Round 1 – Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions: Some channel surfing

 

 

If you tuned in 20 minutes late on Saturday night, as I did, you would have found the result was already virtually sealed. Soon after, at the twenty-seven-minute mark of the first quarter, when the colours of the western sky behind the SCG Member’s Stand made an idyllic picture, the scoreboard was not at all pretty for the Lions. After seven goals to nil – it read 43 to 3.

 

From the outset the Swans put the heat on the Lions. They had the ball on a string, cutting swathes through the Lions defence, pinpointing passes and slotting goals at will. Isaac Heeney’s goal after drifting past the pack to collect the Sherrin, like a seagull feeding in flight, showed how smooth and seamless it was for the home team. The depleted Brisbane outfit simply had no answers to the tidal wave. Charlie Cameron’s late goal gave them a thread to grasp onto, but the one-way traffic had already done its damage.

 

Games that are ‘over’ well before half time may still hold appeal to the rusted-on supporters, but for everyone else the message is maybe you might change channels and watch another game. And with the Swans in command, thankfully that alternative was available. At the ‘G the Crows and Magpies were providing a much more watchable contest.

 

After quarter time it was channel surfing for me. I even confess to having two devices going simultaneously at times, partly to keep an eye on a recruit and a debutant, both who hail from north of the Murray. And I had a commitment to report on the SCG game, so it was back and forth for the remainder of the night.

 

My highlights reel records the action in both games after quarter time.

Pendles does the unthinkable at the MCG– cited for a high bump on Josh Worrell that could tarnish his remarkable record. Stop press: As we all know, he got off.

Errol Gulden smashes into the SCG turf and suffers a shoulder injury – out of action for maybe four or five months. For the second year in a row Errol will miss at least half the season.

Lachlan McAndrew, the 210cm ruckman originally from Manly and the Sydney Swans puts his hand up, taking control in the ruck contests. Another tall Crow, Toby Murray from Henty NSW, debuts for the Crows joining his brother Nick in the tri-colours jumper.

Joel Amartey, relishing the freedom brought by Charlie Curnow’s arrival in town, boots two last quarter goals to take his match tally to five. Is he to be the decoy or the target?

The Crows grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, kicking six third quarter goals to bust the game wide open. Enter the Pies for a trademark last quarter comeback, but no chocolates this time.

Final sirens: Swans by 44; Crows by 14.

 

Some observations

Brisbane’s zip and 2 record is not too concerning. The five missing players surely weakened their line-up. But banking early wins is important.

The Swans are red hot, but the loss of Gulden will hurt their run, carry and delivery. The Hawks will be formidable opponents in what could be the big game of round 2.

The Crows win at the MCG against the Pies was significant. More evidence is needed however before I can make a strong case for them in 2026.

Collingwood will need to find a second ruckman.

 

SYDNEY      7.1   10.6   11.9   15.14 (104)
BRISBANE   1.3   2.6    4.10    8.12 (60)

GOALS
Sydney: Amartey 5, McInerney 2, McDonald 2, Heeney 2, Rosas, Gulden, Grundy, Blakey
Brisbane: Reville 2, Cameron 2, Tunstill, Rayner, Lohmann, Allen

BEST
Sydney: Gulden, Amartey, Blakey, Rowbottom, McCartin, Bice
Brisbane: Dunkley, Neale, Zorko, Wilmot, Fletcher

INJURIES
Sydney: Gulden (shoulder), Heeney (hamstring)
Brisbane: Nil

Attendance: 38,128

Malarkey Votes

3 – Errol Gulden (SYD)

2 – Joel Amartey (SYD)

1 – Nick Blakey (SYD)

 

Read more from Peter Clark HERE

 

To return to the www.footyalmanac.com.au  home page click HERE

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?

And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

Become an Almanac (annual) member – click HERE.