Sydney Swans held a 14-point lead over Fremantle Dockers with 14 minutes remaining in the third quarter, after Luke Jackson and Angus Sheldrick exchanged goals in a fast-moving contest.
Jackson capitalised on an uncharacteristic error from Tom McCartin, who rushed a kick from deep in defence straight into the hands of the Fremantle star. Jackson marked the ball before kicking his second goal of the night.
The two sides then resumed their pushing and shoving, with Jackson and Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy continuing their running battle.
Fremantle threatened to build momentum, but Sydney forced a turnover through pressure from James Rowbottom, whose tackling helped create the chance for Sheldrick to snap a goal and restore the Swans’ advantage.
The score stood at Sydney 56, Fremantle 42 midway through the third quarter.
