THE SYDNEY Swans have kept their slim finals chances alive after thrashing Richmond by 55 points at the MCG.

The Swans got on top in the first half and, despite some early wayward kicking in front of goal, never looked like being challenged on their way to an impressive 18.15 (123) to 10.8 (68) win.

The win capped a memorable day for veteran and favourite son, Michael O’Loughlin, who became the club’s first player to achieve 300 senior AFL matches.

The man known as “Magic” led his team through the banner with his two children in his arms before playing a big part in his side’s crucial victory.

While not having a major influence in the first half when the Swans established their lead, O’Loughlin joined the party in the third term when they put the game beyond doubt.

The milestone man celebrated his big day out with 19 disposals, 10 marks and two goals.

The visitors booted 8.0 to 2.1 in the third quarter to clear out to a commanding 64-point lead at the final break.

There was plenty of good news for the Swans, however, the win was soured somewhat when Jarrad McVeigh injured his right hamstring late in the third stanza.

He immediately left the field and did not return, placing him in doubt for the final rounds of the season.

Adam Goodes was the best player for the Swans. Playing in attack, he completely dominated with 25 touches, 12 marks and four goals.

Ryan O’Keefe (22 disposals) worked hard while the work done around the clearances by Darren Jolly, Brett Kirk (14 tackles) and Jude Bolton (20 possessions and a goal) paved the way for the big win.

Third-gamer Matt O’Dwyer also impressed. The thinly-built youngster was lively with 16 possessions and a goal and showed he could become a player of the future.

Richmond had few good players, with its ball use and field kicking deplorable at times.

Ben Cousins (24 disposals), playing his 250th AFL match, generally used it well and Jake King’s efforts – especially in restricting Rhyce Shaw’s run – were noteworthy on an otherwise forgettable day.

Heading into the match, the Swans knew they needed to win all their remaining matches – and likely have results fall their way – to be any chance of playing off in September.

Despite Cousins booting the game’s first goal, the Swans started strongly with Goodes vital in establishing an early lead.

The dual Brownlow Medallist patrolled half forward and worked well inside 50 as the Swans booted 4.6 to 3.3 in the first 30 minutes.

The nine-point lead could have been far greater had it not been for Jude Bolton and Luke Ablett missing shots from close range.

But the Swans were winning the stoppage battle and looked far more potent when they worked deep into attack.

In a further sign that Jesse White is warming to life after Barry Hall, the youngster started to impose himself on the match in the second term.

Some poor checking allowed Tiger Dean Polo to stroll in and cut the margin to nine points but from midway through the second term the Swans were in control.

White looked ominous as he led and marked well, but his 2.3 for the quarter was probably short of what his dominance had suggested.

Still, by the main break the Swans led by 29 points and didn’t look under too much pressure.

The defence, led by Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson and Heath Grundy, had Richmond’s forwards under lock and key.

Kieren Jack, another fine contributor on the day,  kicked the all-important first goal after the long break. And that was just the start of things to come.

It was all too easy for the Swans at times, as O’Loughlin got involved and Goodes did what he pleased on his way to an almost-certain three Brownlow medal votes.

While Richmond meets Collingwood next week, the Swans host the out-of-sorts Geelong at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

That match, especially after round 19 results, suddenly doesn’t seem as daunting as it might have earlier in the season.


Richmond        3.3 5.5 7.6 10.8 (68)
Sydney Swans    4.6 9.10 17.10 18.15 (123)   

GOALS
Richmond: King 3, Cousins, Deledio, Polo, Rance, Vickery, Morton, White
Sydney Swans: Goodes 4, White 2, Jack 2, O'Loughlin 2, Moore 2, Kirk, McVeigh, J. Bolton, Ablett, Barlow, O'Dwyer

BEST
Richmond: King, Cousins, Newman, Brown, Tambling
Sydney Swans: Goodes, Kirk, O'Loughlin, Jolly, O'Keefe, Jack, J. Bolton, O'Dwyer

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Sydney Swans: McVeigh (hamstring)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Margetts, Stewart, Chamberlain

Official crowd: 32,216 at the MCG


The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs.