The SCG has hosted some nerve-shredding finals over the years, but this year’s preliminary final was a jolly romp. By early in the second quarter, it was obvious that the game was being played completely on Sydney’s terms. All the signs were there – a stack of uncontested marks, plenty of space, that Sydney swagger and a febrile crowd. They’ve been tardy starters this year, but they quickly gained the upper hand and never forfeited control.
They went into Friday night’s game as warm favourites, with the only real doubts concerning their dire recent record against Port Adelaide. In all their previous encounters, the Power have denied them time, space and, crucially, the corridor. It was quickly evident that the Swans had adjusted their game accordingly. Instead of attacking through the middle, where Port had set up witches hats, they stalked the boundary line, wending their way around the SCG with pinpoint passes. By half-time, they had nearly 50 more uncontested possessions. Their field kicking was sublime.
