An undermanned Sydney Swans outfit has fallen to a 50-point loss to the high-flying Brisbane Lions in a preliminary final on Sunday.
The Swans arrived at South Pine Sports Complex with a giant task ahead of them, with Brisbane laying claim to 23 AFL-listed players to Sydney’s 12, and the loss of key personnel during the match would only make the assignment more difficult.
Towering forward Hayden McLean never returned after leaving the field with concussion early in the second term, before key defender Joel Amartey was rubbed out early in the third quarter after suffering a concussion of his own.
The Swans trailed the Lions by 22 points at quarter-time, and with McLean and Amartey unavailable for the majority of the final three quarters, Brisbane powered on to an 11.16 (82) to 4.8 (32) victory.
The undefeated Lions were outstanding, executing quick and clean footy and using their searing outside run to advantage.
They are now set to face the Southport Sharks in the Grand Final next weekend.
Midfielder James Rose was the best Swan on his way to 25 disposals (18 kicks), while first-year draftees Justin McInerney (23 touches) and Sam Wicks (19 possessions, five tackles) also impressed.
Ruckman Sam Naismith finished with 11 touches and 22 hit-outs in a battle with star Lion Archie Smith, while a host of QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-ups showed exciting signs.
Sam Thorne gathered 14 possessions in an admirable performance at half-back, Erroll Gulden posted 16 touches and Kyle Martin booted two goals.
With Darcy Cameron the Swans’ only remaining key forward after the second-term departure of McLean, Sydney was in need of another inside-50 brute – and Martin offered exactly that.
While the Swans rounded out the season with a heavy defeat, they’ve brought to close a commendable 2019 campaign.
Not only did they produce a staggering comeback victory in last week’s elimination final against Sydney University, five Swans broke through for an AFL debut.
Nick Blakey, McInerney, James Rowbottom, McLean and James Bell all got a taste of the top level this season, all of whom had previously played in the NEAFL.
Brisbane Lions 3.5 5.7 8.12 11.16 (82)
Sydney Swans 0.1 1.6 2.7 4.8 (32)
Goals – Sydney: K Martin 2, C Hirst, M Rossmann
