LIVE AFL: Pies look to keep season alive in tight tussle against Swans “A tight despiration for the team”
In a crucial showdown for Collingwood and Sydney, both teams are under immense pressure with the season on the line.
Collingwood, desperate to defend their premiership credentials, faces a battered Sydney team reeling from their worst loss in John Longmire’s 14-year tenure as coach.
The Swans (14-6, 126.1%) are still perched at the top of the ladder despite a staggering 112-point defeat to Port Adelaide last week. Their position as leaders masks their recent
A third consecutive victory would see the Magpies inch closer to the top eight, albeit having played an extra game compared to most of their competitors.
In a bid to recover from their heavy defeat, Longmire has made significant changes to the Sydney lineup. Out of the team are Sam Wicks, Aaron Francis, Peter Ladhams, and Corey Warner, with Dane Rampe, Joel Amartey, Braeden Campbell, and Caiden Cleary stepping in. For Collingwood, Jordan de Goey is sidelined with a season-ending hamstring injury, making way for Joe Richards, who returns after a spell on the sidelines due to illness.
The match kicked off with a swift start from Sydney, with Will Hayward converting a set shot within the first minute. James Jordan followed up with a snap, giving Sydney a two-goal lead within five minutes—a rare early advantage for the Swans in 2024.
However, Collingwood’s Jack Crisp responded with a long-range goal, and a controversial Nick Blakey bump on Jamie Elliott in the goal square helped the Pies level the score.
Jack Bytel then briefly gave Collingwood the lead, but Luke Parker’s banana goal from the right forward pocket restored Sydney’s advantage. Mason Cox’s mark and goal, along with Isaac Quaynor’s surprising forward venture, pushed Collingwood ahead by one goal at quarter-time, with the score at Sydney 3.3 (21) to Collingwood 5.4 (34).
As the second quarter began, Parker quickly added his second goal, with Hayden McLean and Chad Warner following up with goals for Sydney, narrowing the margin.
Beau McCreery answered for Collingwood, ensuring the Pies led by just three points at the half-time break, with the scoreboard reading Sydney 6.5 (41) to Collingwood 6.8 (44).
This high-stakes clash is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for both teams, with Collingwood fighting to keep their finals dreams alive and Sydney striving to solidify their position as the ladder leaders.
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