With two minutes left on the clock in the final quarter, and the Swans holding a four point lead, an entry into Essendon’s forward 50 looked like a definite goal for Bombers’ midfielder Brent Stanton in yesterday’s clash.

Having initially contested the ball at centre half forward against Leroy Jetta, Swans defender Martin Mattner turned and ran 50 metres to make a tackle on an isolated Stanton who had just gained possession following an evasive bounce of the ball.

Mattner’s tackle allowed Nick Smith to swoop on the ball and start a chain of disposals that went from the Swans defensive 50, along the western wing of ANZ Stadium, and eventually into the lunging arms of three-goal forward Ben McGlynn.

In a game where the Swans trailed by as many as 28 points in the second quarter and 23 halfway through the third, Mattner’s effort typified the team’s attitude that saw them come from behind and secure the first win of John Longmire’s coaching career.

Longmire was pleased with the way Mattner ‘found a way’ to make the tackle, while Swans leading possession getter Ryan O’Keefe said ‘Marty saved our bacon there at the end’. 

Mattner’s chase and tackle has been duly awarded the SwansTV Play of the Day for Round 2, with Dan Hannebery’s tackle and handball resulting in a McGlynn goal, and Jude Bolton’s tackle and pressure goal both in the final quarter, and Sam Reid’s three-on-one pack mark on the wing also in contention.