The Sydney Swans VFL side suffered a 47-point defeat to an experienced Gold Coast Suns VFL outfit at Peoples First Stadium on Sunday, 27 April in Round 5 of the competition.
A flying start to the home side, before a barrage of goals in the third quarter put the result beyond reach for the injury-affected Swans line up, going down 14.9.93 to 6.10.46.
The Suns raced out of the blocks, with plenty of forward pressure and possession with the ball staying in the home side’s forward half for the majority of the term.
The Suns turned their possession into points, and were accurate from in front of goals, kicking the first four majors of the morning to race away to an early lead.
Young forward Ned Bowman and Angus Hanrahan had opportunities to score but were wayward on their tough chances as the Swans trailed by 24-points at the break.
The quarter time break provided the chance for the red and white to regather their composure and it paid dividends as the side rallied in the second term.
Goals to Indhi Kirk, Matt Lloyd and Jack Buller, with Kirk kicking the first for the Swans after some nice transition work by Bowman, while Lloyd and Buller capitalised in front of goal, cutting the margin to 17 at the half time break.
However the second half saw the home side regain control, and a mountain of possession led to the first four goals of the term.
Just like the start of the match, the Suns found themselves with plenty of opportunities in their attacking line and made the Swans pay.
A nice string of enterprising play saw Nic Shipley find Jack Kluske on the run, who delivered a piercing inside-50m to Bowman to score a major.
Minutes later, Kirk had his second of the match after earning a free kick inside the 50m arc, as the Swans trailed by 38-points at the third quarter break.
With the home side in control, two goals to the start of the final term put them in control.
A fighting effort and goal to Max Geddes a late consolation to the Swans but it was the lone major to the red and white.
Young midfielder Angus Sheldrick, who topped the disposal count with 30 touches, four tackles, continued to find plenty of the ball as he pushes for selection in the senior side while captain Nic Shipley was strong with (24 touches, seven tackles)
In his return to the VFL following a stint in the seniors, defender Joel Hamling was strong down back, finishing with (15 touches) while Caleb Mitchell (19 touches), Jack Buller (10 touches, one goal) and Ben Edwards (17 touches) performed strongly.
SUNS 14.9.93
SYDNEY 6.10.46 (GOALS: Kirk (2), Lloyd, Geddes, Buller, Bowman)
The Swans VFL side will host GWS Giants in a Sydney Derby clash in Round 5 on Sunday, May 4 at the SCG from 4:35pm.
