1.Buddy back, but is he 100 per cent?
With Lance Franklin sidelined over the past three games due to a nagging back injury, the Swans' forward structure appeared to be lacking its potency. But there was no surprise that his return on Sunday gave the Swans back their killer instinct. Buddy may have kicked just one goal and collected seven touches in a quiet outing before being subbed in the third quarter, but his mere presence created matchup problems for the Saints. Sean Dempster, the Saints' best defender, went to Franklin, which left Isaac Heeney (four goals), Kurt Tippett (three goals) and Adam Goodes (three) to do the damage on the scoreboard.
2. Swans all but guaranteed the double chance
The competition may have started to wonder whether it could discount the Sydney Swans as a genuine premiership threat after an up and down form line in the latter half of the season. But with close to its best side back on the field, minus midfielder Luke Parker and forward Ben McGlynn, the Swans made a statement in a big win over the Saints. Led by their classy and hard-working midfield, the Swans kept their one-game buffer over Richmond in fourth spot. With a likely win over the undermanned Gold Coast next week, a trip to Perth to face Fremantle in the first week of the finals looks the likely scenario. But first things first – the Swans need to take care of business at the SCG next Saturday night.
3. The 'Schneiderman' spins his web for the final time
It seemed fitting that Adam Schneider would finish his career against the Sydney Swans, a team he represented so proudly in 98 games including the 2005 premiership and 2006 losing Grand Final. The Saints veteran, who announced his retirement early this week, was his side's leading goal kicker with two in a disappointing 97-point loss to the Swans. Schneider bows out of the AFL having kicked 261 goals in 227 games. He received a standing ovation from supporters of both sides as he left the field between a guard of honour consisting his past and present teammates.
4. Canada 1, United States 0
Canada and the United States have had a storied history when it comes to great sporting events and the countries added another chapter to that rivalry on Sunday. It was not in the traditional domain, however, as Canadian Mike Pyke did battle with US native Jason Holmes in the ruck. On this occasion it was Canada who would prevail, with Pyke edging Holmes in their ruck battle. Holmes, in just his second game, again displayed his trademark leap in the ruck (18 hit-outs). But Pyke's work around the ground was superior to his American opponent, with the big Canadian adding two majors to his 15 hit-outs and 13 touches.
5. Smith's hamstring blow
He may not get the accolades of some of his more high-profile teammates, but Nick Smith's importance to the Swans' line-up cannot be underestimated. That's why a hamstring injury he sustained in the final term against the Saints is worrying with finals just around the corner. Swans football manager Tom Harley told Channel Seven the club was taking a conservative approach with Smith's injury. If Smith's hamstring strain is severe, his absence for an impending qualifying final match up against Fremantle, who have Michael Walters and possibly Hayden Ballantyne zipping around the forward line, could be a major blow to the Swans' premiership hopes.
