throughout the second half, the Swans and Giants kicking five goals apiece with the eventual premiers winning Greater Western Sydney’s first piece of silverware.
Following in the footsteps of Tom Mitchell in the NEAFL Swans’ 2014 grand final loss, Newman was awarded the Andrew Ireland Medal as best afield for his 35 disposals, two goals, six marks and six tackles.
2016 NEAFL GRAND FINAL
GWS GIANTS 2.5 6.9 8.13 11.16 (82)
SYDNEY 5.4 6.9 8.10 11.12 (78)
GOALS - GWS Giants: J Barrett 2 M Flynn 2 J Stewart 2 S Reid T Downie R Palmer P McKenna C Byrne. Sydney: N Newman 2 J Rose 2 H Cunningham D Robinson N Reinhard J Hiscox B Jack S Murray T Leonardis.
BEST - GWS Giants: J Barrett S Reid A Kennedy R Palmer D Simpson P McKenna. Sydney: N Newman J Foote Z Jones J Rose L Melican B Jack.
