Source: Sydney Swans via Facebook
The Sydney Swans snatched their seventh win on the trot at the weekend after demolishing the Saint Kilda Saints with a staggering 42-point win – an achievement that is nothing short of remarkable. You have to remember that this is the team that lost their first six games and began the season with the club’s worst start in premiership history. That is all in the past now, though, as the mighty Swans are looking like real title contenders and seem to have their sights firmly set on a Grand Final showdown.
The Swans cruised to victory in a game they never looked like losing. In what is shaping up to be a Cinderella story, John Longmire’s side have won nine out of their last ten games, with their only loss being by a straight kick to Hawthorn in Round 10. Recently, in what was arguably their biggest win of the season, the Swans overcame the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the much-anticipated Sydney derby and showed the AFL community that they are a team that is ready for finals footy. The latest AFL odds have them at 1.45 to win their next game against Hawthorne and you can tell that this is a team that could very well be lifting the trophy come September.
Against the Saints, the standout player for Sydney was Callum Sinclair. He was absolutely unstoppable and kicked a career-high five goals and took eight contested marks, six of which were inside the forward 50. Following three weeks in reprieve playing in the NEAFL, Sinclair seized the opportunity to demonstrate what he is capable of and his commitment to the team. He looked like a player full of determination and desperate to cement him position in a team that is knocking on the premiership’s door.
“He hasn’t missed a beat. He got his confidence up early and his marking’s up,” Richmond champion Matthew said while talking to Channel 7. “He knows Sam Reid is coming back into the team when he’s over injury and he may be the one that goes out. So he’s putting his hand up for a spot going deep into the season. I’ve never seen him play this well.”
The Swans did give the Saints a sniff, though, and Saint Kilda took the last quarter to lessen the severity of the loss. They came within 23 points before the Sydney defence snapped back into action and quashed any chance of a comeback.
The Saints’ Sebastian Ross was the best for the Melbourne team and took a massive 36 possessions. Luke Dunstan did well in his return, with 30 touches and a goal, and Josh Bruce finished with three majors, in what was a quiet night for the young forward.
The Swans increasingly look like a team that wants to be there come Grand Final day. To bring the trophy back to Sydney would be an incredible achievement and secure this team’s place in the record books for years to come.
