The Sydney Swans are looking to tighten the screws on the rest of the competition after storming to three straight wins on Saturday.
Sydney opened the season with a run of four losses but was clinical in a 16-point victory over the Brisbane Lions at South Pine Sports Complex in Queensland to spring from eighth to fourth on the ladder.
Development coach Tadhg Kennelly said post-match the Swans were in the prime position to give the ladder a shake.
“We’re in some really good form now,” Kennelly said.
“And you really want to cash in and get some wins when you’re playing some good football and you’re confident and up and about.”
Blossoming ruckman-forward Joel Amartey said the side had recovered well from its patchy start to the season.
“The boys are all playing with great confidence and are building each week,” Amartey said.
“Hopefully we can keep this momentum up and keep the wins coming.”
A number of Swans on the brink of AFL selection again led the way in the Round 8 win over the Lions.
Defender Nic Newman collected 29 possessions, five inside 50s, seven tackles and seven rebound 50s to earn a game-high nine NEAFL MVP votes.
The 25-year-old has played two AFL games and five NEAFL matches this season as he’s pushed to become a regular fixture in the senior side.
Skipper Dan Robinson (two AFL, four NEAFL) was another stand-out on Saturday in a return of 36 touches, nine clearances, six inside 50s and a round-high 20 contested possessions.
Utility Robbie Fox (four AFL, three NEAFL) gathered 33 possessions, eight tackles and six clearances, while swingman Dean Towers backed up a starring game against Southport with 22 disposals, six tackles and a goal in the Brisbane clash.
Backman Colin O’Riordan and ruckman Darcy Cameron are still eyeing their AFL debuts but were again two of the Swans best themselves.
O’Riordan recorded 26 disposals, a goal and a round-high nine rebound 50s, while Cameron finished with 31 hit-outs, five tackles and a goal in a duel with Brisbane big man Archie Smith.
Amartey says the senior cogs have an immense impact at NEAFL level.
“They give me tips and all the other boys tips about how we should be positioning ourselves during the game,” Amartey said.
“Then seeing them thrive in the middle just inspires the rest of us.”
Amartey is enjoying a stellar run of form in his first season in Swans colours after signing with the Club at the 2018 Rookie Draft last November.
The Sandringham Dragons product is thriving under the tutelage of former West Coast Eagles big man Dean Cox and Geelong Cats and Giants champion Steve Johnson, who are now assistant coaches at the Swans.
Cox works as a midfield coach alongside former Swans captain Brett Kirk and Johnson is the Club’s forwards coach.
Senior ruckmen Callum Sinclair and Sam Naismith have also taken Amartey under their wing and the young gun said he had loved his early days in the red and white.
“Each day gets better and better really,” Amartey said.
“Being at the Swans is really starting to sink in now.
“I’m just trying to learn my way around town and all the faces here at the Club.
“Being away from friends and family is probably the hardest part but living with Ollie Florent and Ben Ronke has been amazing.”
