Sydney inaccuracy hands Geelong a draw

Image: Patrick Dangerfield returned from injury for the “Grand Final rematch” (AFL Photos).

Geelong was lucky it didn’t get soundly beaten at the SCG on Friday night, but thanks to inaccuracy from Sydney came away with a 7.12 (54) to 6.18 (54) draw.

The match was billed as the 2022 Grand Final replay, but Geelong failed to capitalise on a team back to full strength after a number of injuries.

After a strong start by the Swans, the Cats took control late in the first quarter to go into the first break nine points up.

Both teams put up strong defences throughout the match, forcing a number of rushed kicks at goal, with Geelong dominating contested possessions in the final quarter with some strong tackling.

However, Sydney squandered many opportunities, particularly with Isaac Heeney having five shots at goal and coming away with only two behinds.

The Swans had 32 shots at goal against the Cats’ 22, and 20 forward 50 marks against 11, but had four shots hit the post.

Probably the biggest error for the Swans was when Tom Hickey missed a set shot from 20m out and directly in front of goal just before half time.

Geelong looked like they might sneak a narrow victory just two minutes from the final siren, before two quick snaps from Sydney, either of which could have been a goal, sealed the draw.

Robbie Fox hit the post from only a few metres out, before Heeney got a snap off the ground that passed across goal for a behind to level the score.

After the match, Geelong’s Zach Tuohy, who equalled Jim Styne’s games record for an Irish player in the AFL on the night, said conditions were very difficult due to the gusty winds.

“I’m not sure how it looked on TV, but it’s really swirly and goals were at a premium.

“Both teams probably feel like they might have let it slip, but that’s footy.”