The Sydney Swans VFL side are back on the winner's list after an impressive 36-point win over last year's grand finalists, Southport, on the Gold Coast on Saturday morning.
The lead up saw plenty of attention on returning Swan, Taylor Adams but the 31-year old unfortunately was just minutes into his return when he made his way to the bench with a hamstring complaint and he played no further part in the match.
Despite the loss of Adams early, the young Swans were impressive throughout the four quarters, rising when challenged by Southport across the game.
It was the Sharks who were quickest out of the blocks in the opening term, kicking the first two goals of the game before the Swans kicked into gear with back to back goals of their own through Jesse Dattoli and Tom Ryan.
Skipper Nic Shipley set the tone early with 11 first quarter disposals while James O'Loughlin, in just his second VFL game, had 10 disposals to his name at quarter time and was taking some crucial intercept marks.
The Swans then got the edge in the second term, kicking 5.4 to the Sharks' 3.1 with Dattoli having three goals to his name at half time. Jevan Philliopou was also proving to be a spark in the Swans forward line with a 60-metre goal alongside finishing off the team 'play of the day' on the half time siren which took the Sydney lead to 24 points.
It was an even third quarter but the Swans stood up when challenged by the home side. Debutant Oscar Clifton scored his first state-league level goal while Billy Cootee was busy, finishing off another quick attack by the Swans with a classy snap.
Sydney took a 21-point lead into the final quarter which ended up being a goal fest, the Swans rising to all the challenges the Sharks threw at them, kicking 6.6 to Southport's 4.2 to claim the victory.
In a stat that will no doubt impress coach Nick Malceski, the Swans had 10 individual goalkickers across the game with Jevan Phillipou (3), Tom Ryan (3), Jesse Dattoli (2) Oscar Clifton (2) alongside singles to Jee Longmire, Pete Ladhams, Billy Cootee, Jake Sutton, James Tidemann and Kaden Harbour.
Skipper Nic Shipley finished with 29 disposals, Billy Cootee 28 disposals, Peter Ladhams 27 disposals while James O'Loughlin finished with 23 disposals and showing some impressive marking skills in his second game.
SYDNEY v SOUTHPORT MATCH CENTRE HERE
The Swans have the bye next week and go into the mid-season break with six wins.
