The Swans kicked just one major in the opening half and wasted plenty of chances in the slippery conditions. The second quarter was particularly worrying, with John Longmire’s side scoring just 1.6 from 20 inside-50s, after they managed only five in the first term. The turnaround would have pleased the coach, but the finishing would be a different story. Luckily the second term didn’t come back to haunt the Swans.

 

Whether it was planned or not, the Swans’ overuse of the handball in the first half was baffling. Conditions at ANZ Stadium in the first half were wet and greasy, but the home side had 88 kicks, compared to 100 handballs. Essendon’s ball movement was much cleaner and efficient, which proved vital in such a tight contest early.

 

He might not grab many headlines but powerful midfielder David Myers will be a big loss for Essendon. The West Australian managed double figure games just once in his first five seasons, but had played 38 in the past two. His penetrating left foot is a major weapon and the Bombers will miss his size around the clearances especially.

 

His Brownlow best may be behind him but Adam Cooney is still all class with ball in hand. The former Bulldog showed how valuable he’ll be for the Bombers with two acts of brilliance in the first half. His first effort was a 65-metre torpedo to give Essendon its fourth goal after the quarter-time siren. Cooney then stunned the Swans crowd when he soccered one off the ground to kick-start the second term. He finished with three goals in a low-scoring game to make an immediate impact for his new club.

 

It might have been a slippery evening in Sydney, but the Swans got a soggy impact from their tall timber in the first half. Buddy Franklin, Kurt Tippett, Sam Reid and Mike Pyke had just 12 possessions and three marks between them before the long break. Franklin and Tippett eventually found the scoreboard and when they did, it inspired an amazing comeback win.