In the Gold Coast Suns’ first-ever final, David Swallow, their last remaining inaugural player, kicked the winning point with just nine seconds remaining in the finish of the year – eliminating Fremantle in stunning scenes.
Swallow had already announced his retirement and was going to walk off into the sunset, but with just his fourth disposal of the game he slotted a long-bomb point to break the deadlock and Docker hearts – 11.14 (80) to 12.7 (79).
Cometh the moment, cometh the man: Gold Coast’s David Swallow.Credit: AFL Photos
Fremantle fought back from 26 points down late in the third quarter to take a six-point lead with three minutes remaining in Saturday night’s blockbuster in front of 57,507 fans.
In a dramatic finish, Suns defender Mac Andrew drifted forward and took an important mark to goal and level the scores with 72 seconds to go.
Then the veteran Swallow, who was subbed on early in the final quarter, received a free kick after being tackled by Brennan Cox without the ball.
Originally signalled a goal, the ball was later adjudged a touched behind on review, but after a monster Fremantle kick out to the middle of the ground, time expired.
Damien Hardwick, coaching the Suns in their first finals appearance, pulled a masterstroke picking Swallow for what could have been his farewell match in his home state of Perth.
Instead, the day marked two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe’s farewell.
