Sydney have secured a spot in the AFLW semi-finals, overcoming the Western Bulldogs by 29 points in a tense encounter at a blustery, rain-soaked Henson Park. This season’s top goal-kicker and prominent Swan Chloe Molloy added to her personal score, sending the Bulldogs – who battled their way into finals for the first time since 2022 – packing with a 7.4 (46) to 2.5 (17) victory.
Swans Assert Early Dominance
The Swans established their superiority from the first bounce, slotting three straight goals in the opening term and preventing the Bulldogs from scoring. Swans captain Lucy McEvoy opened the account in just 20 seconds, launching a lengthy kick from beyond the 50-metre line with the aid of a powerful wind. A rushed behind was the Bulldogs’ only points for the first quarter, as the home side capitalised on the conditions to kick four consecutive goals and establish a 24-point buffer.
Star Performances Seal the Win
AFLW superstar Chloe Molloy’s leadership in a muddy contest proved decisive for the Swans, with the ex-Swans co-captain finishing with one goal, 12 intercepts, and 14 contested possessions. Tanya Kennedy was equally vital for the Swans, stifling Bulldogs co-captain and star midfielder Isabelle Pritchard. Pritchard, back from a knee injury, managed only 14 disposals and three clearances as Kennedy applied 17 tackles. Fellow Bulldogs midfielder Ellie Blackburn, also returning after being omitted for last week’s loss to the Cats, was the visitors’ best player with 29 touches and a goal.
Lucy McEvoy from the CENTRE SQUARE for the first of the day 🚀@Coles | #AFLWFinals pic.twitter.com/iHaWmO7bNJ
Sydney’s Program Focuses Amid Off-Field Challenges
This year has been an undeniably tricky year for Sydney. The women’s program has endured some fallout from the Pullman hotel scandal and Tom Papley’s alleged drug offence, as some of the club’s men’s players continue to make headlines. But the Swans’ AFLW program has stayed the course, attracting record crowds at Henson Park and pushing on in their finals campaign to earn a semi-final berth against Geelong. When the final siren sounded, Swans players rushed to congratulate one another, as devoted fans in red and white rallied on the boundary line, many wielding inside-out umbrellas and drenched ponchos.
More on Western Bulldogs
The Swans are through to the semis! ❤️🦢 Sydney will face Geelong in next week's semi finals, after defeating the Western Bulldogs by 29 points at Henson Park. The Swans led from start to finish, blowing the Dogs out of the gate in the first quarter to make the final six for… pic.twitter.com/I8bpShHLlk
