The Sydney Swans 2019 season is off to a familiar start seeing them lose yet another opening home game this time to the Adelaide Crows by 26 points. The Swans are now 0-2 for the third season in a row and questions are already being asked about if they will be able retrieve their season. For Adelaide it was an impressive, solid performance. The Crows were stoic in defense, they cashed in on goal scoring opportunities when it mattered and showed they will be a class team this year. Lance Franklin carried his team up forward with 3 dynamic goals, whilst Rory Sloane and the Crouch brothers in Brad and Matt, dominated the Crows midfield.
Rory Sloane (left) Sam Jacobs & Paul Seedsman happy with the win at the SCG. Photo: Jodie Newell
The ball was fiercely contested in the early stages of the game, with Sydney struggling to find any traction in the forward line. Ben Ronke kicked an opportunist goal, whilst Adelaide found goals through David McKay, Josh Jenkins and Taylor Walker. To emphasize just how good the Crows made the best of their goal scoring opportunities, Paul Seedsman had the ball at a 50 metre arc just on the siren of the first quarter. Seedsman steadied, struck the ball perfectly and kicked a magnificent long goal to push his team in front by 21 points.
Tom Lynch for the Adelaide Crows. Photo: Jodie Newell
The Swans lifted their game and found themselves back in the contest. Promising recruit Nick Blakey marked strongly in a pocket and kicked the first goal of the term, with Sam Reid and Lance Franklin adding majors. Lance kicked an incredible goal just in front of the SCG members stand. From the tightest of angles, Buddy deftly booted the ball through the goals with the Sydney crowd roaring their hero. The Crows were able to respond against the flow with goals to Riley Knight and Brad Crouch with Adelaide holding a slender 2 point lead.
Harry Cunningham ready to mark the ball in the Swans defense. Photo: Jodie Newell
The key point of Sydney struggling up forward was clearly illustrated in the third term. Sydney failed to score a goal, yet the Crows booted three. It wasn’t just how poorly the Swans presented themselves up front, it was the tough, defensive pressure that the Crows applied, especially at the top of the 50 metre arc. Adelaide harassed, scrapped and fought hard for the ball, making the Swans work for every possession. It has to be said that Sydney were unable to counter the pressure nor were they able to counter Adelaide when they rebounded forward. Crows defenders were seen spreading either side, unmanned and were unhindered in their attack.
Dane Rampe (left) Eddie Betts & Aliir Aliir run for the pill. Photo: Jodie Newell
The final term saw Adelaide keep their grip on the game, Sydney kicked two goals but weren’t able to bridge the gap, Crows running out impressive 26 point winners. Crows coach Don Pyke said he “loved” the effort of his defense, paying tribute to his players who scrapped hard for the ball. He was also glowing in his praise for the Crouch brothers. Sydney coach John Longmire said post game that whilst he was happy with the competitive effort, it was the fundamental skill errors that didn’t help his team. The Adelaide Crows (1-1) are now 12th on the AFL ladder and play Geelong next Thursday night at the Adelaide Oval. Sydney (0-2) are 14th on the ladder. The Swans face Carlton next week Saturday afternoon in Melbourne.
Admiration of the nation! The Adelaide Crows in full voice after the solid win against Sydney. Photo: Jodie Newell
SYDNEY 1.2 6.6 6.10 8.14 (62)
ADELAIDE 4.5 6.10 9.15 12.16 (88)
GOALS
Sydney: Franklin 3, Hayward 2, Ronke, Blakey, Reid
Adelaide: Knight 2, Mackay 2, Jenkins 2, Walker, Seedsman, B.Crouch, Atkins, Lynch, Betts
BEST
Sydney: Franklin, Kennedy, Melican
Adelaide: Brad Crouch, Sloane, Seedsman, Matt Crouch,
INJURIES
Sydney: –
Adelaide: Jacobs (knee)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Simon Meredith, Robert Findlay, Craig Fleer
Official crowd: 32,575 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Moore Park, Sydney Australia.
