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The Swans are through to their first grand final since 2016 on the back of a dramatic one-point victory over Collingwood on Saturday night.
Sydney survived a final quarter surge from the Pies to record a brilliant 14.11 (95) to 14.10 (94) win at the SCG, and book a date with Geelong.
And now they are “ready” for their first premiership since 2012, according to Fox Footy’s David King, given they have “so many weapons”.
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“Everyone will write this off because of this sort of victory, but this is the perfect preparation for a grand final,” King said.
“They’ve just got so many weapons and so many ways they can hurt a team.
“Some of their football in the first half was absolutely awesome.
“Their forward line is a real concern for the Cats’ back six.”
King praised the work of coach John Longmire, who remains in contention for Coach of the Year honours, for getting his young Swans up to finals speed.
Fox Footy’s Jason Dunstall added that Longmire had “reinvented” the Swans in 2022.
“He’s brought this group along ahead of time,” King said.
“I know that he won’t declare that or admit that. They’re going to be, on average 50 games per player less experienced next week against Geelong, but it won’t phase them.”
Despite the loss of injured veteran Josh Kennedy, King says the young Swans are ready.
“The timing’s perfect. The baton’s been passed now to (Chad) Warner and (James) Rowbottom,” King said.
“Parker’s probably the older statesmen in there that leads the way.
“They are ready, they are ready to go win themselves a premiership the Sydney Swans.”
Leigh Montagna said the Swans set up their preliminary final win in the opening term, where they kicked six goals to three in a dominant display.
The Magpies didn’t register a score until the 23rd minute mark of the opening term, such was Sydney’s pressure.
Montagna said both Sydney and Geelong are heading into the grand final “cherry ripe”.
“We’ve got two teams in unbelievable shape,” he said.
“They are both going into this game cherry ripe – we are going to have one of the game finals for the ages.
“Some of the efforts to put their head over the footy … the Errol Gulden chase down tackle on (Jamie) Elliott, the fist from Nick Blakey, Dylan Stephens in a big 50-50 ball with (Brayden) Maynard, (Longmire) will be so proud of what his youngsters were able to do.”
Nathan Buckley was full of praise for “jack of all trades” Callum Mills in the one-point win.
“This guy was just sensational,” he said on Best on Ground.
“He just wins ball inside and outside.
“He’s just the jack of all trades for John Longmire. He’s been a really strong performer.”
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