The Serve

Swans win slugfest

This was just how the Swans like it: Down and dirty.

Sydney live for the grind, and St.Kilda failed to disappoint. On a night that paid tribute to the women of football, this was a match for the tough men. The Saints led by as many as 15 point early in the second quarter, but generally the margin was within a kick for the greater majority of the game. The game was level at half time, and despite the Saints having the better of the third term, a long goal by Nick Davis after the siren gave Sydney a lead they would not surrender.

Fraser Gehrig booted two goals for the Saints, not a great return but a far better output than last weeks one possession, while Nick Riewoldt was kept quiet by surprise packet Ted Richards. Another unlikely star was Jarrod McVeigh, Sydney’s only multiple goalkicker, with three. Craig Bolton was the Swans best, closely followed by Adam Goodes.

The Saints now need luck and a reversal of form to make September. Other results have been kind to them this week, however their task is simple: They need to win their last three matches. Sydney won’t be in the top four by the end of the weekend, but they are building a momentum which suggests they’ll be in the thick of the premiership race.