Has Melbourne's lack of discipline cost them a shot at the Grand Final?

Aidan Cellini

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Has Melbourne's lack of discipline cost them a shot at the Grand Final? image

After an enthralling contest on Friday night at the MCG, Sydney have found themselves in a home preliminary final after downing the reigning premiers, Melbourne, by 22 points.

Tipped to be a tight contest between second and third position, with the loser to face Brisbane, both sides were up for the challenge, as the lead changed multiple times.

However, some undisciplined acts from the Demons that cost them three 50 metre penalties throughout the match set up a nice buffer for the Swans, with all punishments resulting in goals.

Now Melbourne will have to do it the hard way, hosting the Lions at the MCG next week before facing the winner of Geelong or Collingwood if they are to progress.

History will be against Simon Goodwin's men, who will rue the opportunity missed while facing the Swans.

Sydney extend their impressive winning percentage over the Demons, being victorious 11 of the past 13 times they've met.

Is Petracca injured?

Christian Petracca was in a bone-crunching contest late in the first term, which resulted in the 2021 Norm Smith Medalist come limping toward the bench before waving away the club physios.

Petracca didn't look like his usual self on the MCG, despite his statistics looking solid.

The 26-year-old gathered 24 disposals and four clearances but struggled to break away from stoppage and look dangerous going forward.

Petracca's health is a key asset to Goodwin's lineup and how deep they go in the 2022 AFL finals.

Melbourne's forward woes continues to haunt them

Aside from Bayley Fritsch - who kicked three first-half goals - Melbourne's forward line struggled to develop any cohesion, with the club scoring a lowly 69 points.

Ben Brown, Kysaiah Pickett, Jake Melksham and Charlie Spargo all combined for three majors, which wasn't enough to match the scoring power down the other end of the ground.

With Sam Weideman and Tom McDonald in waiting, Goodwin will have his hands full deciding what the best mix is for the upcoming clash against Brisbane.

Old Swans still have it

In a first, veterans Sam Reid and Jake Lloyd managed to break a record of their own, a statistic that wouldn't have crossed their minds as their side went on to win.

Both Reid and Lloyd had not kicked multiple goals in finals throughout their career, with the pair stepping up when the Swans needed them to.

The latter was one of Sydney's best players on Friday night, collecting 25 disposals to go with his two majors.

While Reid stood tall in the second half and capitalised when the opposition couldn't.

Another old Swan was Luke Parker, who continued to be battering ram for his club.

Parker amassed 25 possessions, 11 tackles, nine clearances and a goal, assisting Sydney to a preliminary final.

Young Swans definitely have it

Sydney's young brigade has defied all odds and doubts, putting their side into the final four as the Grand Final nears.

With six players in the 22 under 22, coach John Longmire must be excited by the prospect of his future stars, although they seem to be performing at an elite level.

James Rowbottom, Errol Gulden, Dylan Stephens and Will Hayward all had moments throughout the evening and proved to be finals ready.

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.