‘Cherry ripe’ Swans fix biggest flaw in flag statement as ‘heartache’ looms for luckless star
‘Cherry ripe’ Swans fix biggest flaw in flag statement as ‘heartache’ looms for luckless star
The Sydney Swans are in prime position to secure their sixth VFL/AFL premiership next Saturday, but face some tough selection decisions before then.
After a dominant victory over Port Adelaide in Friday night’s preliminary final at the SCG, the Swans have earned their fifth Grand Final appearance under senior coach John Longmire, who is in his 14th season. Despite just one premiership from the previous four attempts, Sydney appears "primed" for success after a season of strong performances.
“This was one of their most complete performances of the year — it’s only the fifth time they’ve won all four quarters this season,” St Kilda great Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy’s post-match coverage. “You have to go back to Round 18 against North Melbourne for the last time they did that.”
Sydney’s slow starts to games have been well-documented throughout the season, with the team winning only nine first quarters from a possible 24 before Friday night. However, Montagna praised their ability to maintain control throughout all four quarters, calling it a “complete performance” with standout contributions from every line: midfield, defence, and forward.
“They’re peaking at the right time,” Montagna added. “They went through their lull, and now they are cherry ripe to play their best footy next week.”
Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall also commended the Swans’ maturity and professionalism, noting their improvement in starting games stronger. “We haven’t seen Sydney burst out of the blocks like that for quite some time. They asserted their dominance and controlled the game,” Dunstall said.
As Sydney basks in their triumph, some critical selection decisions loom for the Grand Final. Captain Callum Mills is racing to recover from a hamstring strain. Speaking after the game, Mills said, “I’ll give it a crack and we’ll see how we go.” The 27-year-old sustained the injury 10 days ago but showed positive signs in training earlier on Friday.
Veteran midfielder Taylor Adams, who has missed both of Sydney’s finals matches so far, is also pushing for a spot in the Grand Final lineup, though his chances appear slim. Despite being overlooked, Adams maintained a positive attitude, stating, “After last year, I’ve learned to enjoy whatever comes my way.”
Utility player Robbie Fox, who replaced the injured Mills as the substitute on Friday night, is the most likely candidate to be omitted if Mills is fit to return.
Reflecting on the victory, Longmire said, “It’s a great spot to be in. This is what you work for all year. I thought we executed well — we focused on our process and got the job done.”
Sydney will face either Geelong or Brisbane in next week’s Grand Final, with Geelong having defeated the Swans in the 2022 decider.
The Sydney Swans are in prime position to secure their sixth VFL/AFL premiership next Saturday, but face some tough selection decisions before then.
After a dominant victory over Port Adelaide in Friday night’s preliminary final at the SCG, the Swans have earned their fifth Grand Final appearance under senior coach John Longmire, who is in his 14th season. Despite just one premiership from the previous four attempts, Sydney appears "primed" for success after a season of strong performances.
“This was one of their most complete performances of the year — it’s only the fifth time they’ve won all four quarters this season,” St Kilda great Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy’s post-match coverage. “You have to go back to Round 18 against North Melbourne for the last time they did that.”
Sydney’s slow starts to games have been well-documented throughout the season, with the team winning only nine first quarters from a possible 24 before Friday night. However, Montagna praised their ability to maintain control throughout all four quarters, calling it a “complete performance” with standout contributions from every line: midfield, defence, and forward.
“They’re peaking at the right time,” Montagna added. “They went through their lull, and now they are cherry ripe to play their best footy next week.”
Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall also commended the Swans’ maturity and professionalism, noting their improvement in starting games stronger. “We haven’t seen Sydney burst out of the blocks like that for quite some time. They asserted their dominance and controlled the game,” Dunstall said.
As Sydney basks in their triumph, some critical selection decisions loom for the Grand Final. Captain Callum Mills is racing to recover from a hamstring strain. Speaking after the game, Mills said, “I’ll give it a crack and we’ll see how we go.” The 27-year-old sustained the injury 10 days ago but showed positive signs in training earlier on Friday.
Veteran midfielder Taylor Adams, who has missed both of Sydney’s finals matches so far, is also pushing for a spot in the Grand Final lineup, though his chances appear slim. Despite being overlooked, Adams maintained a positive attitude, stating, “After last year, I’ve learned to enjoy whatever comes my way.”
Utility player Robbie Fox, who replaced the injured Mills as the substitute on Friday night, is the most likely candidate to be omitted if Mills is fit to return.
Reflecting on the victory, Longmire said, “It’s a great spot to be in. This is what you work for all year. I thought we executed well — we focused on our process and got the job done.”
Sydney will face either Geelong or Brisbane in next week’s Grand Final, with Geelong having defeated the Swans in the 2022 decider.
Post a Comment