BREAKING NEWS: AFL Live: High Stakes as Swans Aim to Knock Collingwood Out of the Top Spot…

Important Posts
10.14 p.m.Swans are back with three goals in a row.
9.58 p.m.Swans becoming disconnected
9.40 p.m.Swans rise as the game nears its conclusion.
8.56 p.m.HT: The events that transpired at the SCG
7.04 p.m.Swans players are off for a few days to recover.
7.02 p.m.Voss backs in Charlie’s collection of pieces
6.47 p.m.The configuration of the teams

A penalty of fifty meters was appropriate: By Danny Russell McCrae
In the last minute of Friday night’s match against Sydney, striker Daniel McStay should have been given a 50-meter penalty, according to an emotional Craig McRae, which may have prevented the Magpies from losing the season.

With 30 seconds left in the game, Collingwood coach feels Swans defender Tom McCartin overran the mark and ought to have been penalized, putting McStay within 15 meters of the goal and giving him a chance to kick for the lead.

Collingwood would have been three points ahead and their season would have been saved with a goal.

The umpires chose not to intervene, allowing the Swans to secure a dramatic three-point victory at the SCG after being 27 points behind in the final term. Sydney scored the last five goals of the match.

McRae suggested that had the game been at the MCG, the outcome might have been different, commenting that the incident could have warranted a 50-metre penalty based on the rules.

He added that he expected the AFL to provide an explanation for the decisions made, including the numerous deliberate out-of-bounds calls, which he felt created a chaotic situation.

McRae acknowledged that while umpires don’t always make perfect calls, Swans midfielder Isaac Heeney’s performance in the last quarter was exceptional, making it challenging for Collingwood to defend their lead.

He noted that maintaining a lead in the current game is increasingly difficult, citing recent instances where teams, like Essendon against Freo, had similar experiences of losing their advantage.

Reflecting without video evidence, McRae questioned whether the current approach was effective, acknowledging that the competitive environment makes it difficult to maintain a lead. He praised Sydney for capitalizing on their opportunities from contested play.

After the tough loss, which ends Collingwood’s chance to defend their premiership, McRae kept his players behind closed doors for an extended period. He expressed the pain of letting a game slip away and noted that the disappointment is shared by fans and players alike.

McRae acknowledged the emotional toll and the challenge of discussing the end of their season. He emphasized the importance of focusing on positive behaviors rather than placing blame. He also highlighted a broader perspective, noting an injury to Harvey Harrison in the VFL as a reminder of what’s truly significant.

In contrast, Longmire praised his team’s performance, especially in the last quarter, where key players like Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney excelled. He admired the team’s resilience and ability to turn the game around despite physical exhaustion.

Longmire could not take credit for the team’s remarkable final quarter but highlighted the importance of winning crucial contests. He also noted Errol Gulden’s perseverance, particularly in overcoming a tough night to score a decisive goal.

### Key Points

**Resilient Swans:** Sydney has managed to cling to the top spot despite a tough month. After a crushing 112-point loss to Port Adelaide and four defeats in their last five games, they found themselves 27 points behind Collingwood in the final quarter on Friday night at the SCG.

It seemed like the game was over, but the Swans’ midfield, led by Luke Parker (two goals), Isaac Heeney (32 disposals, one goal), and Chad Warner (33 disposals, two goals), turned things around. They dominated the contest and scored the last five goals, taking the lead with three minutes left. This victory keeps them at the top of the ladder for another week, with a match against Essendon at Marvel Stadium next Friday.

**Controversial Call:** Collingwood fans will likely debate whether Daniel McStay should have been awarded a 50-metre penalty in the final minute. McStay, who was on the receiving end of a precise pass from Josh Daicos, was pursued by Swans defender Tom McCartin. The umpire called McCartin back, but opinions are divided on whether it warranted a 50-metre penalty. Had McStay been awarded the penalty, he would have been kicking from 15 metres directly in front, potentially giving the Magpies a lead and keeping their finals hopes alive.

**Magpies’ 2024 Season Ends:** The loss means Collingwood’s season is over, and they won’t have the chance to defend their premiership. With aging stars like Scott Pendlebury (36), Steele Sidebottom (33), and Jeremy Howe (34), the future of some players is uncertain. Pendlebury has signed on for another year, but the futures of Sidebottom and Howe are less clear. Despite Sidebottom’s strong performance on Friday night, the Magpies struggled in the final term, with key players like Nick Daicos (25 disposals), Josh Daicos (26 disposals), and Pendlebury (17 disposals) being well-contained. The team has also faced significant injury challenges this year and might benefit from a break.