An incredible nine goal first quarter burst has propelled Sydney to a barnstorming 71-point win over a dismal St Kilda in the annual Pride Game at Etihad Stadium.
Missing defensive duo Jake Carlisle and skipper Jarryn Geary, the home side were torn to shreds as the Swans ran riot to heap further misery on the struggling Saints and their embattled coach Alan Richardson.
Tonight’s victory makes it nine wins in a row for John Longmuire’s side over St Kilda and 14 of their past 15 at the Docklands venue.
It’s the Saints’ worst start to a season since 2000 when they won just two games.
Here's everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Swans' opening blitz stuns Saints
By quarter time Sydney had already put the game beyond doubt.
St Kilda were ruthlessly swept aside by a Swans side that looked to have found their offensive mojo after labouring in attack during their recent wins against Brisbane and Carlton.
While the visitors only had two more inside 50s, they were far more clinical with their entries, with Callum Sinclair and Lance Franklin the beneficiaries with two goals apiece.
The Swans have kicked the first nine goals of the game!
— AFL (@AFL) June 9, 2018
It's the best first-quarter effort of the year. #AFLSaintsSwans pic.twitter.com/AG1ZnPzK46
It was all one-way traffic around the stoppages also, with Sydney obliterating the Saints’ midfield winning the clearance count 18 to 6 in what could only be described as a men against boys scenario.
AFL Nation’s Terry Wallace said the alarm bells were ringing from the very get-go for St Kilda as the Swans were virtually allowed to do as they pleased.
Plough: For there to be that much space through the corridor this early in the game is a disappointing start for St Kilda.#AFLSaintsSwans #PrideGame
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) June 9, 2018
Plough: This is the best footy I've seen Sydney play all year.#AFLSaintsSwans #PrideGame pic.twitter.com/vQIUlPO8QF
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) June 9, 2018
After their horror opening term, St Kilda fared slightly better in the second, but once again they were plagued by poor goal kicking which highlighted the gulf between the two teams.
Plough: St Kilda has had eight scoring shots this quarter, but they're at 2.6.
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) June 9, 2018
Compare that to the 9.1 Sydney kicked in the first term.#AFLSaintsSwans #PrideGame
The Star: Josh Kennedy
In what was a superb even performance, Josh Kennedy was instrumental in Sydney’s superiority around the football.
Kennedy was a class above as he completely dominated the midfield proceedings both at the contest and on the outside.
The skipper was at the heart of the Swans’ outstanding first quarter, winning the ball at the source and driving his side forward at every opportunity.
It was a productive night at the office for the Sydney champion, amassing a game-high 31 disposals, six clearances, five inside 50s, laying five tackles and booting a goal in an exemplary midfield display.
The Young Gun: Oliver Florent
After being nominated for the Rising Star in Round 11, Oliver Florent’s star continues to rise.
Florent was one of the Swans’ main instigators during their stunning first quarter display, accumulating 10 early disposals, two clearances and two inside 50s – that included a goal assist for defender Zak Jones.
Smart play from Ollie Florent who doesn't take the low percentage shot and finds Jones instead.
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) June 9, 2018
Jonesy goes back and goes bang! That's goal number 9 😯
SYD 9.1.55
SAINTS 0.1.1#AFLSaintsSwans #goswans
By half-time he had 15 touches with seven of those contested, as he once again showcased what a fine young player the Sandringham Dragons product is proving to be.
It’s the fifth game in a row the 19-year-old has recorded over 20 possessions in a match.
What’s next?
Sydney face a stern test of their premiership credentials when they face top-of-the-table West Coast at the SCG next Friday night, as they look to make it six straight wins.
St Kilda have a great opportunity to break their winless drought when they take on fellow strugglers Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium next Saturday twilight.
Full Score
St Kilda: 1.1, 3.8, 4.10, 7.13.55
Sydney: 9.1, 14.3, 17.7, 19.12.126
GOALS
St Kilda: Battle 2, Sinclair, McCartin, Weller, Gresham, Membrey
Sydney: Franklin 4, Sinclair 3, Hayward 2, Papley 2, Rohan 2, Parker 2, McCartin, Heeney, Jones, Kennedy,
BEST
St Kilda: Webster, Ross, Rice, Phillips, Dunstan
Sydney: Kennedy, Heeney, Franklin, Florent, Lloyd, McVeigh, Sinclair, Parker
INJURIES
St Kilda: Brown (concussion)
Sydney: Nil
Reports: Nil