Reserves back on winners' list
The Sydney Swans reserves returned to the winners' list with a 27-point victory over Brisbane at the SCG
In blustery conditions, the match began as a hard and tough encounter as expected from two AFL-listed squads. The final product was missing however, as only a moment of class from the returning Tom Mitchell to gather a clearance from a boundary throw in, feign twice and snapping truly gave the Swans’ their solitary goal of the opening term.
As Brisbane’s Jono Freeman kicked his third goal in the opening stages of the second term, there was nothing splitting the two sides on the scoreboard. But then the Swans broke the game open in a ten-minute burst which netted four goals.
Brandon Jack got busy with a goal created by his pace and ability to weave around opponents in the forward 50. He then proceeded to set up two goals with kicks to advantage to Sam Naismith and Ryan O’Keefe, both of whom goaled from set shots. On the verge of half-time, Toby Nankervis won a free kick 45 metres out and calmly slotted the set-shot after the siren to give the home side a 27-point lead.
The margin stayed around that mark for the remainder of the match as just three goals were added in the second half – one each to O’Keefe and George Hewett for the Swans and one to Lion Andrew Raines.
O’Keefe finished the game as the Swans leading possession-getter with 33 touches, 11 marks, five tackles and two goals, with Hewett not far behind on 30 disposals and two majors.
Mitchell picked up 15 possessions in a half, as he returned from a minor knee injury, while Nankervis was unable to play the final term after suffering a compound finger fracture.
Contending with a tall Lions forward line that at times contained the likes of Matthew Leuenberger, Archie Smith, Jordan Lisle and Marco Paparone, the Swans defence, ably led by Tommy Walsh, did well to restrict the visitors to just four goals, with many of their scoring shots coming from long range or tough angles.
A slightly-built number 49 lined up for the Swans reserves for the first time, sporting a surname familiar to all Swans supporters. Jackson Kelly from the Wagga Tigers picked up nine touches and laid two tackles in his first appearance in the red and white.
Despite the win, the Swans reserves fell to fourth on the NEAFL table, a win and percentage behind UWS and NT Thunder, and just percentage behind Aspley, with three home and away matches remaining.
The Swans are next in action against the Gold Coast Suns reserves from 10am this Saturday at Blacktown.
Sydney Swans reserves 1.3 7.6 8.8 9.11 65
Brisbane Lions reserves 2.3 3.3 4.9 4.14 38
Goals – Hewett 2, O’Keefe 2, T. Mitchell, Jack, Naismith, Dickson, Nankervis