Buddy back to his best
Ominous Swans hit back with upset win
BIG Lance Franklin is motoring menacingly and Tom Papley is a little wonder — which spells trouble for opposing teams in the second half of the campaign.
Franklin and Papley kicked five apiece as the red and whites enjoyed a tremendous 18.8 (116) to 10.11 (71) boilover triumph against West Coast Eagles at the SCG yesterday.
Sam Reid also joined in the goal feast with three goals for John Longmire’s men.
Mick Malthouse in radio commentary said Franklin’s form and fitness was “ominous” for opposing sides down the track.
“He now looks like the Franklin that we know,” Malthouse said. “He’s back in form.”
Malthouse was also hugely impressed with Papley’s contribution. Jake Lloyd, Isaac Heeney, George Hewett, Dane Rampe and Luke Parker all impressed, with Lloyd leading the way (42 disposals, nine marks, three tackles).
For the visitors, Josh Kennedy kicked three and Liam Ryan two, with Dom Sheed and Andrew Gaff the visitors’ best in the middle — but it simply wasn’t enough.
It was 20 years since the Eagles last tasted victory at the SCG. Make that 21.
The Swans made a tremendous start against the reigning premiers. Just 53 seconds on the clock: bang. Franklin. Six points in the bag. Tom McCartin and James Rose, the latter with a cracker from outside 50, also produced majors as the home fans roared their early approval. The disposals chart was awash with red and white names, but back came the Eagles with a quick-fire treble, two for Kennedy and one for Ryan. The visitors were suddenly in front, but shortly before the siren Tom Papley restored the home side’s lead from a tight angle.
Colin O’Riordan went off groggily after a sling tackle early in the second quarter from Willie Rioli and promptly headed for a concussion test before Reid extended the lead to 13 points.
As the half drew to a close, Franklin notched his hat-trick with a cracker as the home side looked to pull away again.
The third quarter started in impressive fashion, with Papley grabbing his third goal of the match as the gap was extended to 37 points.
Callum Sinclair also found his shooting boots, slotting one through as the end of the third term approached.
Then, who else? Buddy again. Four for the afternoon.
Aliir Aliir then saved a certain goal, with the review confirming his heroics, as the Eagles desperately searched for a way back into the contest. There was none. Parker and Papley found the target and any lingering doubts were put to bed.