1. Unfamiliar territory
In a strange quirk, Sunday was the first time the Western Bulldogs and Sydney Swans have met at Etihad Stadium, and the clubs' first home and away clash in Melbourne since 1998. In that period, the Bulldogs have played home games at the SCG and have also hosted the Swans five times at Manuka Oval in Canberra. But, despite the change in scenery, the Swans' methodical approach didn't alter. They won their fourth game in a row against the Bulldogs, and enjoyed their third win from four games at Etihad Stadium this year.
2. Fast start?
After a weekend of upsets, it probably shouldn't have been a surprise the Bulldogs started well against the top-of-the-table Swans. But few would have expected the struggling Dogs to pull out their best first quarter of the season, kicking 6.2 for an 18-point lead at the first change. It was also the most points the Swans have conceded in an opening term for the season, and it had a lot to do with blistering Bulldog Ryan Griffen. The dashing midfielder had 16 disposals by quarter-time to give his side the early impetus, and he was one player to keep going. By three-quarter time he had a career-best haul of 38 disposals. Griffen finished with 47 touches, breaking the all-time record by a Bulldog, previously held by Simon Atkins (46 disposals).
3. Big Mike?
With Sam Reid back for his first game after missing two weeks with a knee injury, and Adam Goodes yet to quite recapture his best form, the Swans were in need of some help in attack. And Mike Pyke delivered when it mattered. Pyke booted two of the Swans' three opening-quarter goals, and by half-time had found just six disposals but had five marks as a leading forward target. He also helped set up a goal in the second quarter for teammate Lewis Roberts-Thomson with a clever tap of the ball to open up some space for his teammate. The Canadian finished with three goals, but was subbed out of the game in the fourth term with an ankle injury.
4. A Dog returns
After seven weeks out with his chronic knee injury, Adam Cooney returned to the fray against the Swans, albeit in a limited manner. It was slightly bittersweet to see the Brownlow medallist run out with his side wearing the substitute's green vest, knowing that we would likely only get a glimpse of the 26-year-old against the Swans. And that's how it turned out. Cooney made his first appearance 20 minutes into the third quarter and played mainly through half-forward. He gathered just six disposals and had little impact, but will be better for the run.
5. The unsung Swans?
You get the feeling that if Josh Kennedy and Kieren Jack played for a powerhouse AFL club, they might get the credit their football deserves. But, as it stands, you also sense going about their business without all the plaudits suits Kennedy and Jack just fine. They are an unassuming pair who have played a significant role in helping the Swans be a game clear on top of the ladder and again were instrumental against the Bulldogs. Kennedy, with his clean hands and excellent vision, had 33 disposals, while Jack had 29 but also kicked a brilliant left-foot snap that curled through for a goal in the third term.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.
