Buddy batters Crows

LANCE Franklin kicked three goals pipping ladder-leader Adelaide by three points to confirm the Swans’ status as the hottest team in the AFL.

Franklin was a dominant force as the Swans prevailed 13.5 (83) to 11.14 (80) in a Friday night thriller at Adelaide Oval.

Franklin and teammate Josh Kennedy (31 disposals, one goal) inspired Sydney’s 11th win in 12 games — it’s now fourth, though Richmond is favoured to steal that spot back by beating Fremantle tomorrow.

The Swans also have a worry with Zak Jones reported for a late bump on Brad Crouch in the final term.

Adelaide remains top and assured of an initial home final but was jumped at the start: Sydney kicked the first four goals — two from Franklin, matched against Adelaide’s fifth-gamer Alex Keath.

The Crows’ plight became severe when slipping 29 points down early in the second term but they climbed from the canvas to reduce the halftime deficit to only eight points.

And when Crow Mitch McGovern’s third goal was followed by an accurate Tom Lynch snap some four minutes into the third term, Adelaide held the lead.

Sydney linchpin Franklin then replied with a goal of the year contender — he took the ball on a wing some 100 metres from goal, bounced ahead of a flagging Daniel Talia, and threaded from 30m on a tight angle. The Swans were just 11 points up at three quarter-time and the Crows then booted three consecutive goals to steal to a nine-point lead.

But late goals to Sydney’s Sam Reid and Tom Papley lifted the visitors to victory.

Star Swan Franklin finished with three goals and Reid two, while Kennedy’s starring midfield role was supported by Luke Parker (30 touches) and Dan Hannebery (28 possessions).