Goodes stars as Swans sneak past Eagles - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Goodes stars as Swans sneak past Eagles

Justin Chadwick 10/04/2011 11:49:33 AM Comments (0)

Adam Goodes was the star of the show as Sydney came from behind to snatch an enthralling 13-point victory over AFL arch-rivals West Coast at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

The Eagles were on track for victory when Adam Selwood nailed a set shot to give the home side a 12-point lead approaching time-on in the final quarter.

But Goodes, who oozed class with each of his 21 possessions, turned the match Sydney's way, booting a late goal and playing a key role in another as the Swans slammed on the final four goals of the match to snatch the 15.11.(101) to 13.10 (88) triumph in front of 37,288 fans.

Former Bulldog Andrejs Everitt also played a key role in the win, booting the final two goals of the match to ensure Sydney's unbeaten start to the season remained intact.

The Swans' fighting spirit was best displayed in the 111-69 tackle count in their favour, with Jude Bolton responsible for 19 and Kieran Jack, who kept a tight leash on Daniel Kerr, adding 12.

But it was Goodes who proved the difference, with his composure in tight, congested space throughout the match helping propel his side to victory.

The Sydney veteran also finished with three crucial goals and was unlucky to have a first-quarter goal, which just squeezed through the posts, adjudged to be a point.

West Coast forward Quinten Lynch booted four first-half goals but had little influence once Ted Richards was shifted to him, while ruckman Dean Cox (38 hit-outs, two goals) played another blinder.

Sydney speedster Lewis Jetta kicked a contender for goal of the year in the second quarter, burning off chasers Matt Rosa and Shannon Hurn as he paddled the ball forward from the wing before kicking truly from outside 50m.

Eagles midfielder Matt Rosa could come under scrutiny from the match review panel after his head-high bump on Shaw left the Sydney defender dazed in the opening quarter.

Sydney appeared set to tear the game apart after opening up a 17-point lead in the third term, but the Eagles, inspired by the ruck work of Nic Naitanui, came storming back into the contest, booting the final four goals of the quarter to take a six-point lead into the final change.

And in a topsy-turvy final quarter, West Coast twice opened up a 12-point lead only for Sydney to close the gap and overtake them in the dying minutes.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news