An impressed show from an undersized Sydney defence has proved pivotal of their 26-point victory over a mis-firing Carlton to present the Swans’ finals hopes a well timed increase on the SCG.
Sydney entered the conflict with an unheralded defence taking up the Blues’ pair of Coleman medallists however made a press release in working away to a 11.11 (77) to six.15 (51) triumph on Friday night time.
Key defenders Robbie Fox, Aaron Francis and Lewis Melican – in his first match for the reason that 2021 elimination ultimate – had been crucial as they mixed to limit the much-lauded Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay to a single purpose between them.
The Swans’ (5-6) defence was additionally led by Jake Lloyd (35 disposals) and Nick Blakey (26) with swift ball motion that was too good for a Blues outfit that had bother with their discipline kicking and when nearer to purpose.
Young weapons Chad Warner (29 disposals, two objectives) and Errol Gulden (22, one) had been excellent for the Swans, whereas Luke Parker (21) was essential in his a hundredth match as skipper.
Isaac Heeney spent extra time within the midfield and sometimes had a detailed eye on Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, because the Swans’ 2022 All-Australian snapped out of a kind stoop to assemble 19 disposals and season-highs for clearances (six) and tackles (10).
Lance Franklin was held goalless for the fourth time in six matches however Hayden McLean stood tall with 4 contested marks and two objectives, whereas small ahead Sam Wicks additionally slotted two objectives in his first match of the season.
The Blues (4-1-6) have now misplaced 4 consecutive matches, and 6 of their previous seven, as their hopes of a breakthrough finals marketing campaign took one other hit.
The Blues’ key forwards might have had far more affect however for some wayward capturing. Curnow was the dominant ahead on the sphere early however completed with 1.3 whereas McKay kicked 0.3 from restricted alternatives.
Curnow had the higher of the Swans defence within the air and hauled in six contested marks however was unable to make them pay on the scoreboard.
Emerging tall Tom De Koning helped stretch the Swans defence and impressed in his first match since spherical 5 with 13 disposals and a purpose however was unable to affect the consequence.
Sam Walsh (31 disposals) and Adam Cerra (24) discovered loads of the ball, whereas captain Patrick Cripps (19) battled exhausting regardless of some shut consideration from Heeney earlier than limping from the sphere late within the sport.
The Blues misplaced a key on-baller when former Swan George Hewett was knocked on the top by teammate Nic Newman’s shoulder because the pair went to deal with Franklin early within the second time period.
Newman was later sidelined with a hamstring harm whereas Ollie Hollands additionally sat out the ultimate time period with a shoulder situation.
Jesse Motlop was the Blues’ main goalscoring in a mis-firing ahead line with two objectives however the guests in the end ran out of legs as a lot as probabilities.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
