Buddy-less Swans storm Dees fortress to blow title race open

Melbourne’s premiership defence has hit rough waters after Sydney became the second team in a row to storm the Demons’ MCG fortress, overcoming the absence of Lance Franklin to post a stirring victory.

A fortnight ago, many believed there was daylight between the Dees and the rest but the flag race is suddenly wide open. A week after giving up a five-goal lead to Fremantle, the reigning premiers coughed up a 26-point lead early in the second term as the Swans finished full of running to win by 12 points.

The young Bloods slammed the last four goals of the game, including the sealer from Tom Papley deep in a pocket minutes after Errol Gulden had put them in front with a clutch kick from 50 out.

Tom Papley was overjoyed by booting a goal.Credit:AFL Photos / Getty Images

The idea that Steve May is the Demons’ most important player is gaining more traction after the Demons buckled under the Swans’ fierce pressure.

Sam Reid and Logan McDonald each kicked three goals against a defence which is lacking its usual assuredness without May calling the shots.

One loss can be dismissed as an aberration, but two in a row warrants deeper analysis. Twice, the Dees built what should have been a match-winning break only for the hungry Swans to come back.

Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Max Gawn all had productive nights but the Dees’ forward line, missing Tom McDonald, was impotent. Ben Brown had zero impact, limited to just four possessions against Dane Rampe after only two touches last week. They have kicked just 16 goals in two weeks.

Lewis Melican.Credit:AFL Photos / Getty Images

On a chilly winter’s night, the 74-53 tackle count spoke volumes of the heat John Longmire’s men brought.