The Sydney Swans have been defeated by the Gold Coast Suns by 34 points in wet, heavy conditions on Saturday afternoon in Sydney.
In the wet of Sydney's Henson Park, Gold Coast took charge right from the opening siren to claim the Round 7 victory, 7.7 (49) to the Swans' 2.3 (15).
The Swans came out with a real intent to pressure the ball carrier and improve their contested game, laying 61 tackles to 55, but the class and speed of the Suns rose above.
Gold Coast was clean and quick out of stoppages, finding space and gaining territory with ease and in turn exposing Sydney's inability to clear its defensive 50. The Suns were far more reliable at getting first hands on the ball, winning the centre clearance count nine to two, which often resulted in the Swans trailing their direct opponents.
In the second quarter, the home side did find some territory control thanks to some excellent forward pressure but were unable to make the most of it on the scoreboard, kicking just one behind for the term.
The visitors dominated the air, enjoying a height advantage across much of the ground, and even when unable to take the mark they often brought it to ground for teammates to gather and find separation.
On a tough day, Sofia Hurley and Lisa Steane's pressure was important for the Swans. Hurley laid 10 tackles in a tireless effort, meanwhile it was Steane's workrate around the ground that Sydney really missed when she was forced to leave the ground with a head knock after a slinging tackle from Lucy Single. Post-game she was cleared of concussion.
Bec Privitelli was once again Sydney's most dangerous forward, providing a strong option in the Swans 50, kicking two goals to take her season tally to five, while also providing a link into attack when pushing up the field.
It was also the battle of the last two No.1 draft picks, Gold Coast's Charlie Rowbottom and Sydney's Montana Ham put on a show, presenting the new archetypal AFLW midfielder. Each standing at 179cm tall and with breakaway power, the young pair didn't necessarily go head-to-head, but each had critical moments through the game and showed what fans of the competition have to look forward to in the years to come.
Up next Sydney will travel to Melbourne to take on fellow expansion side Essendon in a Pride Round doubleheader at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon.
SYDNEY 2.3 (15) GOLD COAST 7.7 (49)
GOALS: Sydney: Privitelli 2 Gold Coast: Dupuy 2, Jones 2, Bohanna, Whitfort, Meyer
BEST
Sydney: Hurley, Ham, Steane, Privitelli
Gold Coast: Rowbottom, Drennan, Whitfort, Saad
