The Canberra Demons surged late but two of the game’s stand-outs combined at the death to give the Sydney Swans breathing space on Saturday afternoon, joining forces for a critical goal en route to an eight-point win at UNSW Canberra Oval.
Not only were first-year draftee James Rowbottom (31 touches, three goals) and veteran Swan Kieren Jack (23 disposals, one goal) among the best on the stats sheet, they teamed up to push Sydney’s lead to 20 points at the 22-minute mark of the final term.
Rowbottom blasted the footy inside 50 and Jack crumbed and goaled off a left-foot snap, and while Canberra would respond with two unanswered goals, Sydney’s major had ensured enough of a buffer.
Sydney development coach Jeremy Laidler was highly impressed with the performances of Rowbottom and Jack in the 12.15 (87) to 11.13 (79) win.
“James is taking his game to a new level and he’s playing at AFL standard now,” Laidler told Swans Media post-match.
“He knows what the standards are, he worked really hard all day with the other midfielders and he used his legs inside and outside the contest.
“Kieren was good too. He played on the inside of the midfield for the majority of the day, and his leadership was unquestionable. It’s at a high standard all the time. Like James, he was really good on the inside of the contest.”
Robbie Fox was another of the Swans’ key drivers on his way to 31 possessions, 12 tackles and a goal.
The Tasmanian, who in recent weeks had battled an ankle injury, ran out for his first match since Sydney’s game against Geelong in Round 11.
Lively Sydney small forward Ben Ronke (19 disposals, two goals) was also influential, while Swans recruit Jackson Thurlow gathered 24 touches and injected a wealth of drive from defence.
Fellow Swans recruit Michael Knoll, one of the club’s two selections at the Mid-Season Rookie Draft, was also strong in ruckman Darcy Cameron’s absence.
The 205-centimetre, 103-kilogram giant posted a match-high 39 hit-outs, and Laidler is thrilled with the progress he’s shown.
“He competed hard all day,” Laidler said.
“He gave us a contest and there were stages where he showed some of his best footy. It’s very tricky to fit into a new club and a new game plan, but he’s adapted really well."
Cameron couldn’t recover from an injury suffered at training during the week in time for the Canberra trip, while rising forward Tom McCartin (managed) was also a late withdrawal.
The Swans led at quarter-time, half-time and the final change, before staving off a gallant Demons outfit in the fourth stanza.
Canberra booted six goals to Sydney’s three in the final term, chopping the deficit to as little as seven points and making for nervous viewing for Laidler.
“It was a little bit tense over the last 10-15 minutes, but I really enjoyed it,” Laidler said.
“We’re a young group and it was a different challenge to what we had seen before. It was good to see how they reacted and we’ve got some learnings from it, which is pleasing.”
Sydney Swans 2.6 5.8 9.13 12.15 (87)
Canberra Demons 1.4 2.10 5.12 11.13 (79)
Goals – Sydney: J Rowbottom 3, B Ronke 2, H McLean 2, J Barling, J Bell, R Fox, K Jack, J Rayner
