The Western Bulldogs have denied the Sydney Swans their grand final revenge, downing them by 23 points in a gripping and controversial replay of last year's AFL premiership decider.
The Swans trailed by 22 points at three-quarter time but stole the lead halfway through the final term after superstar Lance Franklin booted three goals in 10 minutes.
But some late heroics from Marcus Bontempelli and a contentious goal to Liam Picken paved the way for the reigning premiers to claim a remarkable 16.14 (110) to 13.9 (87) victory at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
With the Bulldogs up by four points late in the final term, Picken was awarded a free kick directly in front of goal after Sydney's Callum Mills was pinged for a rushed behind.
Replays suggested Mills was within his rights to punch the ball through because he was in the goal square.
The decision sparked a late run from the Bulldogs, with Bontempelli (29 disposals, two goals) getting the better of Franklin (22 touches, four goals) in an astonishing duel between the two guns.
Sydney must also contend with another injury to high-priced big man Kurt Tippett, who limped off for the night halfway through the first quarter. He landed awkwardly on his left ankle during a marking contest and was later seen on crutches.
Sydney flew out of the gates with the first four goals, three booted by big man Sam Reid.
He finished with six and was the chief beneficiary of a dominant start by the Sydney midfield, who led the clearances 14-3 at the first break.
Everything was going the Swans' way until a brain fade from Zak Jones who lined up and collected Travis Cloke with a head-high bump, gifting the Bulldogs their first goal.
Jones is almost certain to be suspended for the challenge, which resulted in a 50-metre penalty and an easy goal for Cloke.
The former Collingwood forward booted three goals in an impressive performance.
The Bulldogs seized the momentum in the second term and led by eight points at halftime.
They continued to build momentum after the break with Tom Boyd soaring above the pack for a spectacular mark and goal to open the half.
Franklin was brilliant late, kicking outstanding goals either side of three-quarter time but it wasn't quite enough.
