What stood out from Sydney’s win over the Bulldogs

A fairly strong Sydney side defeated the Western Bulldogs by 33 points (99-66) on a sunny and breezy Wednesday afternoon at the Whitten Oval.

The Bulldogs were without Victorian representatives Marcus Bontempelli, Sam Darcy and Ed Richards, as well as WA reps Tim English and Rory Lobb, while Adam Treloar (calf) missed through injury, and Laitham Vandermeer (achilles) was also absent, among others.

Chad Warner missed for the Swans after his Origin performance with WA, while Tom Papley (calf) and Taylor Adams (achilles) were both sidelined and Justin McInerney, who signed a new deal on Wednesday, was also absent.

Here is what stood out:

Curnow, McDonald, Rosas make Swans potent

Sydney’s forward line could be seriously potent once it all clicks.

The Swans would eventually get on top around the ball and it started to show on the scoreboard.

It didn’t take Charlie Curnow too long to announce himself to Swans fans, booting a big goal from just outside 50 in the first term.

He worked into the game thereafter and was pretty busy in the second quarter.

The former Carlton star finished with four goals from several shots, and formed a deadly key forward duo with Logan McDonald.

After missing all of 2025 with an ankle injury, McDonald returned with a bang to boot four of his own majors.

He was a constant presence in the air.

Trade period recruit Malcolm Rosas was buzzing around the feet of the big men, helping himself to a couple.

The trio kicked 10 of Sydney’s 15 goals with newly-minted vice-captain Isaac Heeney adding two.

Fresh faces in Dogs defence

No Rory Lobb meant it was a largely inexperienced Dogs defence led by James O’Donnell who started on Curnow.

Alongside him was 199cm draftee Louis Emmett with support from 23-gamer Luke Cleary, 19-year-old Lachie Jaques, off-season recruit Connor Budarick and All-Australian half-back Bailey Dale.

Buku Khamis went to defence after starting up forward, and Lachie Bramble replaced Dale at half-time. He came off as a precaution after copping a knock.

Defence has been an area of concern for Luke Beveridge and although the list of names don’t jump off the paper, they held their own against the Swans early before the weight of numbers got a hold of them.

Lock in Lachie

The yet-to-debut Lachie Jaques seems a lock across half-back for the Dogs.

Jaques looks a very tidy player. His intensity was excellent and ball use quite impressive. They often want it in either his or Dale’s hands.

David King spoke highly of Jaques after their recent intra-club and he kicked on in this game.

It appears as though he’ll sew up a starting spot early on.

Usual suspects shine

It’s stating the bleeding obvious - the standout Swans were star midfielders Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden.

They were waxing in the middle and were constantly winning contested ball and creating forward movement for the Swans.

James Rowbottom and Brodie Grundy provided plenty of grunt around the ball.

For the Dogs, Tom Liberatore was as industrious as ever and Matt Kennedy had a bit of the ball, mixing his forward duties with midfield minutes.

Exciting Dogs young’uns

Despite going under there was a bit to like about the youngsters in red, white and blue.

Louis Emmett played key defence, spent time in the ruck and also drifted forward, showcasing his versatility.

Jordan Croft (one goal) spent most of his time inside 50 and had a few shots at goal. He also rolled through the ruck.

Top draftee Ryley Sanders was given a lot of midfield time and was busy throughout.

First-round draft pick Cooper Hynes pressed his case for an early senior game.

He did some very nice things in the first half through the midfield and as a high half-forward.

After starting on the wing, Arthur Jones was a small forward livewire with three goals (almost a fourth) including a booming set shot from well outside 50 in the third term.