The Sydney Swans VFL went down to the Northern Bullants in Round 5 of the VFL, suffering a 27-point loss at Preston City Oval on Sunday (April 23, 2023).

The Swans trailed by three goals at the half-time break, but rallied with a five-goal third quarter to gain the lead heading into the final term.

But ill-discipline eventually lead to a disappointing finish for the red and white.

SYDNEY 9.12.66
NORTHERN BULLANTS 14.9.93

GOALS: Angus Sheldrick (2), Hugo Hall-Kahan (2), Cooper Vickery, Cameron Owen, Harry Morrison, Lachlan McAndrew, Jake Bartholomaeus

“The overall result was disappointing in the end. They came out and played really physical, defensive brand of footy, which is a credit to them, but we probably needed to absorb their pressure a little bit better at times,” Swans VFL head coach Damian Truslove said on reflection of the game.

“Our third quarter was excellent. We got our brand of footy going but in the end, we gave away four or five 50m penalties through ill discipline, so that was disappointing.

“To not get the result in the end, was something we have to improve.”

Truslove did not make any excuses for the late fade, but looked towards the positives of the young Swans wanting to learn from the experiences.

“The average age of the group is 20-21, a very young group, so you are going to get inconsistencies with performance at that sort of age group, but that is not an excuse for some of the things and areas we struggled in,” Truslove said.

“The good thing is, they are a great group, keen to learn and get better and just keep working hard.”

Midfielder Angus Sheldrick continues to push hard for a senior recall, finishing with a game-high 35 disposals and nine clearances as well as two goals while young ruck Lachlan McAndrew had 37 hit outs and a goal.

After making his senior debut last week, Corey Warner had 19 disposals and six clearances to be Sydney's second-highest ball-winner behind Sheldrick, with Truslove highlighting some of the Swans performances.

“Angus Sheldrick was outstanding. He was heavily tagged, was targeted by the opposition, but he absorbed it really well and found a lot of the ball. He was hard and and tough for four quarters,” Truslove said.

“Lachlan McAndrew got plenty of hitouts and continues to have some good form.”

“Nick Shipley, from our VFL list, is having a great season and was consistent again.

“Corey Warner worked hard with his running patterns to find plenty of footy as well.”

Making his return from injury, Tom Hickey played out valuable minutes, picking up 12 disposals and 17 hitouts.

“Hickey was great and needed the run. He played three quarters, worked pretty hard around the stoppages and it was good for him to get the run, hit some bodies and he will continue to get better.

Having been sidelined by a shin injury since being drafted late last year, Jacob Konstanty made his first appearance in the VFL competition.

“It was Jacob’s first VFL game and he played just over a half. It was good that he got through and got out there. It was a physical hard game so it was a bit of a tough one for him to come in, but he handled himself well and will continue to get better each game he plays.”

Cooper Vickery, pick No.27 in last year's national draft, finished with 18 disposals and a goal, moving in position while Marc Sheather saw a transition to the Swans backline.

Both young Swans impressed Truslove.

“Marc Sheather played down back and it was a new opportunity and new role for him,” he said.

“He was really good. He was competitive, aggressive and won most of his contests. He also gave a little bit of drive offensively, out of half back so I think that is an exciting move for the club going forward.

“Cooper Vickery also moved from the defence to the wing and gave us some run drive there and that was his best performance so far for the club, so that was a positive.

“With our young boys, we want to keep moving them around and teach them the craft of each line so they are not locked into one position, because it gives them an opportunity to play at AFL level in different roles but is also a good part of their learning.” Truslove added.

The Swans VFL side have the bye this weekend.