SYDNEY SNAPPED THEIR 11-game losing streak against Collingwood to move into their first AFL grand final in six years with a thumping 26-point win today.
The Swans controlled the match for long periods and led by as many as 42 points late in the third term before the Magpies threatened an unlikely fightback.
Nathan Buckley’s men kicked the next four goals to close within 19 points early in the last term but the Swans steadied, kicking four of the next five majors to triumph 13.18 (96) to 10.10 (70).
The Swans now await the winner of tomorrow’s second preliminary final between Hawthorn and Adelaide at the MCG as they look to win their first flag since 2005. It was a fitting way for veteran Jude Bolton to celebrate his 300th game for the club and he was one of Sydney’s best with two goals and 18 touches.
Ryan O’Keefe was also superb for the home side and finished with a game-high 34 possessions and one goal. Josh Kennedy showed why he earned an All-Australian berth this week by kicking two goals and having 30 touches while the enigmatic Lewis Jetta was back to his best with three goals which thrilled the ANZ Stadium crowd.
In an emotional week for the Magpies with the funeral of former player John McCarthy, they produced a brave effort but were simply no match for a Sydney side full of running after a week off. Travis Cloke, who is yet to decide if he will remain with the club next season, kicked three goals while Scott Pendlebury (30 disposals) and Dayne Beams (27 touches) also got plenty of the ball.
