Botched chances hijack gutsy Swans fightback

A bid of missed elemental shots outgo the Swans dearly arsenic they threatened to overrun the Giants successful a gutsy comeback successful their elimination final, sidesplitting Sydney's triumph chances successful a thrilling one-point decision successful Launceston.

Gun Swans guardant Isaac Heeney snared 4 goals successful the 2nd fractional arsenic John Longmire's men closed from 23 points down astatine the half-time break.

But Will Hayward, Tom Hickey, Sam Wicks and James Bell each failed to slot final-term goals that should person been kicked arsenic the Swans, contempt dominating the midfield conflict aft trailing by 19 points astatine three-quarter time, fell short.

Greater Western Sydney's 11.8 (74) to 10.13 (73) triumph means they are present acceptable to conscionable Geelong successful a semi-final astatine Perth Stadium, successful a clash apt acceptable to beryllium held adjacent Friday.

And arsenic the Giants zero successful connected their do-or-die lucifer against the Cats, the Swans volition look backmost connected a resurgent 2021 run and wonderment what could person been.

The Swans completed a quick-fire rebuild this season, led by long-time stars Lance Franklin, Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe, Callum Mills, Tom Papley and Heeney, and electrified by young guns Errol Gulden, Braeden Campbell, James Rowbottom, Oliver Florent, Nick Blakey and Sam Wicks.

But aft packing their bags and making a frantic dash for Melbourne astir 9 weeks ago, a play successful which the young Swans person amazed the AFL satellite and filled Longmire with immense pridefulness has rounded to a close.

Hayward missed the archetypal gettable extremity of the Swans' tantalising past word erstwhile helium swooped connected the footy and tried to banana it done from adjacent range, lone to wrapper the post.

Despite the drawstring of missed elemental shots that followed, anticipation of an epic Sydney triumph remained live astatine a stoppage adjacent to the 50-metre arc with little than 30 seconds connected the clock.

But GWS won the clearance, Sydney defender Tom McCartin collected Giants ace Toby Greene high, a escaped footwear was paid and the timepiece fizzled out.

MORE TO COME.

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