Well, Sydney’s first quarter issue is still an issue. Not that they were massively outplayed by North in any sense, but the Swans had spoken about wanting to come out strong and asserting themselves, and that just didn’t happen.
Tom Papley kicked the first goal of the game five minutes in, only for the visitors to slam on three of the next four goals – including two from Toby Pink who, once upon a time, was on Sydney’s list but never played a game – to hold a six-point lead for a good chunk of that term.
Tom Papley of the Swans celebrates kicking a goal.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
However, the Swans nudged ahead just before quarter-time to lead by two points, with Logan McDonald’s second goal (a set shot) putting them in front.
He nearly stuffed up his first goal, latching onto a bomb forward by James Rowbottom, running into an open goalsquare and almost fumbling it over the line.
Fortunately, he straightened up and kicked the goal, a welcome confidence-booster after his last couple of weeks.
Sydney’s ball use has been a little bit dodgy today and the Kangaroos have done well to punish their turnovers.
You’d expect the Swans to get the job done here but it won’t be as easy as many of their fans would have hoped.
