The Sydney Swans fell to back-to-back losses in a 61-point defeat to the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, but star duo Darcy Cameron and Dean Towers mounted strong cases for AFL recalls in the SCG clash.
Cameron reeled in 28 possessions, 48 hit-outs, 13 marks and two goals in the 18.8 (116) to 8.7 (55) loss, while Towers gathered 23 touches and a pair of goals of his own in the Round 18 contest.
Cameron faced AFL-listed Brisbane big man Archie Smith for the fourth time this season and held his own, while his presence when rotating through the forward line was strong.
Towers snared one of his two goals off a classy snap from congestion in the opening term and stamped his impact in the midfield and forward line.
Cameron made his AFL debut in Sydney’s clash with Gold Coast and said his personal performance in the Brisbane match was a step in the right direction.
“I try to have an impact in the forward line when I’m not rucking and I thought I did that tonight,” Cameron said.
“Marking is one of my strengths and if I can also go forward and kick a couple of goals that’s a bonus.
“Archie Smith is a good competitor. He’s been around for a while and he knows what he’s doing and it was good to get a go against a good and experienced player.”
Cameron said Towers produced a promising game of his own.
“Dean was unbelievable,” Cameron said.
“He puts his head over the ball and just tries to send the footy forward and his effort was through the roof. He was the one trying to get the boys over the line today so full credit to him.”
Swans fans were also treated to a glimpse of the next generation of talent, with first-year Swans Jake Brown (22 disposals, one goal) and James Bell (15 touches, seven marks, one goal) both influential.
Brown’s unreserved ball-winning ability has shone through in the NEAFL this season and Bell has impressed with his electric pace and growing game awareness.
Cameron was full of praise for the young duo.
“It’s a big positive to see the younger boys like Browny and Belly putting their hands up,” Cameron said.
“When those two younger blokes put their heads over the ball and bring the effort they brought today it lifts the rest of us.”
Brisbane shot from the blocks to pile on the opening three goals of the game but Sydney would resist, running in three majors in a row of its own to trail by one point at quarter-time.
But the Lions would boot five second-term goals to the Swans’ two to take a 19-point lead into the main break.
The fresh-faced Swans outfit battled hard in the second half but couldn’t keep stride with the experienced Lions side, with Brisbane piling on six goals across the third and fourth quarters.
The red and white fielded 13 QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-ups, the most thus far in season 2018.
Sydney is now set to travel to the nation’s capital to face the Canberra Demons at Phillip Oval next Saturday afternoon.
Brisbane Lions 3.2 8.3 11.5 16.7
Sydney Swans 3.1 5.2 7.5 8.7
Goals – Sydney Swans: J Rayner 2, D Towers 2, D Cameron 2, J Brown, J Bell
