The Sydney Swans will rue a host of opportunities as they drew 6.18 (54) to 7.12 (54) against the Geelong Cats at the SCG.
In a match that is unlikely to make any highlight reel, neither team played their best footy and players who are normally certainties in front of goal missed some of the easiest chances they will see in their career.
Braeden Campbell continued his excellent form by kicking the opening goal thanks to a piercing centering ball from Errol Gulden The Swans squandered several chances to take an early lead but missed simple shots in front of goal.
In the span of four minutes, Geelong had taken the lead as Ollie Henry, Tyson Stengle and Tom Hawkins kicked truly. As the first quarter siren sounded, the Swans led in disposals (109-65), inside 50’s (17-9) and shots on goal yet trailed by nine points at the first change.
Both sides traded goals in the second quarter but consecutive goals to Logan McDonald gave the Swans a deserved lead halfway through the quarter. Sydney continued to pepper Geelong’s defence but simply couldn’t convert in front of goal. The worst offender was Tom Hickey who missed a set shot from 10 metres directly in front of goal.
“It’s a painful watch if you’re John Longmire,” AFL Nation’s Andy Maher noted.
“They are doing so much right but just not kicking goals.
“They are their own worst enemy.”
That reaction just about sums it all up 😱#AFLSwansCats pic.twitter.com/0Y8Wtvv0dX
— AFL (@AFL) June 30, 2023
At the main break, Sydney had 16 marks inside 50’s compared to Geelong’s three.
Swans captain Luke Parker ended a run of five straight behinds to begin the third term but continued to be wasteful in front of goal. Fortunately, their inaccuracy was becoming infectious as Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield missed their opportunities. The Cats were parked in Sydney’s half but were also unable to make the most of their chances.
The Swans had a slim one-point heading into the final quarter but that was quickly gone after Hawkins slotted his second goal. It became a frustrating watch as both teams failed with their skills and decision making. Campbell’s second trimmed the margin back to two points for the home side.
Unfortunately for the home crowd, Robbie Fox and Isaac Heeney blew golden opportunities to steal the win for the Swans. A large collective sigh was let out when the final siren sounded as it dawned on the crowd that neither side would claim the four points.
Hit the post 😳#AFLSwansCats pic.twitter.com/C29AjfBHr2
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 30, 2023
Isaac Heeney's concerning dip in form
Heeney’s struggles in 2023 continued on Friday night. The 27-year-old is typically a great finisher in front of goal but has kicked 15.14 for the year which is his most inaccurate season. When the Swans were on top in the first quarter, Heeney sprayed two set shots to either side of the behind post and another shot out on the full at the death to seal the win.
Brad Close’s tackle set to come under MRO scrutiny
Close’s tackle on Aaron Francis in the first quarter was labelled the “perfect tackle” by AFL Nation’s Dermott Brereton but given he pinned the arm and Francis’ head made contact with the ground, one would suspect the small forward would be out of action.
The perfect tackle? Or is Close in trouble?
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) June 30, 2023
📺 Watch #AFLSwansCats on ch. 504 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/m5ejvre8CR
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🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/pQIlCCRCaC pic.twitter.com/Je27E5Nx5w
Sydney were arguably the better side but must put their disappointing performance aside when they take on Richmond at the MCG to open Round 17. Geelong travel back to GMHBA Stadium to host North Melbourne.
FULL SCORE
Sydney: 1.6, 4.12, 5.15, 6.18 (54)
Geelong: 3.3, 4.4, 6.8, 7.12 (54)
GOALS
Sydney: McDonald 2, Campbell 2, Parker, Papely
Geelong: Henry 2, Hawkins 2, Stengle, Miers, Blicavs
BEST
Sydney: Gulden, Parker, Sheldrick, Mills, Campbell, Blakey
Geelong: Stewart, Tuohy, Miers, Duncan, Atkins, Blicavs
Injuries
Sydney: N/A
Geelong: N/A