Sydney Swans defenders Nick Malceski and Campbell Heath both made successful returns to the field in the Swans reserves 92-point win over the Gold Coast Suns at Sydney’s Lakeside Oval this afternoon.
Malceski completed two-and-a-half quarters, while Heath - who has been back in training longer than Malceski - played the full game, and it was evident that the off-season LARS surgery hadn’t affected either’s ability.
Malceski showed great composure and foot skills out of the backline, and set up several scoring opportunities throughout the game - including a goal of his own in the first quarter - while Heath’s tackling and attack on the contest was the trademark of his game.
Trent Dennis-Lane was the standout goal scorer for the Swans with seven, and while he has been consistently scoring goals since his return from an ankle injury, today was his most complete performance with majors in every quarter.
Lewis Johnston went forward in the second and third quarters after beginning the game in defence, and contributed three goals, including a brilliant 45-metre bomb from tight in on the right forward pocket boundary line in the second quarter.
Johnston’s move forward coincided with Jesse White going back to help out in defence, where he read the ball well and took some telling marks. White went to the dangerous Charlie Dixon who had been involved in everything good the Suns had done, and curbed his influence in the second half.
After being the non-playing emergency for the seniors in Canberra last weekend, Brett Meredith returned to the side today and was a driving force through the midfield for the Swans, especially in the first half. The Suns struggled to defend Meredith’s booming kick, and he also drifted forward to finish with two goals.
Similarly, Jarred Moore enjoyed the full hit-out in the midfield, with his ferocity and constant ability to move the ball forward really setting the tone for his teammates.
Despite the lob-sided final scoreboard, the Swans didn’t have it all their own way, with the Suns enjoying periods of the game were they showed the silky skills they possess, but ultimately the experience and confidence of the Swans proved too much.
The Swans reserves will have their second bye of the season next weekend, before they travel to Newcastle to face Ainslie at 12.30pm on Saturday May 28.
Sydney Swans 4.4 9.6 14.7 18.12 (120)
Gold Coast Suns 1.3 2.5 2.7 3.10 (28)
Goal Kickers: T. DENNIS-LANE 7, L. JOHNSTON 3, B. MEREDITH 2, N. MALCESKI , C. MCKAIGUE , D. Robinson , A. Moody , P. BEVAN , M. SEABY
Best Players: J. MOORE, T. DENNIS-LANE, B. MEREDITH, J. WHITE, D. MCNEIL, P. BEVAN, M. SEABY
