A courageous and young Sydney Swans outfit has fallen valiantly to the Collingwood Magpies in Round 1 of the 2025 VFL Season.

The red and white fought hard from start to finish with just seven AFL listed players featuring, although Collingwood proved too strong as they recorded a 13.6 (84) to 8.11 (59) victory.

Captain Nick Shipley starred with 35 disposals, nine clearances, and seven tackles, while Caiden Cleary impressed in his first game of 2025 with 37 disposals, and eight clearances of his own. 

Aaron Francis (27 disposals, 11 intercept possessions) and Will Green (17 disposals, 29 hit-outs, seven clearances) and Ben Paton (31 disposals) also played their hand with some strong efforts at various stages.

It was an error-riddled opening term from both sides but the Swans did well to weather the storm early with Francis and Will Edwards helping withstand a mountain of early pressure in the defensive 50.

Despite Collingwood kicking two goals in quick succession to lead at the break, Cleary made his presence known with 12 disposals while Francis had 11 majors to go with six intercept possessions.

The Swans finally broke the deadlock early in the second quarter as Jack Buller kicked his first, before Tom Longmire followed suit.

The red and white were made to rue a host of missed opportunities and mistakes although the likes of Shipley (21 disposals) and Paton (18) were busy in the opening half. 

Shipley continued to lead from the front at the start of the third quarter with some relentless defensive pressure while finding plenty of footy of his own, while Francis never wavered from Collingwood's attacking raids.

An incredible team goal from James Tidemman, courtesy of a great contested mark from Jack Buller, reduced the deficit to 10 points before Collingwood raced away with some rapid-fire goals in the closing moments of the third term.

The final quarter saw the Swans have plenty of chances to ignite a comeback, with goals to Matt Lloyd, Longmire and Jack Kluske, but lacked the composure and temperament to finish their attacking raids.

The Swans now set their sighs on their Round 3 match against North Melbourne on Sunday, April 6 at Arden Street Oval.