A hard-fought contest at Blacktown International Sportspark has finished all square, with the Sydney Swans VFL side sharing the points with Williamstown in a gripping battle on Saturday afternoon.
In a fiercely contested affair, the Swans trailed at every change but showed plenty of resilience to stay within striking distance throughout.
Despite a determined final-quarter push, Sydney was unable to break clear, with the two sides ultimately unable to be separated at the final siren.
Returning from a long-term injury, Braeden Campbell made an impressive impact. The classy midfielder looked right at home, collecting 19 disposals, kicking two goals and applying strong defensive pressure with several crunching tackles. Riak Andrew also made a welcome comeback from injury, showing promising signs in his first game back as he worked his way into the contest and added valuable support around the ground.
Defender Riley Bice continued his outstanding run of form in the VFL, once again proving influential across half-back with a team-high 31 disposals and plenty of drive from defence.
Young Swans Jevan Phillipou and Patrick Snell also continued their strong development. Phillipou gathered 19 disposals and hit the scoreboard with a goal, while Snell was a standout aerially, recording a game-high 12 marks to go with his 17 disposals.
Up forward, Jake Sutton provided a dangerous target, finishing with four goals, including three before half-time to keep the Swans within touch. Corey Warner was also prominent around the contest, gathering 18 disposals and laying a game-high five tackles.
Nic Shipley and Ned Bowman both worked hard to finish with 17 disposals apiece, while Malcolm Rosas Jnr added spark in attack, collecting 15 disposals and booting a goal in an encouraging performance.
SYDNEY 13. 13 (91)
WILLIAMSTOWN 14.7 (91)
GOALS
Sydney: Sutton (4), Campbell (2), Shipley, Ryan, Rosas, Phillipou, Longmire, Gibbs, Cootee
Next up the Swans host the Lions at Tramway Oval on Friday, July 17 with the match kicking off at 12.35pm.
