AFL 2023 round 20 LIVE updates: Bombers and Swans in opening term arm wrestle; Crows and Power to clash in Showdown

AFL 2023 round 20 LIVE updates: Bombers and Swans in opening term arm wrestle; Crows and Power to clash in Showdown

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Lead see-saws back for the Swans

Sydney have the lead again with back-to-back goals from Sam Wicks and Joel Amarety – feeling a bit deja vu after these two kicked things off for the Swans in the opening ten minutes.

It’s a fast start at Marvel Stadium with the ball going end to end.

Sydney lead by one-point.

Bombers off to a flyer

Kyle Langford has two early goals, both within the opening ten minutes. Add another from lightening quick backman Nick Hind and it’s a hot start for Essendon.

Essendon’s Kyle Langford.Credit: Getty

The Bombers are driving the ball up the ground quickly and have had some deep entries into their forward 50.

But it’s early, early days.

Essendon lead by 11-points midway through the opening term.

Sydney answer

Sydney have answered Essendon’s quick fire goal with one of their own, thanks so Sam Wicks.

Joel Amartey looked to go back-to-back for the Swans, but his set shot didn’t make the distance and went through as a rushed behind.

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Langford kicks off the party

Well, it’s the perfect start for Essendon.

Kyle Langford – quickly becoming one of the side’s most reliable goalkickers – has booted a goal within the opening minute.

The ball cleanly made its way out of centre bounce, thanks in large part to Darcy Parish, and into Langford’s hands, who ran it into goal.

Bombers up by six.

We’re off at Marvel Stadium: who wins?

Bombers and Swans are underway at Marvel.

It’s a vital clash for both sides as they fight to stay alive in the race for September.

Who do you think will take home the chocolates?

Suns win!

The day of upsets continue with Gold Coast claiming a whopping 41-point victory over Brisbane in the QClash at Heritage Bank Stadium.

Ben King was phenomenal with five goals, while Ben Ainsworth and Levi Casboult also booted two each.

Suns win 15.6 (96) to 7.13 (55).

Jy Farrar of the Gold Coast Suns.Credit: Getty

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ICYMI: Blicavs, Hawkins injuries compound Geelong’s shock loss to Dockers

By Jon Pierik

Geelong’s finals push has been dealt a major blow after premiership stars Mark Blicavs and Tom Hawkins limped from the field with serious soft-tissue injuries in an upset seven-point loss to Fremantle on Saturday.

Feeling the strain: Geelong star Mark Blicavs hurt his left hamstring against Fremantle and faces an extended break on the sidelines.Credit: Getty Images

On a day the Cats hoped to celebrate Chris Scott overtaking the legendary Reg Hickey (304 matches) for most games coached at the club, the afternoon became a horror show, with the defeat at GMHBA Stadium leaving them outside the top eight, and with serious worries over the durable Blicavs and Hawkins.

Blicavs hurt his left hamstring while attempting to tackle Corey Wagner in the second term, and clutched his leg as he left the field. Scans will determine the extent of the injury.

“They (medical team) said moderate hamstring strain,” Scott said, without elaborating on how long this would mean on the sidelines for the “irreplaceable” Blicavs.

Read full article here.

Suns with big lead in QClash

Gold Coast took the lead over Brisbane midway through the second quarter and built on it ever since. They now have up by 31-points, with just over six minutes to go.

The Lions have created more chances, going inside 50 more often, but the Suns have been far more accurate. Gold Coast have kicked 12 goals to five behinds, while Brisbane have booted 10 behinds to just six goals.

Ben King has had a big night out with five goals, while Sam Flanders leads the disposal count on 31.

Big late out for Crows

Adelaide have made a big late change ahead of their showdown against Port Adelaide, with former skipper Rory Sloane replaced in the 22 by Jake Soligo.

No late changes for Port.

Substitutes:

  • Rory Sloane for Adelaide
  • Travis Boak for Port
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Late change for Bombers

Essendon have made a late change for their clash with Sydney.

Will Snelling it out, replaced by Alwyn Davey Jnr.

Substitutes:

  • Will Snelling for Essendon
  • Ryan Clarke for Sydney

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