Bombers spoil Swans AFLW finals chances

ESSENDON caused an upset in the AFL Womens match played in Coffs Harbour with the finals hopes of the Sydney Swans dashed as a result.

Originally scheduled for a 5.05pm start, the match was pushed back to 5.20pm and then to 5.40pm as a lightning storm hit Coffs Harbour with spectators at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium told to take shelter.

When the match did start, it was a soggy slog with both sides battling on the sodden deck.

The Bombers enjoyed the territory battle in the first half but it wasn’t until Bonnie Toogood converted a set shot during the second quarter that they finally got some reward for their effort.

Sydney looked set for a scoreless first half until a rushed behind was recorded just 19 seconds before the main break.

There was only one point scored in the third quarter, and Essendon started the last term with a goal inside 30 seconds as belief continued to grow.

It proved to be enough of a buffer to secure victory, leaving Swans players devastated at the final siren.

SYDNEY              0.0      0.1      0.2     1.5 (11)
ESSENDON         0.2      1.2      1.2      2.2 (14)

GOALS – Sydney: Fish. Essendon: Toogood, Alexander

BEST – Sydney: Gardiner, Ham, Hurley, Fish. Essendon: Nanscawen, Cain, Toogood, Gee.

INJURIES – Sydney: Nil. Essendon: Chloe Adams (nose)

LATE CHANGES – Sydney: None. Essendon: Maddy Prespakis (calf) replaced in selected side by Bailey Hunt.

Played at C.ex Coffs International Stadium