Arabic version: سوانز يهزم بولدوغز في نهائي إقصائي بدوري AFLW

According to ABC News, Sydney defeated the Western Bulldogs 7.4 (46) to 2.5 (17) in an AFLW elimination final at wet and windy Henson Park on Sunday. The 29-point victory sends the Swans to an away semi-final against Geelong, while the Bulldogs’ season is over.

League-leading goalkicker Chloe Molloy made a surprise appearance in defence and helped Sydney prevail in the wet-weather contest. The former Swans co-captain finished with one goal, 12 intercepts and 14 contested possessions, with her leadership proving important as conditions deteriorated.

Swans captain Lucy McEvoy opened the scoring only 20 seconds into the match, kicking from outside the 50-metre arc with the assistance of the strong breeze. The Bulldogs managed only a rushed behind in the first quarter as Sydney kicked four unanswered goals to establish a 24-point lead.

Tanya Kennedy also played a key role for Sydney, restricting Bulldogs co-captain Isabelle Pritchard in her return from a knee injury. Pritchard recorded 14 disposals and three clearances, while Kennedy laid 17 tackles. Bulldogs midfielder Ellie Blackburn, returning after being rested in the previous week’s loss to Geelong, led the visitors with 29 touches and a goal.

Molloy’s defensive role prompted Bulldogs coach Tam Hyett to move defender Vaomua Laloifi into the forward line, and their contest continued into the second half. Torrential rain arrived in the third quarter, turning the final into a slog, but Sydney held a 25-point lead on the way to victory before 4,325 fans.