The Swans looked the real deal after their 33-point win over Adelaide, posting their second big win in a row to start the year.
It was an even first quarter, but the next two saw Sydney grind down the Crows, however shocking accuracy infront of goal certainly did the visitors no favours.
The Swans took the foot off the gas in the last quarter and to their credit Adelaide pounced, but it was far too late to influence the result.
Down by two and a half goals halfway through the first, it was none other than comeback man Buddy Franklin that kicked the Swans into gear with a bomb from outside fifty, and the Swans appeared to be in control from then.
They looked dangerous, fast and silky by foot and have put the rest of the competition on alert that they can kick big scores in season 2021.
The game offered up plenty to talk about, including pressure footy, forgotten big men and three freakishly good kids.
Here’s everything you need to know!
What is in the water at Sydney?
Sydney’s kids were crazy good. Errol Gulden, Braeden Campbell and Logan McDonald were three of the Swans’ best on Saturday afternoon, all in just their second game of their careers. Gulden and Campbell looked like seasoned veterans with silky skills through the midfield, combinging for 48 disposals between them, while Logan McDonald was on the end of everything in the first half with two goals.
All three showed us they can play last week against the Lions, and today proved it was no fluke. Gulden’s effectiveness with the footy was second to none on the SCG turf, and Campbell’s left boot just seemed to hit Swans jumpers without fail. Campbell was Pick 5 while Gulden was Pick 32, both out of the Swans academy while McDonald was Pick 4 from Western Australia.
It’s far too early to put expectations on what these kids could be, but their first two games could hardly have been more impressive.
Forgotten big men return
Two forgotten big men at opposite ends of the ground dominated the goal count - Tex Walker at one and Buddy Franklin at the other. In 2017 they were two of the best key forwards in the game, however since then Walker has struggled to recapture that form while it feels as if Buddy has been perennially injured for years.
Today flipped the script. Walker kicked six goals and could well have had seven or eight, and he looked like he’d rediscovered that smooth kicking action he was renowned for at his peak.
It wasn’t just his goal kicking that was back however, with his attitude and intent impressive for a key forward. Walker caught Swans defenders holding the ball four times inside fifty over the four quarters, his tackling and pressure on full display. It was also the first time he’s kicked back-to-back 5+ goal hauls since 2016, the big Texan may genuinely be back.
At the other end, Franklin was back for his first game in 541 days, but didn’t show any signs of rust, booting home three goals of his own. He looked quick and agile on the lead, and genuinely demanded the footy from his midfielders in a performance reminiscent of the Buddy of old.
Most important was that Franklin emerged from the game with no injuries. The AFL is a better competition when Buddy’s commanding the ball inside fifty, and while it wasn’t his best game by any stretch, the sight of him smoking it from 55 out in the first was one to get any AFL fan going.
The reinvention
Sydney and Adelaide finished 16th and 18th last year respectively. Signs were there that perhaps they could make small progress up the ladder, but both teams have already blown expectations out of the water after just two rounds.
Sydney is playing an exciting, quick style of footy this year that is making them a joy to watch, and the willingness of Adelaide players to run for their mates and get the next handball is like nothing we saw from them last year. Pressure was through the roof, for most of the first quarter neither team had a chain of uncontested possessions.
The Crows fell away a bit in that regard after quarter time, but well and truly pounced when the Swans took the foot off the gas in the last quarter. They appear certain to win more than the three games they won last year.
FULL SCORE
Sydney: 4.1, 9.6, 15.11, 18.13. (121)
Adelaide: 3.2, 4.6, 6.14, 11.22. (88)
BEST
Sydney: Gulden, Campbell, Heeney, Parker, Warner
Adelaide: Walker, Laird, Sloane, Doedee, Keys
INJURIES
Sydney: Nil
Adelaide: Nil
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