The Sydney resurgence continues to fascinate onlookers two weeks into the AFL season, with the 2022 Grand Finalists asserting themselves as a class above so far this year.
On the back of a 22-point win over Melbourne in Opening Round and a 33-point whipping of reigning premiers Collingwood last Friday, the Swans have quickly put themselves under the microscope – for all the right reasons.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s On The Couch, Brisbane legend Jonathan Brown had high praises for Sydney’s recruiting staff and their priorities.
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“It’s going to be hard to get drafted to the Sydney Swans if you can’t kick,” said Brown, calling it “no coincidence”.
“Philosophically, this [their kicking] must be the highest priority on their draft board.”
Sydney’s win at the MCG over Collingwood was ‘Exhibit A’ for their kicking, with a disposal efficiency of 75.6% – more than 3% higher than the league average so far this season.
Garry Lyon also spoke of the Swans highly when going inside 50 in Round 1, who also blew the Pies out of the park with their 51% efficiency going forward – a whole 8.4% better than last year’s premiers.
“They can kick with depth and pace, which can get over the back of a defender,” noted Lyon.
But perhaps the biggest endorsement of all came from Lyon and Nathan Buckley, who dissected Sydney’s 47 points scored from forward half turnovers – a whopping 16.5 more points than their season average in 2023.
“Rowbottom was absolutely magnificent in this area [creating forward half turnovers from Collingwood].” said Lyon.
“Chad Warner is one who continues to stack up… Gulden’s a gun, Heeney’s started really well; they’ve got stars everywhere,” interjected Buckley.
“They were able to get out where Collingwood couldn’t, and the game was won in those clinches.”
Isaac Heeney’s start to 2024 has been well recognised, stacking up a near perfect start to his season in the eyes of John Longmire and his rival coaches.
His 19 coaches votes across Opening Round and Round 1 see him sitting alone at the top of the list, with his much-anticipated move into the midfield calming nerves around the early season absence of captain Callum Mills, new recruit Taylor Adams and veteran Luke Parker.
The Swans have a chance to make it three on the trot this Saturday night, with their clash against Essendon at the SCG kicking off at 7:30pm AEDT.
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