Swans' finals hopes dealt hammer blow as Bulldogs earn lavish praise

The Western Bulldogs have won a thriller at the SCG and put a significant dent in Sydney's finals hopes.

In what was Marcus Bontempelli's 250th game, the Dogs led for the majority of the evening in the 16.9. (105) to 14.12. (96) win.

Isaac Heeney and Bontempelli traded blows all night in a battle of two of the game's premier midfielders.

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Heeney kicked five goals, including four in the third quarter, doing everything he could.

But it was young midfielder Joel Freijah who stole the show, booting four goals of his own.

Tom McCartin was a late out for the Swans, leaving them well undersized in defence, giving 208cm giant Sam Darcy a huge advantage.

The 21-year-old rising star kicked two early goals, but his impact was mostly restricted throughout the night by Lewis Melican.

The Swans were wasteful in the first half, kicking 6.8, and the Dogs led by as much as 28 points in the second term.

The teams traded runs of goals in a shootout third quarter, with Sydney even taking the lead before the visitors re-established control.

The one dampener on such a high-quality game of footy was the turf at the Paddington End of the ground.

Jonathan Brown was scathing in his assessment, as players struggled to keep their feet all night.

After the match, the Brisbane great pondered whether the AFL should move games away from the SCG until the turf is up to scratch.

The fourth quarter was just as frenetic. Every time the Dogs appeared to gain control, the Swans found a way to stay within arm's reach.

But they could never quite get closer than that. Hayden McLean had a chance to bring them within a goal in the final 45 seconds, but he hit the post.

"Story of the night," Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy after the shot.

"Sydney will think they should've won this. The bottom line is if you don't finish your chances, there's no 'could've, should've'."

Brown believes the Dogs can push into the top four late in the season.

"They can be top four, no question about it. Their midfield can compete with anyone," Brown said.

"They're dangerous. When you've got big forwards like Darcy and Naughton ... you can compete against anyone."

Errol Gulden led the way for the Swans with 30 disposals, while ruckman Brodie Grundy won 43 hit-outs and 23 disposals.

For the Dogs, Lachie Bramble found 28 touches, while Naughton and Darcy combined for six goals.

The Bulldogs picked up a crucial win on the road as they battle amongst the pack to stay within the top eight.

For Sydney, however, they could find themselves three wins outside of eighth at the end of the round.

And that might just be too difficult to overcome, even as they find form late in the season.