Fighting Swans end Kangaroos' season
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Adam Goodes kick-started the Swans fight back in the third term and finished the match with three goals (Getty Images: Adam Pretty, file photo)
Sydney booked a semi-final date with the Western Bulldogs and brought an end to North Melbourne's season with a hard-fought 17.8 (110) to 11.9 (75) win at the Olympic stadium on Saturday night.
In one of their most impressive performances of the season, the Swans came from behind at half-time to outscore the Kangaroos 13 goals to five in the second half.
Sydney will now meet the Bulldogs in an elimination semi-final at the MCG next Friday night.
After a sluggish opening half, dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes provided the spark for Sydney in the third term with a series of crucial plays and two vital goals that helped the Swans to a 14-point lead at the final change.
Goodes was given strong support by full forward Barry Hall, who also kicked two majors in the vital third term and went on to boot the all-important opening goal of the final term.
Goodes finished with 13 touches and three goals, while Hall had 12 possessions, eight marks and three goals up forward. Kieren Jack joined the experienced duo with three majors of his own.
The Kangaroos dominated play in the second quarter, at one stage leading by 22 points, but the Swans' fighting qualities shone through as they hung in the contest and were less than two goals behind at half-time.
After a fiercely competitive opening to the second half, Sydney kicked the first four goals of the third term to wrest momentum from the Kangaroos, who only missed out on a top-four berth and the double chance after being upset by Port Adelaide last weekend.
Dean Laidley's side started the match on fire with the first four goals of the game, but could not kick clear despite dominating possession and inside 50s in the opening two terms.
It was a disappointing end for retiring North Melbourne veteran Shannon Grant, who began his career with the Swans in 1995 before joining the Kangaroos and playing in the 1999 Premiership side.
Brent Harvey finished the match with 19 disposals and two goals for North Melbourne, but he struggled to exert his influence on the game in the second half after starting the match in scintillating fashion.
Sydney 17.8 (110) - A Goodes 3, B Hall 3, K Jack 3, J Moore 2, R O'Keefe 2, N Malceski, J McVeigh, T Richards, P Veszpremi
North Melbourne 11.9 (75) - S Grant 2, D Hale 2, B Harvey 2, E Lower 2, D Petrie, J Sinclair, N Thompson
