A valiant second-half performance from the Sydney Swans was to no avail in Round 14 of the VFL as they suffered a 23-point defeat to Collingwood Magpies on Saturday.
They were made to a rue a slow start which saw the Magpies record four unanswered goals in the opening term, although can take confidence from a courageous effort in the remaining three quarters.
Jack Buller again impressed with three goals and 17 disposals, having now kicked eight majors in his first two VFL appearances in the red and white.
Buller kicked his first early in the second quarter, before Ethan Grace got his name on the scoresheet with a huge strike from 50m - igniting the Bloods to a seemingly tough comeback, although they finished the first half with 10 behinds.
It was almost deja vu at the start of the third stanza when Buller got boot to ball and snapped his second, before Harry Morrison finished off some nice lead-up play to record two goals in quick succession.
Five goals in the fourth quarter weren't enough to record a fighting comeback victory, with Collingwood withstanding a relentless finish.
In positive news for the Swans, Tom McCartin made a welcome return from a head injury in his first game since Round 7 of the AFL, producing 24 disposals and seven marks.
Caleb Mitchell and Dylan Stephens also had strong showings with 23 and 24 disposals respectively, while Lachlan Rankin's tackle (5) pressure inside the Swans defensive 50m was immense.
The Swans will now look ahead to their Round 15 match against the Geelong Cats at the SCG next Friday afternoon - a curtain raiser to the AFL fixture.
