The Sydney Swans reserves have taken a significant step forward in securing a top-two finish in the NEAFL and a home preliminary final, with a stirring one-point win over top-of-the-table UWS at the SCG on Saturday morning.

Trailing by as much as 32 points in the second term, 26 points at half-time, and 15 points in the early stages of the final term, the Swans reserves dug deep and took the lead for the first time in the game when Tom Mitchell snapped a point at the Randwick End with less than a minute remaining in the match.

That point would prove the difference in the end as the final siren sounded shortly after and the Swans moved back into second place on the NEAFL ladder, equal on points with UWS and just percentage behind. NT Thunder could jump both this afternoon with a win away to fifth-placed Redland, but have a bye in the final round next weekend.

In a highly entertaining match for the crowd who arrived early, the Swans were switched on from the start, but some small skill and concentration errors hurt them on the scoreboard in the opening half. UWS showed why they are the number one attacking side in the league with many avenues to goal in the wet conditions and enjoying the bulk of play in their forward half.

Ruckman Sam Naismith was pivotal in keeping the Swans within touching distance in the opening two quarters, with three goals, all following marks within the forward 50, and winning the hitouts with 22 at half-time. Naismith played limited minutes in the second half, and combined with early injuries to Abe Davis and Dan Preen, the Swans were down to just one rotation.

While UWS proved their attacking prowess in the first half, it was the Swans reserves time to display their number one defence in the competition in the second half. They restricted UWS to just one goal in the third quarter, as the midfield and attack worked their way on top and capitalised on the scoreboard.

Jack Hiscox showed a clean pair of heals and an innate ability to find space forward of the midfield as he kicked three classy goals, and also score two of the final three points in the game to inch the Swans to victory. With the game on the line, Ryan O’Keefe stood up with two goals in the third term, while leading goal-kicker Tim Membrey bobbed up with important snaps in each of the third and fourth quarters.

As well as his go-ahead point, Mitchell was the key ball winner for the Swans – especially in the first two-and-a-half quarters – finishing the game with 28 touches, while Academy top-ups Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills were next best with 23 apiece.

In the final SCG game of the season, O’Keefe led the team off down the race after the siren. The Swans reserves are next in action next Sunday against Hills Eagles at Bruce Purser Reserve, with their destiny in their own hands.

Swans reserves 2.3 4.5 9.7 11.12 78
UWS 5.3 8.7 9.10 11.11 77

Goals – Naismith 3, Hiscox 3, O’Keefe 2, Membrey 2, Hey