The Sydney Swans VFL side have shown their fighting spirit in the final round of the regular home and away season, but it wasn’t enough going down to the ladder-leaders Footscray by 37 points.
With the red and white requiring a win and a string of results to go their way, they were valiant in their attempt to keep their season alive, eventually going down 10.10.70 to 16.11.107.
After playing less than a quarter as the sub in Friday night's match against Essendon, Corey Warner fronted up for the VFL side and was among the Swans' best on Saturday morning at Tramway Oval.
Warner collected 27 disposals, had 10 clearances and kicked a goal.
Young midfielder Angus Sheldrick also continues to press his claims for a recall to the AFL side, finishing with team-highs of 28 disposals and 12 clearances.
Rookie defender Harry Arnold (17 disposals, six marks) was solid down back, returning from injury just a few weeks ago, young mid Caleb Mitchell (18 disposals, six marks) found plenty of the ball, and ruck duo Peter Ladhams (17 hitouts, 17 disposals, one goal) and Lachlan McAndrew (24 hitouts, six tackles, three clearances) won the battle in the middle.
Joel Hamling kicked two goals to go with his 11 disposals and nine marks, while Aaron Francis (13 disposals, five marks) was ever-present.
QBE Sydney Swans Academy product Indhi Kirk (11 disposals, five tackles), Tom Hanily (16 disposals), Jaiden Magor (17) and Will Green (one goal) were other Swans players in action.
The loss sees the Swans finish the regular home and away season outside the top 10 in 13th place, with eight wins, nine losses and a draw this season.
Sydney 10.10. 70
Footscray 16.11.107
Goals: Nic Shipley (3), Joel Hamling (2), Corey Warner, James Lugsdin, Matt Lloyd, Peter Ladhams, Will Green
