The Sydney Swans VFL side fell just short of a second consecutive win after North Melbourne took the Round 16 win on Tramway Oval. After a slow start the Swans fought bravely to come within a five-point margin (12.7.79 to 13.6.84) with a kick on the final siren unable to make the distance.
Matty Lloyd was the first to hit the scoreboard with a goal in the 19th minute while young ruckman Will Green got the team's second just before the halftime siren. Momentum gathered for the side in the third and fourth quarter with Willem Smit kicking two goals in six minutes while mid-season draftee Tom Hanily slotted three goals.
Peter Ladhams, Angus Sheldrick and Harry Arnold all returned from injury on Saturday. Ladhams was particularly strong and ended the match with 12 disposals, five marks and six tackles.
Aaron Francis impressed with a team high 22 disposals, eight marks and two tackles while Corey Warner was also a prolific ball user with 19 disposal and seven tackles. QBE Sydney Swans Academy product Caiden Cleary returned to the VFL with an impressive 10 tackles after he was elevated to the AFL in Round 16 and 17.
The Swans continue to clutch at finals hopes and sit just two premiership points outside the top 10, wining six outings and drawing once this season. The team travels to Queensland this week where they'll play the fifth-placed Brisbane Lions at Brighton Homes Arena.
Just four games remain in the regular 2024 VFL premiership season. The Swans will close out the season with two back-to-back matches at Tramway Oval in Round 20 and 21 - mark your calendars.
