The Sydney Swans VFL side have held off Premiers Werribee Tigers for a thrilling two-point victory at Blacktown International Sports Park this afternoon (Saturday, April 19) to claim their first victory of the season under senior coach Jarrad McVeigh.

The red and white started their season with two losses to commence their 2025 campaign, and coming fresh off a bye, Jarrad McVeigh welcomed back AFL-listed Peter Ladhams after three games in the AFL, for immediate impact.

Ladhams looked dangerous up front, kicking two crucial goals on either side of the half time break, complimenting strong performances by Matt Lloyd (three goals), Jack Buller (three goals) and Logan McDonald (one goal).

But it was a slow start to the home side that saw the Swans on the backfoot early, with stray kicking in the opening quarter seeing the side trail by 13-points at the first break.

While the Tigers were perfect in front of goal in the opening quarter, they were held scoreless in the second term. Sydney on the other hand were impressive with ball in hand, and without, striking back with goals to Buller, a double to Lloyd and goals to Ben Edwards and Ladhams. The latter duo rewarded following strong defensive efforts and pressure acts leading to scoring shots.

The Swans looked to be running away with the game in the third quarter, with further goals to Ladhams, Buller and McDonald extending the lead to six-goals before the premiers began their fight back.

Three goals in quick succession, before a setting major by Jack Kluske saw Sydney hold a 23-point victory heading into the final quarter.

14:49

VFL Mini-Match: Sydney v Werribee

Extended highlights of the Swans and Tigers clash in round four

Werribee continued to show the danger and class in their outfit, and a lift in intensity showed signs of the side that saw them lift the trophy last year, kicking four goals to the Swans one to start the final term.

But strong performances by Ben Edwards, who claimed the VFL Development Squad Player of the Year in 2024, ensured he saw plenty of the footy with 27 disposals while duo Angus Sheldrick (26) and Ben Paton (25) also impressed, having played stints in the senior side this season.

There were chances for the Tigers to reclaim a lead that they hadn't had since midway through the second quarter, but costly inaccurate kicking late in the game went on to be crucial for the opposition's chances.

03:15

VFL Showreel, R4: Peter Ladhams highlights

Enjoy Peter Ladhams' standout VFL performance for Sydney

Sydney had just the one scoring involvement in the final quarter, a goal to Buller, which saw the home side hold on for a thrilling two-point victory.

Nic Shipley was busy with 23 touches, while Ladhams (22 touches, two goals) and Lachie Hunter (19 touches), Buller (three goals, 15 touches) also had strong showings.

The Swans will next face the Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium, Gold Coast on Sunday, April 27 from 9:25am AEST in Round Five of the competition.

SYDNEY 11.9.75
WERRIBEE 11.7.73

Goals
Sydney: Matt Lloyd (3), Jack Buller (3), Peter Ladhams (2), Logan McDonald, Jack Kluske, Ben Edwards
Werribee: Hudson Garoni (3), Zac Banch (3), Jack Riding (2), Harry Maguire, Angus Hicks, Jay Dahlhaus