SYDNEY has beaten a fast-finishing North Melbourne by 14 points, ensuring the Kangaroos will receive their first wooden spoon since 1972.
The Swans, keen to respond after their surprise loss to St Kilda, burst out of the blocks, then held firm through the Kangaroos’ second-half surge to prevail 13.13 (91) to 12.5 (77) at Marvel Stadium.
But Sydney will be sweating on injuries to Nick Blakey who was substituted out of the game with an ankle concern in the third quarter and Josh Kennedy, who limped off clutching his hamstring in the final minute.
Despite resting superstar forward Lance Franklin, the Swans found plenty of options in attack, with Will Hayward kicking three goals and Tom Papley nailing two.
Luke Parker and Kennedy (25 disposals apiece) and George Hewett (28 touches) were typically industrious around the stoppages while Blakey also impressed.
North Melbourne young guns Luke Davies-Uniacke (24 disposals) and Jy Simpkin (22 touches) impressed while the lively Cam Zuurhar booted three goals and Aaron Hall (30 disposals) was busy off half-back.
The Swans’ pressure was ferocious early and they reaped the reward, booting five goals to North’s two in the opening quarter – though Nick Larkey goaled after the siren to cut the quarter-time deficit to 18 points.
Sydney kept the heat on in the second quarter and led by 31 points at the main break, with Jaidyn Stephenson’s late major North’s only goal for the quarter.
The Kangaroos – who have consistently fought out games this year – came out of halftime with renewed intensity and controlled much of the third term, booting four goals to two.
Blakey hobbled off late in the third quarter after landing awkwardly from a marking contest and was substituted for Colin O’Riordan.
At the start of the final term, North youngster Eddie Ford booted a set shot then added another from a free kick to cut the deficit to 10 points – before Jed Anderson drew the Kangaroos within a goal.
But David Noble’s side was unable to haul themselves in front and Hayward kicked back-to-back steadying goals to give the Swans some breathing room.
North’s Aiden Bonar came off the ground late after a heavy knock, while Kennedy limped off in the final minute.
Kangaroos debutant Charlie Comben kicked his first goal after the siren.
(C) AAP 2021
SYDNEY 5.2 8.4 10.8 13.13 (91)
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.2 3.3 7.4 12.5 (77)
Goals: Sydney: W Hayward 3 T Papley 2 B Campbell E Gulden H McLean I Heeney J Dawson L Parker O Florent S Wicks. North Melbourne: C Zurhaar 3 E Ford 2 N Larkey 2 C Comben C Taylor J Anderson J Stephenson T Thomas.
Umpires: Ray Chamberlain, Nathan Williamson, Justin Power.
Venue: Marvel Stadium.
