The Sydney Swans reserves have secured a home semi-final and a week off following a 34-point win over the Sydney Hills Eagles at Bruce Purser Reserve on Sunday afternoon.

The win guaranteed the Swans reserves a second-place finish on the NEAFL table, which will see the club host the winner of the elimination final between Ainslie and the NT Thunder in two weeks’ time.

Sunday’s match had added emotion for the Hills Eagles, with the game the last the club will play in the competition after their decision to opt out of their three-year licence within the NEAFL.

With emotions running high, the home side came out firing and were able to match the Swans reserves in intensity and pressure, and held a seven-point lead at half-time.

Following a disappointing start to the match, the Swans reserves were able to lift their defensive game in the third term, led by young midfielders George Hewett, Dan Robinson and Zak Jones.

Hewett, who missed last week’s game as the non-playing emergency for the seniors, was a clear standout throughout the match, with his inside work helping to create many opportunities for his team.

Ryan O’Keefe, who played as a permanent full-forward for the match, was another key player in Sunday’s win, with the veteran booting a season-high six goals and providing strong on-field leadership.

With Toby Nankervis travelling with the senior team to Melbourne, Sam Naismith also stood up taking on sole ruck duties throughout the match.

Following the Swans reserves’ win, the team had more reasons to celebrate with two players named in the 2014 NEAFL Team of the Year, which was announced at Sydney’s Doltone House on Sunday night.

Shane Biggs, who has played his last two matches in the seniors, and rookie midfielder Dan Robinson were selection in the team of 22, with Biggs named in the backline and Robinson named in the interchange.

Robinson also polled in the top ten for the 2014 NEAFL MVP award, with the 20-year-old collecting 48 votes for the season, which saw him finish in seventh place overall.

Aspley’s Matthew Payne was the overall winner, with the midfielder collecting a massive 108 votes for the season.

Sydney Swans reserves  3.3  6.5  12.5    18.9 (117)
Sydney Hills Eagles           2.3  7.6  10.9     12.11 (83)

Goals: O’Keefe 6, Robinson 2, Bottin-Noonan 2, Hiscox, Naismith, Davis, Lockyer, Walsh, Hebron, Hey, Dick.

Best: Hewett, Naismith, Jones, O’Keefe, Robinson, Hebron