Sydney midfielder Dan Hannebery led a 77-point rout of Adelaide in Saturday’s AFL game at AAMI Stadium.
The Swans won 19.13 (127) to 6.14 (50), dishing out Adelaide’s second-worst home loss.
Sydney forward Jess White and Ben McGlynn both kicked three goals while Mitch Morton and Jude Bolton each booted two.
The Crows couldn’t find a multiple goal-scorer in Brenton Sanderson’s heaviest loss as head coach.
Adelaide’s season now wobbles with five wins and six losses after Hannebery sparked a first half onslaught which devastated the Crows.
Hannebery collected 28 disposals in just one half of footy as the Swans stylishly created a 47-point halftime lead, 10.9 (69) to 3.4 (22).
Sydney then ruthlessly crushed Adelaide with seven goals to none in the third term, with Hannebery, who finished with 42 possessions, their architect.
His fellow on-ballers Kieren Jack, Tom Mitchell and Ryan O’Keefe were instrumental while attacking duo White and McGlynn enjoyed the spoils.
They overwhelmed a lacklustre Adelaide, who were best served by Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane and defensive duo Daniel Talia and Ben Rutten.
The Crows attacked early and had the initial seven inside 50m zone entries of the game – but they couldn’t score a goal.
Sydney then converted their first forward foray to set the tone for a dominant display, with their scoring spree reaping six goals in the second term and another seven in the third.
The loss was easily Sanderson’s heaviest, surpassing a 56-point defeat to Hawthorn last year.
And, in terms of worst home losses for the Crows, it ranked second only to a 97 point defeat to the Hawks in 1994.
Sydney, with eight wins, a draw and two losses, have their bye next weekend while the Crows travel to play Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.
vocans
Guest
There is no doubt that, if they play at that intensity, and are allowed to play at that intensity for most of a game, they will take all before them. I'm not sure Hawthorn or Geelong have it in them to withstand it. I'd back the Cats before the Hawks in that department. But Adelaide's youngsters would never have seen the like and were excusably shell-shocked. Sydney's hunger was palpable and that is a warning to all other contenders.
big dallo
Guest
a huge wake up call to the rest of the comp.if sydney play like that against any team it is lights out.i honestly think back to back titles is on the cards.
Martyn
Guest
The Swans played well against Collingwood 3 weeks ago, were better again last week against Essendon and yesterday they were absolutely devastating against Adelaide. Their intensity at the contest and skill in close was the best I've seen all year from any team. If they can play at that level in the finals they may well be premiers again. They were that good yesterday. Note that they have Kurt Tippett, Sam Reid, Lewis Jetta, Ryce Shaw and Lewis Robert Thomson still to return.