Buddy dominates GWS as the Sydney Swans notch a tenth straight win
The Sydney Swans were rarely troubled as they marched to a 15.16 (106) to 8.12 (60) triumph, their 10th win in a row, over GWS at the SCG on Saturday night.
It is their longest winning streak since equalling a club record with 12 in a row way back in 1935.
Lance Franklin was again dominant for the Swans, finishing with five goals to take his tally to 40 for the season.
Kieren Jack was also brilliant, finishing with 32 touches, including 22 in the first half, with Josh Kennedy, Nick Malceski and Heath Grundy leading a well-balanced display.
Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith and Stephen Coniglio had their moments for the visitors, while Tomas Bugg bobbed up with two goals and Jeremy Cameron added another two on his return from an ankle injury.
But it was a comfortable night for the Swans, who reversed their shock round one loss to the GWS to stay right in touch with Port Adelaide and Hawthorn at the top of the AFL ladder.
The game got off to a cagey start, with a strong breeze causing havoc on the western side of the ground in front of the Members Stand.
Thehome side seemed to adjust to the chilly conditions better, withFranklin kicking the opening goal before an awful injury to Heath Shaw causeda long stoppage.
Hewould take no further part in the match in an early blow to a GWSside hoping to earn a second straight victory over their highly-fanciedrivals and third consecutive win overall.
Upon the resumption, the Swans quickly slammed through three more goals in the space of four minutes to break open an early lead.
GWS had its fair share of possession, but was unable to convert until a late Bugg major made it a three-goal deficit at the first change.
The Swans then took over in a one-sided second quarter, kicking another four goals to just three behinds to march to a 44-point half-time lead.
Franklin had four goals at the main break, with his behind late in the second term snapping a run of 12 consecutive goals dating back to the Port Adelaide game two weeks ago.
The lead had stretched to 49 points by the final change and while GWS won the final term, the home side had little trouble regaining bragging rights in the Harbour City.
SYDNEY SWANS 4.4 8.9 12.11 15.16 (106)
GWS 1.4 1.7 4.10 8.12 (60)
GOALS
Sydney Swans: Franklin 5, Tippett 2, Kennedy 2, Jack, McGlynn, Jones, Reid, Jetta, Bird
It's safe to say the red and white suits Taylor Smith! Hear from the prized recruit after she scored two goals on her Swans debut.
00:28
Goal of the week - Round 18
Curnow from the boundary as he goes on to kick five on the night Goal of week, presented by Origin Energy
00:29
Moments that matter - Round 18
After six weeks out, welcome back Paps Moments that matter, presented by Clover
00:18
Mark of the week - Round 18
Curnow out the back to set up his second goal of five Mark of the week, presented by Virgin Australia, the Official Domestic Airline Partner of the Sydney Swans.
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