Sydney firebrand Tom Papley booted the match-winner to secure a two-point Swans triumph in a thriller against the Western Bulldogs at the SCG.
Both teams had multiple chances to snatch victory in the dying stages, but it was the Swans that hung on for an 11.12 (78) to 11.10 (76) win on Thursday night to keep their finals hopes alive.
Papley finished with four majors, making him the most prolific forward on the night, but it was his goal on the run at the 22-minute mark of the final quarter that secured the stirring win in John Longmire’s 300th game as coach.
The slim victory keeps the Swans (7-1-9) within reach of eighth place as they put a severe dent in the Bulldogs’ top-four hopes.
Errol Gulden (30 disposals) was outstanding for the Swans to continue his breakout season, while Ollie Florent (23 disposals, two goals) and co-captain Luke Parker (23 disposals) were also important.
The Swans entered the clash with emerging talls Hayden McLean and Joel Amartey as their ruck duo to take on the Dogs’ leading big man, Tim English.
It was a move that backfired early as English made an impact at the stoppages and around the ground, going on to finish with 22 disposals, 10 clearances and 60 hit-outs.
The Dogs threatened to break the game open in the first term as they dominated possessions 122-67, along with a 17-8 advantage in clearances, to build a 19-point lead at quarter-time.
But the Swans were able to make the most of their own strengths with swift ball movement and an efficient forward line, particularly with Papley adding a spark and Lance Franklin booting two goals.
Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli (31 disposals, two goals) led the way for his side, but back-to-back losses has them at risk of tumbling out of the top eight with the rest of round 18 still to play.
Tom Liberatore was immense for the Bulldogs, gathering 30 disposals with game-highs for 19 contested balls and 11 clearances, as well as booting the opening goal of the game within 45 seconds.
Adam Treloar (33 disposals), Ed Richards (28) and Jack Macrae (24) found plenty of the ball for the Bulldogs, while Aaron Naughton booted three goals.
But the Dogs were hit hard by injuries, with young talls Sam Darcy (corked thigh) and James O’Donnell (concussion) both ruled out in the middle stages of the contest.
AAP
