On a night when the LGBTI community was recognized by the AFL via The Pride Game, the Sydney Swans continued their winning ways with a 42 point thumping of the St-Kilda football club at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Callum Sinclair starred for the Swans posting 5 goals in a best on ground performance that saw little joy for the Saints. Josh Bruce with 3 goals and Seb Ross with 37 disposals were the only shining lights in a bleak night for St-Kilda.

You Can’t Catch Me. Isaac Heeney throws out a solid “Don’t Argue” fend. Photo: Jodie Newell

Sydney were relentless in their pressure and never let St-Kilda into the game at any stage. The Swans kept the Saints to a paltry 23 Inside 50 metres up until the 3rd quarter. The Swans defense led by Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican and Callum Mills kept the Saints to only 3 goals for the entire half. They made a total of 11 tackles between each other and never looked to be under any pressure of note. Whilst up forward Callum Sinclair found himself to be an unlikely goalscorer for Sydney, kicking three goals before half-time.

A great example of the pressure the Swans defense applied to the St-Kilda forward line. Photo: Jodie Newell

The second half of the game saw the Saints gain some respectability where they were able to kick 6 goals, but it was to no avail as the Sydney team had the match well under control. Lance Franklin booted 3 goals which were an added bonus considering the game Sinclair was having. St-Kilda’s night didn’t end any better with veteran and club stalwart Leigh Montagna suffering a nasty hamstring strain. It was feared it was of a serious nature that could signal the end of the popular Saint. Another veteran in Nick Riewoldt struggled to get the ball. He had 10 disposals and kicked 1 goal and wasn’t his usual dangerous self. Swans midfielders Dan Hannebery  and Josh Kennedy shared a combined 50 disposals and were tireless in their efforts.

Chase for the ball. Callum Sinclair (right) was best on ground for Sydney kicking 5 goals. Photo: Jodie Newell

Sydney coach John Longmire praised Callum Sinclair’s game stating that he had pushed hard for senior selection after spending time in the two’s “He went back and was fantastic in our reserves,  he has a great attitude”. St-Kilda coach Alan Richardson lamented his team’s inability to match the Swans in the contest stating “We just didn’t cope with their pressure”. Sydney are now in 6th place on the AFL ladder with 10 wins and 7 losses. They travel to Melbourne next week to face arch nemesis Hawthorn at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. St-Kilda’s loss has seen them fall to 11th place on the table. They have 9 wins and eight losses. The Saints play Port Adelaide on the road next week.

Not enough pressure. Saints coach Alan Richardson lamented his team’s effort in the contest. Photo: Jodie Newell

SYDNEY        3.5    7.8    11.14   14.17 (101)
ST KILDA      1.2    3.2    5.4        9.5 (59)

GOALS
Sydney: Sinclair 5, Franklin 3, Towers, Kennedy, Hewett, Heeney, Rohan, McVeigh
St Kilda: Bruce 3, Stevens, Savage, Riewoldt, Billings, Newnes, Dunstan 

BEST
Sydney: Sinclair, Kennedy, Hannebery
St Kilda: Ross, Bruce, Montagna,

INJURIES
Sydney: –
St Kilda: Leigh Montagna (hamstring)

Reports: –

Umpires: Andrew Stephens, Robert Findlay, Shane McInerney 

Official crowd: 35,773 at the Sydney Cricket Ground