Re-live five of the talking points from the Sydney Swans 79-point win over Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday
1. No Buddy problem
The Swans did not miss key forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett at the Gabba as 12 goalkickers put their name on the scoresheet. Although Adam Goodes played forward for much of the game, there was no permanent presence in the attacking fifty with midfielders taking it in turns to move forward with great effect. Kieren Jack, Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker all kicked two and had multiple marks inside 50, with the Lions often left chasing shadows.
2. Life without Browny
The Lions got a glimpse of what life might be like without Jonathan Brown, who missed the match with general soreness. While dominated in all aspects of play by the Swans they did manage 38 inside 50s, from which they accumulated just three marks. With the Demons winning in Adelaide, the Lions are now in line for the first pick in this year’s draft. If they stay propping up the ladder, it will be odds-on a tall forward once again is the first name called out.
3. 'Sauce' a shadow in 2014
Usually one of the Lions’ most consistent players, Daniel Merrett has been far from his best this season. The full-back proved a handful for defenders when thrown forward by the Lions last season but has been largely ineffective in the past two games, playing up the field since returning from suspension. Even at full-back in the first three games of the season, he was far from his best, perhaps leading to his frustrated lashing out at Gold Coast’s David Swallow. The Lions were confident the broken ankle suffered in round 22 of last season would not affect him, but he has not looked the same player since.
4. Nice moment for milestone man
Rhyce Shaw, playing his 200th game, kicked just his second goal in his past 27 matches, capping an all-round effective performance with 27 touches and eight marks. In truth he will have had few easier matches with the Lions applying little pressure as the Swans moved the ball through the midfield at will. It was a match where the Swans’ old guard all showed up, with Goodes kicking three goals (including the first two of the game) and Jarrad McVeigh the best on ground with 35 possessions.
5. Pyke potentially a big loss
Although John Longmire could not have asked for an easier build-up to Friday’s crunch clash with reigning champions Hawthorn, the victory seemed to come at a cost with Mike Pyke limping off with a hamstring injury in the second quarter. The Canadian’s likely absence at the SCG would mean Tom Derickx shouldering the vast majority of the ruck load – another reason why the Swans would be delighted to have Tippett back in the side. Pyke’s early exit meant returnees Sam Reid and Goodes played the whole game, which may have been more of a risk had the game not been comfortably in the bag in the second half.
Hear from Swans AFLW senior coach Scott Gowans as he goes over the two changes for our clash with Gold Coast.
01:23
Luke Parker's best moments as a Swan
The Sydney Swans have received pick 44 in the 2024 National Draft in exchange for Luke Parker and Jacob Konstanty in a trade with the North Melbourne Football Club.
07:32
"It's important we take the game on" - Gowans
Hear from Scott Gowans as he fronts the media ahead of our match against Gold Coast on Saturday.
03:41
Ask a Swan, presented by Volkswagen, with Hayley Bullas
In our first episode of Ask a Swan, presented by Volkswagen, new host Chloe Molloy chats to Hayley Bullas about her first game in the red and white, life outside of footy and how she handled coming back from an ACL injury.
The Sydney Swans return home to Henson Park to take on the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday afternoon in Round 8 of the AFLW Season. We take a look at our upcoming opposition.
Hall of Fame Bio: Jim Caldwell
As we reflect on the club's 150 year history, which began in South Melbourne in 1874 and then to the harbour city in 1982, we will take a look back each week and feature our Swans Hall of Fame.
Sydney Swans List Update
Defender Caleb Mitchell and small forward Tom Hanily have been rewarded with one-year contract extensions, keeping them at the Sydney Swans until at least the end of 2025.
Tanya's Take, presented by Bird in Hand - Round 8
Assistant coach Tanya Hetherington lends her expertise on Round 8 and the challenges the team faces late in the season.