Sydney hammered Geelong by 37 points to reach the AFL grand final
The Swans raced to a 39 point lead at quarter time
1.34pm BST
Preliminary finals don’t get much more one-sided than that. This was over inside the opening ten minutes when a Sydney blitz knocked the stuffing out of Geelong. The Swans were too slick in tight, too decisive in the open and too ferocious whenever they lost possession.
Geelong were poor. Their intensity was lacking and their skills were slipshod. As had been feared all season, too much was left to too few, and despite Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield dominating the individual stats sheet they were never more than bit-part players in Sydney’s procession.
1.26pm BST
Some stats:
Sydney: +13 disposals, + 18 tackles, + 4 clearances
1.23pm BST
Geelong 8.12 (60) vs Sydney 15.7 (97)
1.20pm BST
4th quarter (02:00 remaining) Geelong 8.10 (58) vs Sydney 15.7 (97)
Geelong continue to huff and puff but Sydney’s defence isn’t going anywhere. Carnival atmosphere at the MCG now for the Swans.
1.16pm BST
4th quarter (05:50 remaining) Geelong 8.10 (58) vs Sydney 15.7 (97)
What does this mean for next year for Geelong? Bartel’s busted a gut tonight but this may be the last we see of him on the big stage. The Cats have been exposed for skills in close and intensity when the game was hot. That middle tier that has let them down often this year has again fallen flat - Motlop, Caddy, Stanley, Duncan. It’s a crude measuring stick, but Motlop has the fourth fewest AFL Fantasy points for the night.
1.12pm BST
4th quarter (07:50 remaining) Geelong 8.10 (58) vs Sydney 15.7 (97)
This one’s over, and conversation has turned to grand final selection for the Swans. It won’t be an easy match committee, that’s for sure, with a few sore bodies, Jarrad McVeigh likely to come back in, and a stack of unheralded squad players excelling tonight.
1.10pm BST
4th quarter (09:50 remaining) Geelong 8.10 (58) vs Sydney 15.6 (96)
Geelong haven’t given up but this quarter is a microcosm of their troubles all game. In midfield they can’t burrow through a solid red wall and further forward they can’t hit a target without a Swan floating in to intercept. The game just hasn’t been on Geelong’s terms.
1.06pm BST
4th quarter (13:20 remaining) Geelong 8.10 (58) vs Sydney 15.6 (96)
The miracle doesn’t look like it’s going to happen for Geelong. A spell of contested footy favours Sydney with the Cats unable to extricate the ball cleanly. Naismith rubs their noses in it with a juggling one-handed mark in a contest with Guthrie, takes plenty of time off the clock, and kicks a behind.
1.01pm BST
Swans goal! 4th quarter (16:20 remaining) Geelong 8.10 (58) vs Sydney 15.5 (95)
Geelong have had enough opportunities to close the gap this second half but they’ve been profligate in possession. Selwood and Enright rebounding poorly the latest to handover the footy cheaply when the momentum was building.
12.58pm BST
Cats goal! 4th quarter (18:30 remaining) Geelong 8.10 (58) vs Sydney 14.4 (88)
Geelong throwing everything at Sydney early in the final term but that tackling pressure is hard to break. That’s one way around it - Stanley takes a huge mark 35m out and kicks the goal.
12.55pm BST
4th quarter (19:30 remaining) Geelong 7.10 (52) vs Sydney 14.4 (88)
Just the six goals for Geelong to make up then...
12.54pm BST
3QT.
Our season now amounts to this quarter. Do you believe?#AFLFinals #AFLCatsSwans pic.twitter.com/g0iyd9KcDG
12.54pm BST
Some three quarter time stats:
Sydney: +16 disposals, + 13 tackles
12.51pm BST
A better quarter for Geelong, but more composure in the final third and it could have been even better. Sydney still cruising to the grand final.
12.49pm BST
3rd quarter (00:50 remaining) Geelong 7.10 (52) vs Sydney 14.4 (88)
Geelong in the ascendancy but Stanley the latest to butcher a clear goalscoring opportunity, misreading Hawkins’ lead. Taylor then has a sniff after good work from Selwood but Jones runs him down like a lioness after a wildebeest. Sydney’s defensive effort is spectacular.
12.46pm BST
Cats goal! 3rd quarter (02:50 remaining) Geelong 7.10 (52) vs Sydney 14.4 (88)
Dangerfield snaps another back for Geelong. It was an ugly, energy sapping foray forward, the ball smuggled down the right boundary line until a stoppage in the pocket and the superstar jags one with pure instinct.
12.43pm BST
Swans goal! 3rd quarter (04:50 remaining) Geelong 6.10 (46) vs Sydney 14.4 (88)
Cats with four of the last five goals, but it hasn’t been an avalanche and they’ve still got a lot of ground to make up.
12.39pm BST
Cats goal! 3rd quarter (06:40 remaining) Geelong 6.10 (46) vs Sydney 13.4 (82)
Taylor again! Rampe does not like this match-up. Duncan bursts off halfback for Geelong and the clear air and quick ball for Taylor seems him steal a march on his All-Australian opponent. He kicks another. You know, that Matthews fella knows a thing or two about footy.
12.36pm BST
Cats goal! 3rd quarter (09:10 remaining) Geelong 5.9 (39) vs Sydney 13.4 (82)
Taylor making a menace of himself in the forward line, busted hand or not. A quick clearance sees the swingman out-mark Rampe and nail a quick goal back for the Cats.
12.34pm BST
Swans goal! 3rd quarter (09:30 remaining) Geelong 4.9 (33) vs Sydney 13.4 (82)
It’s the second and third efforts that have stood out for Sydney tonight. Papley the latest to lay tackle after tackle until he’s rewarded with a free-kick 30m from goal on a sharp angle. He goes back, splits the uprights, and puts the handbrake on Geelong’s comeback.
12.32pm BST
3rd quarter (11:00 remaining) Geelong 4.9 (33) vs Sydney 12.4 (76)
Should have been three in a minute for Geelong but Motlop was indecisive as he approached 50 and Franklin ran him down. He’s a puzzler for the Cats, Motlop, all the talent in the world but isn’t yet the player they’d expect him to be.
12.30pm BST
Cats goal! 3rd quarter (12:30 remaining) Geelong 4.9 (33) vs Sydney 12.4 (76)
Two in a minute! Caddy with the snap after a quick centre clearance. Everyone seemed to think it was touched, apart from the umpires. A flicker of hope for Geelong.
12.29pm BST
Cats goal! 3rd quarter (12:50 remaining) Geelong 3.9 (27) vs Sydney 12.4 (76)
Taylor has snuck his way on after all! And he’s in the forward line, causing trouble, smuggling a left footed grubber kick that Selwood somehow converts into six-points on the goal-line.
12.27pm BST
Swans goal! 3rd quarter (13:10 remaining) Geelong 2.9 (21) vs Sydney 12.4 (76)
It might seem academic, but that’s probably the sealer. After a few minutes of the Sherrin bobbling between the arcs the Swans get clear over the back and Naismith snaps adroitly over his left shoulder.
12.25pm BST
3rd quarter (14:10 remaining) Geelong 2.9 (21) vs Sydney 11.4 (70)
Luke Parker the latest in the wars, jarring his left knee landing in a marking contest.
12.23pm BST
3rd quarter (15:30 remaining) Geelong 2.9 (21) vs Sydney 11.3 (69)
Not only is Taylor not in Geelong’s forward line, he’s not in defence either as he continues to receive treatment on his injured right hand. To my eyes he looks done for the night with a tracksuit top draped over his slumped shoulders.
12.21pm BST
3rd quarter (17:10 remaining) Geelong 2.8 (20) vs Sydney 11.3 (69)
Geelong begin the half on the front foot without creating a decent scoring opportunity. The sight of Dangerfield bursting away from his man and belting it inside 50 for a Swans mark is becoming a theme.
12.20pm BST
3rd quarter (19:10 remaining) Geelong 2.8 (20) vs Sydney 11.3 (69)
So, the best defence in the competition has a massive half-time lead. Leigh Matthews’ advice? Throw Harry Taylor forward and focus on taking marks. As you were at the start of the third quarter though.
12.15pm BST
What can the Cats do to pull out of this nosedive? Suggestions welcome @JPHowcroft on the Twitter.
12.04pm BST
Some half time stats (that don’t really paint the picture of dominance we’ve witnessed):
Sydney: +24 disposals, + 3 contested possessions
12.00pm BST
This is a procession.
11.58am BST
Cats goal! 2nd quarter (00:10 remaining) Geelong 2.8 (20) vs Sydney 11.3 (69)
Bartel has battled manfully this quarter and he’s rewarded with an impossible goal, hammering a right-footed check-side from the left forward pocket.
11.56am BST
Swans goal! 2nd quarter (01:40 remaining) Geelong 1.8 (14) vs Sydney 11.3 (69)
A rare passage of open play in a congested quarter ends with Rohan easing one to Franklin on the lead in the right forward pocket. Big Buddy does the rest.
Swapping Henderson and Taylor would be a start. Then again probably pointless if it's not won at the source. #AFLCatsSwans
11.52am BST
2nd quarter (04:10 remaining) Geelong 1.8 (14) vs Sydney 10.3 (63)
Geelong have stemmed the bleeding this quarter but have offered nothing going forward. Slow ball movement, loopy entries to guarded forwards, and no hint of any runner busting a tackle.
11.48am BST
2nd quarter (06:10 remaining) Geelong 1.8 (14) vs Sydney 10.3 (63)
Aliir’s night is over, he’s put the padded jacket on and icing his right knee. Probably doesn’t influence the result, even at this early stage, but it’s a concern for what would be one of the stories of the grand final.
11.44am BST
Swans goal! 2nd quarter (09:10 remaining) Geelong 1.7 (13) vs Sydney 10.3 (63)
TV close up of Andre Agassi yawning, stroking his famous bald pate.
When your mate is making you watch his favourite movie but you just don't care #AFLCatsSwans pic.twitter.com/INgW8T6qzQ
11.42am BST
2nd quarter (10:10 remaining) Geelong 1.7 (13) vs Sydney 9.3 (57)
Cameron Ling suggesting plaintively on TV that the momentum is swinging Geelong’s way. It may no longer be all one-way traffic but the Cats are still second best in most facets, exacerbated by a spell of territorial dominance relieved by a 50m penalty against Hawkins.
11.39am BST
2nd quarter (12:10 remaining) Geelong 1.7 (13) vs Sydney 9.2 (56)
Sydney’s pressure is awesome to watch. Tackle after tackle like a red and white swarm of mutant scragging monsters. And when they’re not tackling they’re hassling, spoiling, disrupting. The Swans look fitter, hungrier, and they are in no mood to relax.
11.36am BST
Swans goal! 2nd quarter (15:10 remaining) Geelong 1.6 (12) vs Sydney 9.2 (56)
Sydney are destroying Geelong at ground level. McGlynn the pickpocket this time, feeding Hewett to kick another. The Cats backline looks like its playing on ice whenever the ball goes to ground.
11.33am BST
Cats goal! 2nd quarter (17:10 remaining) Geelong 1.5 (11) vs Sydney 8.2 (50)
Huge one-on-one mark by Hawkins, holding off Grundy. He kicks truly from 45m out straight in front, and the Cats are finally on the board!
11.31am BST
Swans goal! 2nd quarter (18:10 remaining) Geelong 0.5 (5) vs Sydney 8.2 (50)
This is painful for the Cats. A simple cross-field pass on the edge of their own defensive 50 missed by Bartel, sniped by Rohan who runs into the opening goal.
11.28am BST
Some quarter time stats:
Sydney: +27 disposals, + 7 contested possessions, +4 inside-50s
11.24am BST
There could rarely have been a more one-sided opening quarter in preliminary final history. Sydney took Geelong by the scruff of the neck and belted them all over the MCG. This will be some performance from the Cats if they can salvage even pride in the remaining three quarters.
11.22am BST
Cats behind: 1st quarter (0:00 remaining) Geelong 0.5 (5) vs Sydney 7.2 (44)
Geelong should score a couple of times but Blicavs doesn’t have the journey from 50m and Dangerfield can’t break the tackle on the follow up. Sydney rollick down the other end are unlucky not to be paid a mark and the chance to add another goal to the scoreboard.
11.19am BST
Cats behind: 1st quarter (3:00 remaining) Geelong 0.3 (3) vs Sydney 7.2 (44)
Caddy with a set shot he should make, but he doesn’t. This is the kind of performance, if it continues, that will haunt Geelong’s summer.
Buddy should get a tatt to commemorate this quarter. So so good. #AFLCatsSwans
11.17am BST
Swans goal! 1st quarter (4:20 remaining) Geelong 0.2 (2) vs Sydney 7.2 (44)
Sydney harder at contests, cleaner in possession and more intense without the footy. This is an annihilation. Cats chasing shadows all over the MCG. They look punch drunk.
11.14am BST
Cats behind: 1st quarter (6:20 remaining) Geelong 0.2 (2) vs Sydney 6.2 (38)
Parker throws Joel Selwood to the ground 30 metres out and from a slight angle the Geelong skipper shanks one horribly wide. This is a nightmare for the Cats.
11.12am BST
Swans goal! 1st quarter (7:20 remaining) Geelong 0.1 (1) vs Sydney 6.2 (38)
Is this over already? A sixth goal for the quarter! Heeney this time hitting the contest at pace, busting out of traffic and lobbing one just over Bartel’s dive that dribbles through.
11.09am BST
1st quarter (8:20 remaining) Geelong 0.1 (1) vs Sydney 5.2 (32)
Is this the result of two weeks of the past three off? Geelong just don’t look switched on and they’re getting belted all over the park, despite Dangerfield racking up double figures in disposals already.
11.05am BST
Swans goal! 1st quarter (10:50 remaining) Geelong 0.0 (0) vs Sydney 5.2 (32)
This is getting silly. Five unanswered for Sydney! Tippett again, but once more it’s the midfield grunt followed by Franklin’s teamwork.
11.03am BST
Swans goal! 1st quarter (11:20 remaining) Geelong 0.0 (0) vs Sydney 4.2 (26)
Like a knife through butter. Sydney’s midfield is blitzing Geelong. Another clearance, another expert entry to an unmarked forward, and another goal. Exhibition stuff from the Swans.
11.02am BST
Swans goal! 1st quarter (12:20 remaining) Geelong 0.0 (0) vs Sydney 3.2 (20)
Franklin looks a little proppy after crumpling under bodies in a marking contest. Buddy has been outstanding in these early stages, pushing up the ground and delivering with composure inside 50.
10.58am BST
Swans goal: 1st quarter (14:20 remaining) Geelong 0.0 (0) vs Sydney 2.2 (14)
Ezra Finkelstein asks: “Am I alone in thinking that Cam Guthrie is the most underrated player in the league?” The Geelong utility has certainly elevated his game this season but he’s an onlooker as Sydney rush forward again, this time finding Tippett isolated 40m out and the big former Crow kicks the second major of the night.
10.56am BST
Swans behind: 1st quarter (16:20 remaining) Geelong 0.0 (0) vs Sydney 1.2 (8)
Henderson is starting forward for Geelong, and he’s attracted Rampe’s attention.
10.54am BST
Swans behind: 1st quarter (17:40 remaining) Geelong 0.0 (0) vs Sydney 1.1 (7)
Sydney dominating early on, finding plenty of clear air in possession. Franklin is a threat pushing up the ground and a couple of testing inside 50s pays dividends with Kieren Jack eventually on the receiving end of a pass in space about 40m out. His set shot drifts wide when a goal looked the likelier outcome.
10.51am BST
Swans goal! 1st quarter (19:20 remaining) Geelong 0.0 (0) vs Sydney 1.0 (6)
Fast start for Sydney and it’s that small forward line causing trouble. Franklin brought the ball to ground, Papley hassled and McGlynn snapped truly for the opening goal.
10.50am BST
We’re underway at the MCG!
10.49am BST
The toss happened. Someone won. Nobody cared less.
10.48am BST
Anthem time. Belted out by nobody, mumbled by a few, Josh Caddy and Patrick Dangerfield most notably.
10.46am BST
Don’t forget, you can join in throughout the night, and I encourage you to do so. Email me at jonathan.howcroft.freelance@guardian.co.uk or tweet me @JPHowcroft.
10.44am BST
Tony Corke, sometimes of this parish, has crunched the numbers, and they’ve come up favouring Geelong.
MoS' view on the Prelims is up (and includes a general look at MoSSBODS' forecast history in Finals vs H&A)https://t.co/XYW41DSGUm pic.twitter.com/qx7HqV6YaZ
10.44am BST
Chris Scott’s being interviewed for TV and he has that pretend confidence about him. You know, the kind you have when you’re underage trying to get served at a pub. You want to give off the air of normality but you can see the knees knocking if you look closely enough.
10.43am BST
Now the Cats are out. Blue and white hooped guernseys and socks with blue shorts. White boots the predominant colour choice for Geelong, which doesn’t endear them to me. Plain black next time please.
Cue pin drop. #AFLFinals #AFLCatsSwans #GreatnessAwaits pic.twitter.com/sUkxVn30Nt
10.39am BST
The Swans run out on the MCG looking every inch The Bloods in their all red uniform.
C7 pull up a shareable stat as the banner’s ripped apart - Sydney have won almost every opening quarter this season, Geelong almost every final term. Worth keeping an eye on if neither side kicks clear.
Bring it on @sydneyswans #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/YidmXEGqx3
10.37am BST
Savour Dennis while you can.
Dennis & Bruce prepare for their final Friday night call together. @7AFL tonight on @Channel7 & @7mate.#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/TrcHzMHMhl
10.35am BST
Incredibly, these teams have only met three times in finals before, the Swans winning all three. The last time was back in 2005 when Nick Davis did something you might be familiar with.
10.26am BST
To the surprise of many, Sydney have also avoided any late changes, meaning injury doubts Gary Rohan, Kurt Tippett and Zak Jones all start.
B: Dane Rampe, Aliir Aliir, Nick Smith
10.23am BST
The Cats will start as listed, which means Lachie Henderson and Jed Bews come into the side that beat Hawthorn, in place of Tom Ruggles (dropped) and Daniel Menzel (adductor injury).
B: Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan, Lachie Henderson
10.19am BST
Ok, now we’ve got that out the way, we can get on with the task in hand.
Second versus first. The 2011 premiers against the best of 2012. The club with the likely Brownlow Medalist against the one with the AFL Rising Star. Geelong and Sydney are bona fide modern heavyweights.
10.18am BST
10.10am BST
Conditions are perfect for footy. It’s still, cool, and the MCG looks a picture under lights.
Prelim footy time! #mcg #aflcatsswans #aflfinals https://t.co/4vp9EnjB2B pic.twitter.com/zDCztnLWLx
3.31am BST
Jonathan will be with you shortly but while you wait, why not check out his preview of this game and tomorrow’s tantalising clash between the Bulldogs and the Giants.
Related: Inside 50: AFL preliminary finals promise another engrossing weekend
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